MO STEP UP

MO STEP UP

Funds Missouri small businesses pursuing export growth through reimbursements for approved international trade activities.

Eligibility · Missouri, United States

MO STEP=UP is a Missouri Department of Economic Development export reimbursement grant for eligible small businesses. DED administers the program with federal State Trade Expansion Program support from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It reimburses approved export activities after a company applies in advance, receives approval, completes the activity, and submits paid receipts and source documentation. The extracted guideline facts state a maximum of $15,000 per company per grant cycle, with category-specific reimbursement rates and caps.

Eligibility is aimed at eligible small business concerns with 500 employees or fewer that are licensed to do business in Missouri, in good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State, operating profitably in the United States, and selling goods or services of U.S. origin or at least 51% U.S. content. The program covers both current exporters and new-to-export companies, with a one-funded-activity limit for new-to-export companies before export training is completed. The captured sources do not state a fixed calendar close date; instead, a complete application must be submitted at least 15 business days before the proposed trade activity. Review considers the activity, market opportunity, impact, likelihood of success, and available funds.