State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is an International Financial Assistance Program to support export efforts of eligible small businesses in Nebraska. The program is made possible by funding to the State of Nebraska from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

STEP grants operate on a reimbursement basis for qualified small Nebraska businesses. Successful applicants are reimbursed for eligible expenses when their project/activity has been completed and required documentation has been submitted to the Department of Economic Development (DED). STEP 13 requires matching funds equal to 25% of the direct cost of program-eligible expenses. Example: $10,000 total expenses, the program will require $2,500 contribution from the participant.

Companies applying for STEP Grant funding must be US owned and operated, and headquartered in Nebraska to process, manufacture, and/or distribute a product or provide an exportable service at the time of application.

• Produce exportable product with at least 51% U.S. content,
• Meet SBA “Eligible Small Business Concern” size guidelines sba.gov/size
• Being in business at least one year, US owned and operating in the United States;

Allowable Activities

The following are examples of activities a STEP grant can support:

• Participation in domestic or international trade shows
• Participation in subscription services from the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Foreign market sales trip
• Participation in export training/educational activities