active State Grant

Global NY STEP — New York State Trade Expansion Program

Empire State Development (ESD) — Global NY Office

$2,000–$5,000 per activity

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The short version

Get reimbursed for going global from NY

Global NY STEP reimburses up to 50% of export promotion costs — trade shows, trade missions, website translation, international marketing, compliance testing, and export training — for New York small businesses entering or expanding in foreign markets. Up to $5,000 per approved activity, maximum $10,000 per year (3 activities). First-come, first-served until funds exhausted. Program runs through August 2026.

Funding type: Grant
Level: State
Amount range: $2,000 – $10,000
Realistic amount: Most recipients receive $5,000–$10,000 per program year by participating in 2–3 approved activities (trade show + export…
Deadline: Rolling — first-come, first-served until program funds are exhausted. Current cycle runs through August 31, 2026.
Status: active
States: NY
Payment model: reimbursement

Who qualifies

For-profit business headquartered and registered in New York State
In operation for at least one year prior to application date
Maintain physical employee presence within NYS
Meet SBA small business size standards for their industry
Products or services must be export-ready with at least 51% U.S. content
In good standing with all NY State government agencies
Possess sufficient financial resources to cover costs upfront (reimbursement model)

Hard requirements

Location restriction: New York State — headquartered and registered in NY

What it covers

Eligible expenses

International and domestic trade show registration and booth fees
Foreign trade mission participation fees
Export training workshop fees
Website translation and international SEO/localization
International marketing media design and production
Compliance testing for foreign markets (CE marking, foreign product certifications)
U.S. Department of Commerce subscription services (Gold Key, Market Research)
Export credit insurance premiums
Basic economy airfare on U.S. carriers (one employee; GSA lodging rate caps apply)

Ineligible expenses

Speaking fees or honoraria at conferences
Alcohol, entertainment, or hospitality costs
Flights on non-U.S. carriers
Lodging above federal GSA per-diem rates
More than one employee per activity
Activities related to cannabis, retail, or foreign investment recruitment
Costs incurred before ESD approval

How to apply

1

Complete the online application at least 30 business days before the activity

Submit the electronic application (approximately 45 minutes; cannot be saved mid-session) at least 30 business days before the planned export activity begins. ESD provides an eligibility determination within 30 business days.
2

Receive ESD approval before incurring costs

Wait for written eligibility approval before committing to trade show registration, flights, or other activity expenses. Costs incurred before approval are not reimbursable.
3

Conduct the approved export activity

Participate in the approved trade show, mission, training, or other activity. Retain all invoices, receipts, and proof of payment.
4

Submit reimbursement package as a single PDF

After the activity concludes, submit all invoices, proof of payment, and a Project Impact Report as a single PDF to ESD. Reimbursement processed after documentation review.

Insider tip

Apply 30+ business days before your activity — late submissions are denied. Use all 3 activity slots per year to maximize the $10K annual cap.

Deadline & timing

STEP 12 funding period ends August 31, 2026. Apply at least 30 business days before any planned activity. Program does not guarantee reimbursement if funds run out before activity date.

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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.