What is the US Small Business Administration STEP ?
The US Small Business Administration STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. Through awards to U.S. states and territories, STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets.
U.S. Small Business Administration STEP financial support helps small businesses:
- Learn to export
- Participate in foreign trade missions
- Design international marketing products and campaigns
- Support website globalization and e-commerce capabilities
- Pay for subscriptions to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal agencies
- Participate in export trade show exhibits and training workshop
Eligibility
This program is open to businesses that:
- operate a registered business in Connecticut to manufacture, assemble and/or distribute a product, or provide an exportable service;
- qualify as an “eligible small business concern” per one’s NAICS code and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards;
- have been in business for not less than one year ending on the date on which assistance is provided under the STEP program;
- have demonstrated an understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping;
- seek to export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least 51% U.S. content; and,
- are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for disbarment, declared ineligible and/or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency.
