State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Application is NOW Online!
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Through a partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism (OOG) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) SBA STEP Website/TDA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Website aims to increase the number of Texas eligible small businesses concerns (ESBCs) exporting to foreign markets and to boost the value of exported goods and services. The STEP program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Export Stipend Program
The Export Stipend program will be used to reimburse eligible ESBCs for specific export-related expenses up to $10,000. ESBCs are required to provide a company cash match of 15% in conjunction with the stipend. Stipend awards will be based on funds available, the number of applications submitted, and the strength and completeness of the applications. Applications may be denied if they are late, weak or incomplete. The stipend will vary based on the amount of assistance received.
ESBCs must be either “new to export” or “market expansion” – that is, the event/activity must help them to enter a new market or segment, where they do not already have significant export sales.
Export activities eligible for reimbursement must occur during the grant term and completed by December 31, 2023.
Deadline Information
- TDA will have one round of funding under the 2022-2023 STEP Program. Applicants must submit one complete, signed grant application package.
- The complete application packet including the application with signatures must be RECEIVED by close of business (11:59 p.m. CT) on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Applications may not be supplemented after the submission deadline.
Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis depending on selected activity and eligibility. STEP Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Funding is not guaranteed, and demand is anticipated to be higher than available grant resources. TDA encourages you to thoroughly review the application and guidelines and submit a complete application prior to the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For eligibility requirements and to download the application materials,
visit the STEP website: www.texasagriculture.gov/step
Want to learn more about SBA Programs & Services?
Download the National Resource Guide HERE
Descarga la Guía Nacional de Recursos (en español) AQUÍ
Questions? Please contact houston@sba.gov
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