Michigan State Trade Expansion Program

MI-STEP — Michigan State Trade Expansion Program

Supports Michigan firms entering international markets through state-backed trade expansion assistance.

The Michigan State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP) is a federally backed, state-administered reimbursement grant that helps Michigan small businesses offset the costs of entering or expanding in international export markets. The program is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration's State Trade Expansion Program and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Each participating business can receive up to $15,000 per year in reimbursement for qualifying international export activities, making it one of the most accessible export funding tools available to Michigan companies.

Eligible expenses include international sales trips, trade show participation (both attendance and exhibiting), shipping of product samples to foreign buyers, compliance and certification testing required by foreign markets, and the development of international marketing materials. The program operates on a continuous annual intake window — there is no single application deadline — meaning businesses can apply and submit reimbursement claims throughout the program year up to the annual $15,000 cap. Because the program is a reimbursement instrument, applicants must spend the qualifying costs first and then submit documentation to claim repayment; upfront cash to cover export activities is required.

Eligibility is limited to Michigan-based small businesses with export operations or clear export intent. Companies in manufacturing, hardware, food technology, agricultural technology, and other product-oriented sectors are the natural fit, though the program is not sector-restricted. To maximize the annual benefit, businesses should plan their trade show calendar and export outreach strategy at the start of the fiscal year and track all qualifying expenditures meticulously. Applications and reimbursement claims are submitted through MEDC's michiganbusiness.org platform.