State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

Our Programs BIPOC Business and Career Assistance Program Brownfields Revitalization Fund Elevate Vermont State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Rural Industry Development Program (RIDP) Vermont Training Program (VTP) Closed Programs Vermont APEX Accelerator Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) Working Groups Housing Community Development Historic Preservation Tourism and Marketing About the Agency State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is funded through a grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Funding assistance is available to eligible small business exporters to support entry into foreign markets or expand international export activity through trade shows, trade missions, market export education. The objective of this program is to increase the overall number of small business exporters and increase their export sales with a focus on relationship development, export planning, and job creation, helping businesses diversify by entering international markets. Eligible Vermont businesses working to expand into international markets may apply to receive reimbursements of up to 75 percent of expenses, up to a maximum of $30,000 per year for up to four of the eligible expenses (a separate application must be submitted for each activity). Contact us to get started! Part A: Reimbursement Grant Application Part B: Data Collection Instrument Eligible Expenses The following expenses may be eligible for reimbursement through this program. If you’re unsure about a specific expense, please contact us. Trade Shows, Trade Missions, and B2B Matchmaking (In-Person or Virtual) Eligible costs may include: Registration fees and booth space Trade show booth build-out Creation of virtual trade show exhibits ( product content, online catalogs) Participation in foreign or virtual trade missions   (Foreign trade missions must involve travel outside the to seek buyers or increase export sales) Translation services Technology upgrades or platform fees for virtual meetings Contract services for organizing or pre-screening B2B matchmaking meetings Shipping costs for product samples Export Training and Consulting Eligible costs may include: Enrollment in ExporTech training program Enrollment in other export-related training programs, which may include: Export compliance Strategic planning for international growth Market research and intelligence Problem-solving for export-related challenges Connections to export support programs and resources Guidance on meeting international regulations E-Commerce, Website Localization, and Digital Marketing Eligible costs may include: Building or upgrading an international-ready website Website translation and localization SEO for international audiences E-commerce platform fees (hosting, maintenance, etc.) Payment system upgrades for international transactions Fees for listing products on international online marketplaces Translating ads or promotional content Ad design and placement in international media ( trade publications, social media) Product Labeling Eligible costs may include: ITAR registration ISO 9000 certification CE Marking Export-specific label modifications Market Research & Insurance Eligible costs may include: Subscriptions to export market research tools Export Credit Insurance fees from the EXIM Bank Ineligible Expenses Printing expenses ( brochures, flyers) are not eligible for reimbursement. Eligible Businesses To be eligible for STEP funding, Vermont businesses must meet criteria set forth by the SBA: