Get Your STEP Grants Businesses!

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Small businesses looking to start or expand their global customer reach can use resources offered by state entities that have received STEP funding.  Check out yours here. 

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants are specifically for established U.S. small businesses seeking to complete one of the following eligible activities:

• Participate in trade missions
• Subscribe to services provided by US Department of Commerce
• Translation fees
• Design of market media
• Tradeshow exhibitions
• Participate in export training workshops
• Reverse trade missions
• Procurement of consultancy services
• Other export initiatives as approved by Associate Administrator at SBA

If you are an established company, please contact your appropriate state/territory representative to learn more about how to apply for STEP funds.

Empowering NY's Small Businesses to Compete in the Global Marketplace

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WOW, lots happening in New York for small businesses interested in competing in the global marketplace!  The Empire State Development (ESD) recently announced an expansion of Global NY's international presence, growing from 9 to 15 markets, with OCO Global hired to manage these offices.

This expansion includes new representation in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. Beginning October 1, 2024, companies will be able to submit Export Marketing Assistance Service (EMAS) applications to any Global NY location. Information about the EMAS can be found here. Global NY was also awarded $900,000 in federal funding for STEP Round 12 to help connect New York businesses to exporting opportunities abroad. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “By expanding Global NY's international offices and securing federal STEP funding, we are reinforcing our commitment to empower New York's small businesses to compete in the global marketplace into key markets. These strategic initiatives provide our businesses with resources and opportunities to export their products and services worldwide, fostering growth and job creation across the state.”

Now this is good news!  Go New Yorkers – all the small businesses who struggle to go global can now get the assistance they need!

Indiana Business Owners: Grab Your Grant Money to Export

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Indiana secured a U.S. Small Business Administration grant that that will reimburse local businesses trying to reach global markets, such as on trade missions.  All Indiana firms have to do is apply.

The state of Indiana received a $495,000 State Trade and Export Promotion grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help small businesses export more Hoosier-made products to markets around the world. It's adding another $165,000 in matching funds, so up to $660,000 in funding will be available to Hoosier small businesses to help them sell their products or services around the world.

Bring on the STEP funding to Indiana and let's open doors to the world for business owners.

STEP Awards 2018: Funding Export Opportunities

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SBA Administrator Linda McMahon says, "The STEP awards are an important resource that provide small businesses with the confidence and funding they need to thrive in this competitive international market." She goes on to say.

"The SBA is committed to ensuring equal access for small businesses to international markets and expanding export opportunities, and ensuring small businesses have the resources they need to drive their businesses and local communities forward."

The 2018 STEP awards will allow states to assist small businesses with the information and tools they need to succeed in export-related activities that are in line with the objectives of the program.

Check out which states got what dollar amount in STEP funding here.