

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant helps small businesses expand internationally by funding international business development activities. The purpose of this grant is to offset the cost of expanding internationally for small businesses.
The max amount a company can receive in a year is $10,000. Examples of global business development activities include:
The U.S. Small Business Administration funds this program, and the Global Business Development (GBD) division administers the grant to businesses.
The application is open
Type: Grant
For: Small businesses
Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funding is obligated
OEDIT division: Global Business Development
The Global Business Development (GBD) division selects a number of trade shows each year to attend. The benefit of attending a trade show with GBD is that the State pays all booth costs and exhibitor fees, and companies that exhibit at the State booth receive a travel stipend to attend the show.
If we are not planning on attending a trade show your company is interested in, you can apply for general funding to attend any international trade show. Your company can also apply for general funding to conduct international business trips where your company is expanding its exports.
Participating in international trade shows is one of the most effective ways for companies to enter into new global markets or expand their visibility in existing markets. Trade shows offer opportunities to meet potential buyers, test market interest, and evaluate the competition.
During the 2024 to 2025 grant period, our Global Business Development staff will attend these trade shows, and we invite eligible companies to apply to join us.
Upcoming trade shows include:
If you are interested in attending any of these trade shows, contact the program manager with a short description of your company and what trade show you are interested in attending. You can also learn more about each trade show here.
Depending on your business’s needs, you may apply for general funding to attend a trade show specific to your industry. Other trade shows to consider include:
These U.S. Commercial Service programs, all of which are virtual, are eligible for STEP funding.
Market Intelligence
Gold Key: Matchmaking Services
eCommerce
In-Country Promotion of Products or Services
Additional Services
To apply for this grant, your company needs to:
Global Business Development staff evaluates export readiness based on your company’s ability to:
Eligible activities and expenses that qualify include, but are not limited to, the following:
Depending on what you plan on using the funds for, you may have different times that you can apply for funding. If you are applying for:
Apply online in the OEDIT application portal. Log in to your account or create a new account. To protect your personal information, we manually add new users to the portal, so it may take several days to activate your account. The application is located under the “Advanced Industries Funding” dropdown menu on the navigation bar.
Companies need to apply for this grant. No third party consultants, agents, or representatives may apply on behalf of a client company or their own consultant firm.
The online application asks about your company and export project, including:
Include a detailed budget outlining all expenses for the project. When listing expected personnel and equipment expenses, be as detailed as possible. Category labels such as ‘manufacturing equipment’ and ‘management personnel’ are too generic. Do not include equipment or salaries of personnel that the project team needs for operations outside of this project.
It typically takes us three to four weeks to review applications. A panel reviews all applications.
Companies that win the grant will receive a detailed commitment letter listing the approved export development project or activities, timing, and breakout of approved expenses in U.S. dollars.
Even if your company qualifies for the grant, we may award less funding than you request based on the strength of applications and the number of applicants.
You will submit for reimbursement once your trip is complete. If expenses are not submitted in 30 days, you may not receive funds.
Reimbursements will be paid in full unless the company does not:
We will send surveys to STEP grantees every six months for up to three years. By applying for the grant, your company agrees to: