U.S. Small Business Administration Announces STEP Program Awards for 2014

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SBA announced today that 24 awards will be made to states to support activities to increase exporting by small businesses.  The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program was appropriated $8 million to award by September 30, 2014.

The STEP program has two objectives: 1) increase the number of small businesses that begin to export and 2) increase the value of exports for small businesses that currently export. 

Learn more here.

For a quick jump to the list of awardees and more information on STEP, visit:
http://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/oit/resources/14315

Related articles:

• STEP 101 (3/19/14)
• Take a STEP Up to International Trade (2/26/14)

State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program 101

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What's all this talk about STEP?  Let's first start with what it stands for:  State Trade and Export Promotion Program.  It is a three-year pilot program offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that aims to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners a way to boost their businesses through exports. In other words, raise the dollar level of your exports.

What can STEP do for you?  Find out below.

What is the STEP Program?

Related article:  Take a STEP Up to International Trade

Take a STEP Up to International Trade

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As Small Business Trends reports:

The STEP (State Trade and Export Promotion Program) offered by the Small Business Administration aims to offer small businesses in the U.S. a way to reach a global market. And right now, supporters of the program are in position in Washington, D.C., to get the program renewed.

According to the Office of International Trade Resources, here's what the STEP grants will do for a small business owner, provided they utilize the offerings:

• support for small business participation in foreign trade missions and foreign market sales trips;
• subscription to services by the Department of Commerce;
• website translation fees;
• design of international marketing media;
• trade show exhibitions;
• participation in training workshops; and
• other export initiatives determined to be appropriate by the SBA.

Learn more: Supporters Urge Renewal of State Trade and Export Promotion Program

This is definitely a step in the right direction towards helping small businesses expand internationally!