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 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. How It Works Eligibility Requirements 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% 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 Department of Commerce Foreign market sales trip Participation in export training/educational activities Application Application User Guide Step by step instructions for submitting a State Trade Expansion Program Year 13 application. Instructions State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Application Deadlines: Open Cycle Apply Now Program Resources Title File Type Date Debarment Certification Form Yr-11 PDF October 27, 2022 Fly America Act Waiver Checklist PDF April 15, 2024 Fly American Act Policy 2-4-16 PDF October 27, 2022 Itemized Budget Report (IBR) STEP Year 13 September 5, 2025 SBA Self-Representation Form PDF October 27, 2022 STEP Program Guidelines Yr-11 PDF April 16, 2024 Grant Management Help Center This page will provide technical assistance on using AmpliFund to apply for and manage grants awarded by DED. Learn More Stay up to date on the latest news. Subscribe to the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) email lists here. Subscribe Have questions about STEP grants? Isadora Sutton Economic Development Manager [email protected]