California STEP Grant
California STEP Grant supports California small businesses through export promotion reimbursements, subsidized trade events, and training to help them enter and expand in international markets.
Funder: California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz)
Due Dates: December 11, 2026 (Voucher Round 1) | March 12, 2027 (Voucher Round 2) | April 30, 2027 (Voucher Round 3)
Funding Amounts: Export Vouchers reimburse up to 75% of pre-approved expenses, capped at $10,000 per federal fiscal year
Summary: California STEP helps California small businesses expand exports through expense reimbursements, subsidized trade events, and export training.
Key Information: Businesses must pay eligible expenses upfront and offer products or services with at least 51% U.S. content.
Description
The California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), overseen by GO-Biz and partially funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, helps small businesses enter and expand in international markets. Its goals are to increase both the number of exporters and the volume of goods and services they trade.
The program offers Export Vouchers for businesses planning their own export promotion activities, subsidized participation in curated international trade shows and missions, and export training. California Pavilions connect businesses with international buyers, partners, and industry leaders. Training delivered by expert third-party consultants focuses on specific industries and target countries, helping companies build knowledge and strategies for targeted export opportunities.
