New Hampshire State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, provides state entities with financial assistance, guidance and tools to provide to qualified small businesses looking to engage in export-related activities. This grant became a permanent provision of the Small Business Act, through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, to support state entities financially carry out projects that help develop exports by eligible small business concerns. The main objectives of STEP is to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export, increase the value of exports, and increase the number of U.S. small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. The funds assist eligible small businesses with activities, such as participation in an international trade show, access to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, design of international marketing materials, website translation, export consultancy services and participation in export-related training.