Montana STEP Export Grant

Montana STEP Export Grant

Funds Montana small businesses exporting deep-tech products internationally through reimbursement of trade shows, compliance testing, IP filings, e-commerce, and market research costs.

Eligibility · Montana, USA

The Montana State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Export Grant is administered by Export Montana, the international trade division of the Montana Department of Commerce, and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It is a rolling reimbursement grant program providing partial cost coverage for up to nine categories of international marketing and export activities.

The program reimburses 50–75% of eligible activity fees, with per-activity caps varying by type: international trade shows up to USD 10,000; market research and U.S. Commercial Service programs up to USD 5,000; compliance testing and IP protection up to USD 5,000; e-commerce and website globalization up to USD 5,000 each; and an international travel stipend up to USD 2,000. A company can receive up to USD 30,000 in STEP awards per year across all activities combined.

Eligibility requires the applicant to be a for-profit small business (meeting the SBA's definition) in operation for more than one year, marketing products of U.S. origin or with at least 51% U.S. content. No consortium or intermediary is required — the company applies directly to Export Montana. Importers, in-country representatives, and distributors are not eligible.

Applications are submitted at least 30 days before the eligible activity begins, via the Montana Grants and Loans portal on ServiceNow. Export Montana reviews applications and notifies applicants within 14 days of receipt. Companies may apply for multiple STEP activities at the same time. Priority goes to companies new to the STEP grant and to companies with more than two employees. Reimbursement is paid after the activity is completed and receipts are submitted. Annual progress reports are required.

Key caveat: funding is dependent on SBA appropriations each federal fiscal year, so program availability can vary. All air travel for international trade show and USCS activities must comply with the Fly America Act (U.S. flag carriers only for international legs).