Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Award Application Information
Pending the approval of New Hampshire's Governor & Council, the State of New Hampshire Office of International Commerce is pleased to announce the 2020-22 STEP Financial Assistance Award Application is now available!*
More Information
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
Please note that limited funds are available. Contact Tina Kasim and Rachel Adams 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 one (1) year of the the two-year grant period (October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021-no exceptions). Companies must have their activities completed by September 30, 2021.
- Provide quarterly progress reports from October 1, 2020 – September 29, 2022. Note that once a company’s activity has concluded within the first year and the award money has been issued, progress reports are still required to be submitted through September 29, 2022.
- Provide information regarding international development successes whether through joint ventures, actual sales, contract agreements, partnering with distributors/agents.
DIRECTIONS TO APPLY:
- Click the NH Export Promotion Grant Program Guidelines October 2020 to download the application.
- Register for the STEP 9 Financial Assistance Award webinar on Thursday, September 16, 2020. For questions or guidance relating to the program, please contact Tina Kasim or Rachel Adams.
- Submit your application on the STEP Financial Assistance Award Application page.
*The STEP Grant is currently undergoing the approval process with the Governor & Executive Council to accept and expend these federal funds. Therefore, all applications and award notices for this grant are contingent upon Governor & Executive Council. Information on our request will be determined no later than December 2020.
CONTACT INFORMATION
TINA KASIM
Program Manager
State of New Hampshire Office of International Commerce / NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs
(E) Tina.Kasim@livefree.nh.gov
(T) 603.340.7037
RACHEL ADAMS
International Trade Officer
State of New Hampshire Office of International Commerce / NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs
(E) Rachel.M.Adams@livefree.nh.gov
(T) 603.419.9010
JUSTIN OSLOWSKI
Director
New Hampshire Export Assistance Center / U.S. Commercial Service / International Trade Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
(E) Justin.Oslowski@trade.gov
(T) 603.610.2416