State Trade Expansion Program

Learn more about the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant and how it could help with your international marekting! State Trade Expansion Program What is STEP? The State of Wyoming has State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant funds available to support Wyoming businesses with international marketing events. STEP is administered by the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) and funded in part through a grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The goals of STEP are to increase the number of small businesses that export, increase the value of exports, and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. Participants must meet SBA eligibility requirements and be based in Wyoming to participate in STEP-funded programs. The grant period is July 1, 2026, to September 29, 2027. Reimbursable awards are for 75% of eligible expenses, not to exceed $5,000. The maximum number of awards per grant period for any Eligible Small Business Concern (ESBC) is two awards. During the trade event, grant recipients are required to hold business-to-business meetings with potential clients. Apply Here Kade McMillan Market Development Advisor Phone: 307-757-4344 Contact Kade STEP Application Find a Regional Director to Grow Your Wyoming Adventure Regional Directors Federal Funding Disclosure: The Wyoming State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is funded by a grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA). For the current grant period, the total project cost is $233,333 which is financed with  75% ($175,000) in Federal money. 25% ($58,333) of the total costs of the program are financed by non-federal sources. In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328 for the State Trade Expansion Program: Federal Share: $175,000 (75%) Non-Federal Share: $58,333 (25%) Total Program Cost: $233,333 Frequently Asked Questions - STEP The application asks the applicant to affirm that they have a product or qualifying service that has at least 51% content. What defines 51% content? As one example, sheet metal sourced from China and machined into a new toolbox in the United States has undergone a substantial transformation and meets the requirement. On the other hand, toolboxes sourced from China that have handles attached, labeling affixed, and packaged in the United States have not undergone a substantial transformation. They were toolboxes when they left China and they are still toolboxes in the United States. The Wyoming Business Council invites you to review other examples from the US International Trade Administration . Who can apply for Wyoming STEP? An eligible small business, as defined by the Small Business Act, is a business that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field, and whose size falls within the size standards established by the SBA. In addition, an eligible business, for the purposes of the Wyoming STEP program, must be physically located in and operated from Wyoming. Companies operating from a different State, with only a Wyoming Corporation and Registered Agent, are NOT qualified to apply. For current size standards, visit the SBA website: Make Sure Your Company Meets SBA Size Standards The eligibility criteria indicate applicants must have one or more full-time employees, in addition to the owner. What defines a full-time employee? For purposes of the Wyoming STEP grant, the applicant needs to employ at least one full-time employee. They must be employed by the applicant company and cannot be leveraged through contracts or agreements with other companies, suppliers, etc. How long does it take for application approval and how will I be notified?