Important Notice:

The Texas Department STEP Grant is now closed. Next available application will depend upon future funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Please sign up to receive email notifications as soon as upcoming opportunities are available, click here.

 

Texas State Trade Expansion Program

The State of Texas Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant aims to increase the number of Texas small businesses exporting to foreign markets, and to boost the value of exported goods and services. The STEP program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration and administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). TDA will administer the STEP program through partnerships that include the Office of the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Division and the U.S. Department of Commerce. No other federal funds will be matched against this award.

The program’s objectives are to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting, and to increase the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting. The STEP program will take the necessary steps to create or expand their export capacity and provide financial assistance along the way to help them achieve success.

 

Eligibility

Qualifying Texas companies must:

• Be organized or incorporated in the U.S.
• Operate in the U.S.
• Export-ready U.S. Company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least 51% U.S. Content
• Meet:
  • The applicable industry-based small business size standard established under section 3 of the Small Business Act; or
  • The alternate size standard applicable to the program, under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act and the loan program, under Title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.) The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards are found at 13 C.F.R Part 121.
  • You can also use the following tool to determine your small business eligibility: https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/
• Have been in business for not less than the 1-year period at the time of application;
• Demonstrate understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping; have in effect a strategic plan for exporting; and, demonstrate export readiness.

Visit our website for more eligibility requirements.

 

Companies wishing to participate in the Texas STEP grant may email Mindy Fryer at mindy.fryer@TexasAgriculture.gov or call (512) 463-6908.