STEP Fund
STEP Fund supports Oklahoma small businesses through trade show exhibitions, foreign trade missions, and export training to help them enter international markets, diversify markets, and increase export sales.
Funder: Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Due Dates: Event-specific application deadlines | July 1, 2026 (Activity period starts) | September 29, 2027 (Activity period ends)
Funding Amounts: Up to $28,500 per business per funding cycle, with a maximum of three awards
Summary: STEP supports Oklahoma small businesses in starting or expanding exports through trade shows, Commerce-led foreign trade missions, and export training.
Key Information: Applicants must be export-ready, for-profit Oklahoma small businesses with at least 51% U.S. content in exported products or services.
Description
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Global Trade and Investment Division with funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It helps eligible Oklahoma small businesses enter international markets, diversify their markets, and increase export sales. Approved new-to-export companies receive funding priority.
STEP supports in-person trade show exhibitions, Commerce-led foreign trade missions, and export training, including export compliance webinars. Companies may exhibit with the state in an Oklahoma pavilion or seek preapproval for additional shows. Trade missions connect businesses with representatives in targeted international markets. Assistance generally reimburses preapproved export expenses, while eligible ODOC partnerships apply funding toward a partnership fee. The program aims to increase small business exporters, generate wealth, and support Oklahoma employment.
