SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Small Business Administration
$2,500–$15,000 typical
Free or subsidized export market entry support
Federal grant program that funds state-level export promotion activities, which states then deploy as subsidized services and sub-grants to small businesses. Under STEP, the SBA awards grants to U.S. states and territories, who in turn offer small exporters access-to-market services: international trade show participation, translation and interpretation, export training, website localization, and market entry consulting. As a small business, you apply to YOUR STATE'S STEP program — not directly to SBA. Award amounts and eligible activities vary by state.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Federal
- Amount range
- $2,500 – $25,000
- Realistic amount
- Most STEP participants receive $3,000–$10,000 per fiscal year in trade show participation reimbursements, translation as…
- Deadline
- Varies by state — most states run annual application cycles, some rolling. Check your state's department of commerce or economic development office for current STEP cycle status.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- U.S.-based small business meeting SBA size standards for your industry
- Applicant must apply to their own state's STEP program (not to SBA directly)
- Must demonstrate export readiness or active export activity — some states require at least one prior export transaction
- Products or services sold must be of U.S. origin (50%+ U.S. content typically required)
- Export destination must be a non-sanctioned country
- Some states require business to be registered and operating in-state for at least 1 year
- Eligible activities are state-defined — what Texas STEP covers may differ from what Ohio STEP covers
Hard requirements
- Requires federal certification:
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- International trade show registration fees and booth costs (typically the largest reimbursable item)
- Airfare (economy class) and hotel for international trade shows or trade missions
- Professional translation and interpretation services for marketing materials, website, or live events
- Website localization (translation, currency conversion, local market adaptation)
- Foreign market research reports from credentialed providers
- Export compliance training and certifications (EAR, ITAR basics)
- Foreign patent or intellectual property protection costs (some states)
- Virtual trade show participation costs (some states added virtual options post-COVID)
Ineligible expenses
- Domestic trade shows or U.S.-only marketing activities
- Promotional merchandise or giveaways
- General business expenses (salaries, rent, utilities) not tied to a specific export activity
- Expenses for products of non-U.S. origin
- Activities in OFAC-sanctioned countries
- Expenses incurred before state pre-approval (retroactive coverage typically not allowed)
- Business class or first-class airfare
How to apply
-
1
Find your state's STEP program
Contact your state's department of commerce or international trade office to confirm an active STEP cycle. Alternatively, contact your local SBA district office or U.S. Export Assistance Center (trade.gov/us-export-assistance-centers). States run STEP on their own fiscal calendars — some run September–August, others January–December.
~1 hrs
-
2
Confirm eligible activities and reimbursement rates
Each state defines which export activities STEP will fund and at what reimbursement rate. Common covered activities: international trade show booth/registration fees (often 50–100% reimbursed), airfare and hotel for trade missions, translation/interpretation services, website localization, foreign market research reports, export training certifications. Confirm your planned activity is covered before registering.
~2 hrs
-
3
Submit state application and receive pre-approval
Most states require pre-approval before you incur expenses. Submit the state's application form (varies — some are 1-2 pages, others more detailed) with business details, export history, and planned activity description. Some states require SBA size standard certification.
~4 hrs
-
4
Participate in approved export activity
Once approved, participate in the trade show, trade mission, or other approved activity. Keep all receipts and documentation — reimbursement typically requires itemized receipts, proof of payment, and evidence of attendance (show registration confirmation, hotel bills, etc.).
~16 hrs
-
5
Submit reimbursement request to state
After the activity, submit a reimbursement claim with receipts. Processing typically takes 30–60 days. Some states provide up-front payment or direct payment to event organizers instead of reimbursement — confirm your state's process.
~3 hrs
Apply early in your state's fiscal cycle — many states exhaust STEP funds before year-end on a first-come, first-served basis. Pair STEP with a trade show that your customers or buyers actually attend, not just the biggest show in your industry.
Deadline & timing
Each U.S. state and territory administers its own STEP cycle independently within SBA's federal grant period (typically October–September each year). Some states have competitive selection; others are first-come, first-served. Contact your state's international trade office or department of commerce to find the current STEP window. States are listed at trade.gov/us-export-assistance-centers or at your SBA district office.
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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.