STEP Program

The STEP Program from SBA

Through awards to U.S. states and territories that have received funding, STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets. 

Are you looking to reduce the costs of entering or expanding into international markets? If you are a small-sized business, have been registered as a company for at least a year, and are selling goods or services containing 51% or more U.S. content, you may be eligible. STEP helps small businesses start and grow their international footprint by providing  grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets. STEP is administered by U.S. states and territories.

The STEP program helps small businesses reduce costs related to their participation in international trade shows, foreign trade missions, and the use of export services such as those provided by the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce. STEP can also reduce costs when conducting international marketing campaigns, designing and developing internationally-focused websites, requesting reimbursements for qualified business expenses, and more. The type of service covered, and the size of the financial assistance, may vary by state. 

Since its inception about a decade ago, small businesses have been awarded more than $215 million through the STEP program. Each dollar awarded has resulted in approximately $43 in export sales generated, with more than 13,000 small businesses having received grants to fund their export opportunities. 

How to Apply

To find out if your company is eligible for funding under the STEP program, find your local state or territory representative on the SBA’s Directory of State Awardees.