If you sell, or could sell, outside the U.S., your state's trade office may reimburse part of what it costs to find those customers. The money comes from a federal program most owners never hear about: STEP.
What STEP is
The State Trade Expansion Program is run by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA does not pay businesses directly. It gives competitive two-year grants to state and territorial governments, and the states pass the money on to small businesses that want to start or grow exports.
Congress appropriated $20 million for STEP in fiscal year 2026. Grants to states ranged from $100,000 to $900,000, and states put up a match: 25% in most states, 35% in the highest-export states (California, New York and Texas in FY2026).
What the money can pay for
Under SBA's rules, STEP funds can support:
Foreign trade missions and reverse trade missions
Exhibiting at trade shows
Website and marketing design for foreign markets
Export training and consulting
U.S. Department of Commerce export services
What it looks like in practice
Each state sets its own rules. Two current examples:
Michigan received $847,000 for the coming year and offers reimbursement grants of up to $15,000 a year, covering 75% of eligible costs such as international trade shows, translated marketing materials, product certifications for export markets and sample shipping.
Oklahoma caps help at $28,500 per business for the funding period, with set amounts for international and domestic trade show awards. Businesses must have operated for at least a year, meet the SBA size standard and sell products or services with at least 51% U.S. content.
STEP is a reimbursement program in most states. You usually pay first, then claim the money back, so plan your cash flow for the gap.
Why move now
The President's fiscal 2027 budget asks for no STEP funding, while a House bill proposes $15 million. Current state grants run through their two-year periods, but future rounds are not certain. If exporting is on your plan, this year's money is the one you can count on.
How to apply
Contact your state's international trade or economic development office and ask about STEP.
Confirm the eligible expenses and caps before you book anything. Many states require approval before the trip or show.
Keep receipts and report results. Most states ask for leads and sales afterward.
Amounts, eligibility and deadlines vary by state and can change. Check your state's STEP page before you apply.
Sources
Congressional Research Service: The SBA's State Trade Expansion Program (updated May 21, 2026)
Michigan Economic Development Corporation: STEP award announcement (August 13, 2026)
Oklahoma Department of Commerce: STEP Fund (checked November 14, 2026)
Tilo is a free educational newsletter, not individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.
