State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant supports New Hampshire small businesses with international marketing, trade events, consulting, and training to expand exports and explore new trade opportunities.
Funder: New Hampshire Department of Business & Economic Affairs
Due Dates: October 1, 2023–September 29, 2025 (STEP 11 activity period) | October 1, 2024–September 29, 2026 (STEP 12 activity period)
Funding Amounts: 80% reimbursement of eligible expenses; 20% company contribution; up to two awards per company per cycle
Summary: Supports eligible New Hampshire small businesses in developing exports through international marketing, trade events, consulting, and training.
Key Information: Companies must meet all eligibility requirements, including U.S.-origin or at least 51% U.S.-content exports.
Description
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) supports small businesses seeking to begin, enhance, or expand export activities. New Hampshire’s program is administered by the Department of Business & Economic Affairs through its Office of International Commerce (OIC), with funding in part from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its goals are to increase the number of small businesses exporting, grow export value, and help businesses explore significant new trade opportunities.
Financial Assistance Awards support international trade shows and missions, U.S. Department of Commerce services, international marketing materials, website translation and localization, export consulting, and export-related training. Other supported activities include international advertising, eCommerce, and product certification or compliance testing for international sales.
