State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

Federal funding passed through state trade offices that helps established small businesses pay for export activities such as trade missions, trade shows, translation, export training and consultancy.

Run by

U.S. Small Business Administration (administered by state/territory trade agencies)

Funding

Amount varies

SBA awards states between $100,000 and $900,000 (FY2026 opportunity award floor/ceiling); support per business is set by each state's STEP program.

Your share

Varies by state program

Who can apply

• Established U.S. small business
• Apply through your state/territory STEP office; SBA grants go to state governments, not directly to businesses
• Eligible costs include trade missions, trade show exhibitions, translation, market media design, export training and consultancy

How to apply

Contact your state or territory STEP project director listed on the SBA STEP page.

Timing

FY2026 STEP funding opportunity for states was posted July 10, 2026; availability and deadlines for businesses depend on each state's program.

Last checked

2026-10-11

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