California STEP Export Voucher Program is sponsored by California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). Provides funding to small businesses to participate in export-related activities.

Grant Details | California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) oversees the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), aimed at helping small businesses expand into global markets by increasing the number of exporters and the volume of goods and services they trade.

STEP is partially funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Subsidized participation fees for international trade events Eligible for up to 2 events per federal fiscal year View Upcoming Events and Deadlines Reimbursement for export promotion expenses up to $10,000 Pre-approved activities only Round-specific deadlines for different activity periods Learn More About Vouchers Training workshops and education courses that have a direct benefit to gaining knowledge.

Tailored to specific industries and target countries. Register for a training . STEP Reimbursement Instructions Review Eligibility Requirements Export Voucher Application Period Frequently Asked Questions Step Event Application Preview STEP Expert Voucher Application Preview Check Business Eligibility 1.

Is your business a for-profit entity? You do not meet the eligibility requirements, please view grants for non-profits at California Grants Portal . 2.

Is your business organized or incorporated in the United States? You do not meet the eligibility requirements. 3.

Is your business registered to do business in California? You do not meet the eligibility requirements, please view the STEP grant for other states . 4.

Is your business currently in good standing with California state regulatory agencies? Corporations/LLCs can verify at bizfileonline. sos.

ca. gov . Sole proprietors should have a business license or DBA certificate .

You do not meet the eligibility requirements. 5. Does your business have significant operations in California (e.g., staff, office, facility, or other business activity)?

You do not meet the eligibility requirements. 6. Has your business been operational for at least one full year?

You do not meet the eligibility requirements. 7. Do your products or services meet the U.S. origin requirement (at least 51% U.S. content)?

You do not meet the eligibility requirements. Review the 51% U.S. Content Definition . Small Business Qualification 8.

Does your business meet the SBA definition of a “small business” under 13 CFR Part 121? find the SBA definitions of a "small business" here: SBA guidelines and 13 CFR Part 121 You do not meet the eligibility requirements. 9.

Does your business have the financial ability to pay for eligible export-related expenses up front (e.g., booth fees, travel, marketing), with the understanding that reimbursement may take up to 60 days after submitting proper documentation? You do not meet the eligibility requirements, please view other funding programs . 10.

Are you interested in participating in a specific trade show or mission organized or promoted by GO-Biz or its partners? (See list of ' STEP Events '). Review the STEP Event flyer for details and submit an application prior to the event’s registration deadline.

11. Are you planning your own export-related activity (e.g., attending a non-STEP trade show, developing international marketing, translating materials) and seeking reimbursement? Review the Export Voucher’s Application Timeframe for details and submit an application prior to the round deadline.

12. Are you seeking export-related training or certification to build knowledge before actively exporting? Review available Export Trainings for details and submit an application prior to the round deadline.

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