State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Supports state governments funding export training and market entry for small businesses.
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) awards federal grants to state and territory governments to fund sub-programs helping small businesses enter export markets. Activities funded by state STEP programs include export training, foreign trade mission participation, international marketing campaigns, website globalization, and trade show exhibits. Eligible direct applicants to SBA are state and territory government organizations only — small businesses do not apply to SBA directly; they receive assistance from their state's STEP awardee. Cost-sharing/matching is required under 2 CFR 200.306. The program was established in 2011 under the SBA Jobs Act and has an annual cadence, though NOFO timing varies by fiscal year.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.