Vermont International Trade Assistance

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is administered by the Vermont Department of Economic Development. Funding assistance is available to eligible small business exporters to support entry into foreign markets or expand international export activity through trade shows, trade missions, market research, e-commerce, and export education. The objective of this program is to increase the overall number of small business exporters and increase their export sales with a focus on relationship development, export planning, and job creation—helping businesses diversify by entering international markets.