STEP FAA Overview
State Trade Expansion Program

Information on qualification requirements from the U.S. Small Business Administration can be found at our Qualifications page.

The funding must be used to begin, enhance or support a company’s export related activities. 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 Alan Dillingham 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 rules, all successful grant activity expenses must be incurred within two (2) years of the grant period (For STEP 11, that is (October 1, 2023 through September 29, 2025-no exceptions).  Companies must have their activities completed by September 29, 2025.

• Provide quarterly progress reports from October 1, 2023 – September 29, 2025.  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, 2025.
• Provide information regarding international development successes whether through joint ventures, actual sales, contract agreements, partnering with distributors/agents.