State Trade Expansion Program 2026-001

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a grant program aimed at supplementing non-federal entities' funds for export activities. The program is designed to support small businesses in their export efforts, with a focus on increasing exports and creating jobs. The program will provide funding to support a range of export-related activities, including market research, trade missions, and export training. • The program is open to state governments, non-profits, and institutions of higher education. • The program will provide funding for export-related activities, with a minimum award of $100,000 and a maximum award of $900,000. • The program requires a match of non-federal funds, with the state providing financial backing to meet the required match amount. • The program will support up to 52 awards, with a total funding amount of up to $52 million.