Opportunity Information: Apply for OIT STEP 2023 02
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help state governments strengthen export activity among eligible small business concerns (ESBCs). STEP was made a permanent part of the Small Business Act through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (HR 644), which was signed into law on February 24, 2016. The core idea is that states (and equivalent entities) are often best positioned to identify local companies with export potential and to deliver practical, on-the-ground support that helps them enter or expand in international markets.
The program funds state-led projects specifically designed to support export development for ESBCs, using the eligibility definitions referenced in the program materials (including Section 8.1.5 for ESBCs and Section 8.1.15 for what counts as significant new trade opportunities). In practical terms, this means the grant is intended to help states build or enhance services that move small businesses from interest to action in exporting, reduce barriers to entering foreign markets, and connect firms with credible pathways to international sales growth.
STEP’s objectives are clearly focused on measurable export outcomes. First, it aims to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export, meaning it prioritizes helping companies become first-time exporters or transition from limited exporting to more consistent participation in global trade. Second, it seeks to increase the dollar value of exports, emphasizing not just participation but real growth in export sales. Third, it targets an increase in the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities, which highlights early-stage market exploration activities that can lead to longer-term exporting, such as investigating new countries, channels, or buyer segments.
This particular opportunity, listed as "State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)" under Funding Opportunity Number OIT STEP 2023 02, is categorized as a grant within the Business and Commerce funding activity area (CFDA/Assistance Listing 59.061). The only eligible applicants are state governments, reinforcing that this funding is meant to be administered at the state level rather than awarded directly to individual companies. The grant opportunity was created on March 1, 2023, with an original application closing date of March 15, 2023. The award ceiling is $175,000, and the listing indicates an expectation of one award for this opportunity as posted.
Overall, STEP is structured as a state capacity-building and service-delivery grant that ultimately benefits small businesses by expanding export readiness, improving access to international opportunities, and increasing the scale and value of U.S. small business exports. The program’s design reflects a straightforward policy goal: use targeted state-administered support to help more small firms reach foreign customers, sell more abroad, and confidently pursue new international markets.Apply for OIT STEP 2023 02
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.061.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 01, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 15, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $175,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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