STEP FAA Overview
State Trade Expansion Program

In order to apply for an Export Promotion Financial Assistance Award, companies must be:

• Based in New Hampshire
• Meet SBA’s criteria for a small-medium sized business - please review SBA's requirements to ensure your company qualifies here: https://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-size-standards

The funding must be used to begin, enhance or support a company’s international development goals. For example, grant funds can be used for:

• Website development projects focusing on international enhancements (i.e. foreign language translation, SEO, localization services)
• Development of international marketing materials
• Online export-related training and education courses
• Independent export consultant services
• Product certification/compliance testing to sell internationally
• Attending trade shows/trade missions
• International advertisement and eCommerce

Please note that limited funds are available.  Contact Nora Noble-Christoff with any questions.

• Complete application packet including a proposal detailing an export promotion plan, along with the expense report – Partial application submissions will NOT be reviewed.
• Provide required SBA certification forms
• Reimbursements will be based on completion of trade activity and all itemized receipts compiled in one submission.
• Due to SBA modifications, all successful grant activity expenses must be incurred within two (2) years of the grant period (October 1, 2022 through September 29, 2024-no exceptions).  Companies must have their activities completed by September 29, 2024.

• Provide quarterly progress reports from October 1, 2022 – September 29, 2024.  Note that once a company’s activity has concluded and the award money has been issued, progress reports are still required to be submitted through September 29, 2024.
• Provide information regarding international development successes whether through joint ventures, actual sales, contract agreements, partnering with distributors/agents.