The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a grant offered by the Small Business Administration to help state-level organizations and certain educational institutions support small businesses in expanding their trade and export activities. The grant provides financial assistance ranging from $100,000 to $900,000.
Who it's for: This grant is for state governments, public and state institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations, and certain nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status. These entities should be interested in promoting small business trade and export activities.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Applicant is not a state government, public/state educational institution, eligible tribal organization, or eligible nonprofit.
- Failure to provide required cost sharing/matching funds.
- Incomplete or late application submission.
What You May Need
- Proof of eligibility as a state government, educational institution, tribal organization, or nonprofit.
- Detailed project proposal outlining trade expansion activities.
- Budget plan including cost-sharing details.
- Organizational financial statements.
- Letters of support or partnership agreements, if applicable.
- DUNS number and SAM registration.
Cautions
- Cost sharing or matching funds are required.
- Ensure all application materials are complete and submitted by the deadline.
- Verify eligibility criteria carefully to avoid disqualification.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include state governments, public and state institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations, and nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status. These entities must be involved in supporting small business trade and export activities.
Overview
This grant is for state governments, public and state institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations, and certain nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status. These entities should be interested in promoting small business trade and export activities.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Applicant is not a state government, public/state educational institution, eligible tribal organization, or eligible nonprofit.
- Failure to provide required cost sharing/matching funds.
- Incomplete or late application submission.
Use of Funds
Funds from this grant can be used to support activities that help small businesses expand their trade and export capabilities. This may include marketing, training, trade shows, and other related initiatives.
Expected Awards
55
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jul 10, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 10, 2026(30 days)
- Archive Date
- Sep 9, 2026
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as a state government, educational institution, tribal organization, or nonprofit.
- Register for a DUNS number and SAM.
- Prepare a detailed project proposal.
- Develop a budget plan with cost-sharing details.
- Gather organizational financial statements.
- Collect letters of support or partnership agreements.
- Submit the application by August 10, 2026.