State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant is sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). This program provides funding to eligible small businesses to promote international exports.

Funds can be used to cover costs associated with international sales trips, attending international trade shows, developing websites, and international marketing campaigns.

4. State Trade Expansion Program Grant The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant helps small businesses expand internationally by funding international business development activities. The purpose of this grant is to offset the cost of expanding internationally for small businesses.

The max amount a company can receive in a year is $15,000. Examples of global business development activities include: * holding international business meetings * researching new markets * updating marketing materials for new markets The U.S. Small Business Administration funds this program, and the Global Business Development (GBD) division administers the grant to businesses.

> The application is open **Amount:**Up to $15,000 per year **Application deadline:**Application is open. **OEDIT division:**Global Business Development ## International Export Activities [](https://oedit. colorado.

gov/state-trade-expansion-program-grant)The Global Business Development (GBD) division selects a number of trade shows each year to attend. The benefit of attending a trade show with GBD is that the State pays all booth costs and exhibitor fees, and companies that exhibit at the State booth receive a travel stipend to attend the show.

If we are not planning on attending a trade show your company is interested in, you can apply for general funding to attend any international trade show. Your company can also apply for general funding to conduct international business trips where your company is expanding its exports.

Participating in international trade shows is one of the most effective ways for companies to enter into new global markets or expand their visibility in existing markets. Trade shows offer opportunities to meet potential buyers, test market interest, and evaluate the competition.

### GBD-supported trade shows During the 2026 to 2027 grant period, our GBD staff will attend these trade shows, and we invite eligible companies to apply to join us.

**Upcoming trade shows include:** * Aero India in Bengaluru, India in February 2027 * Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in March 2027 * Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan in March 2027 * Web Summit Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada in May 2027 * Laser World of Photonics in Munich, Germany in June 2027 * World Health Expo Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2027 > If you are interested in attending any of these trade shows, contact the program manager with a short description of your company and what trade show you are interested in attending.

Learn more about each trade show. ### Other trade shows and missions Depending on your business’s needs, you may apply for general funding to attend a trade show specific to your industry. Other trade shows to consider include: * U.S. Commercial Service Trade Missions * Colorado Department of Agriculture Trade Shows These U.S. Commercial Service programs, all of which are virtual, are eligible for STEP funding.

* Customized Market Research **Gold Key: Matchmaking Services** * International Partner Search * International Partner Search Plus Virtual Introductions * eCommerce Innovation Lab * International Company Profile - Full or Partial **In-Country Promotion of Products or Services** * Single Company Promotion * Featured U.S. Exporters Listing * Business Service Provider U.S. Commercial Service Programs To apply for this grant, your company needs to: * be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and in Good Standing * have headquarters in Colorado or have at least 50% of your employees based in Colorado * be a U.S. company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or with at least 51% U.S. content * be at least one year old as of the date you would begin using STEP grant funds * be new to export or expanding to a new export market * have a commercialized product or service to export * be export-ready (see below Grant")) * meet the applicable industry-based small business size standard established under section 3 of the Small Business Act; or the alternate size standard applicable to the program under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act and the loan programs under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 ### [](https://oedit.

colorado. gov/state-trade-expansion-program-grant)How to be export-ready Global Business Development staff evaluates export readiness based on your company’s ability to: * Meet new customer demand. * Provide customer service to foreign buyers.

* Follow export regulations and certifications.

Eligible activities and expenses that qualify include, but are not limited to, the following: * Airfare (consistent with Fly America Act guidelines) * Meals and lodging (based on GSA/Department of State per diem rates) * Registration fees and booth space for trade shows * Export consultancy services and/or international intellectual property protection * Meeting space audio/visual for reverse trade missions * Other associated travel expenses, including visas and travel insurance * Fees for shipping sample products to trade shows and/or trade missions only * Cost of compliance testing an existing product for entry into an export market * Translation into foreign language, search engine optimization, localization services, and e-commerce fees * Design of marketing media commensurate with STEP's statutory objectives deemed appropriate (including digital marketing activities) * Attorney fees for review of international distributor agreements [](https://oedit.

colorado. gov/state-trade-expansion-program-grant)Depending on what you plan on using the funds for, you may have different times that you can apply for funding. If you are applying for: * Trade shows that our office will be attending,you will need to apply during the application window stated in the trade shows section.

* Other trade shows we are not participating in,you should apply at least four to six weeks before the trade show. * Other international business development activities,you should apply at least four to six weeks before the trade show. Companies need to apply for this grant.

No third party consultants, agents, or representatives may apply on behalf of a client company or their own consultant firm. ### Application materials The online application asks about your company and export project, including: * Your company’s financial health, such as proof of profitability. * What products or services you will export.

* Why you chose that market. * How you will use the grant funds. * A projected budget for total forecasted expenses and an estimate of your export sales immediately and in six months of using the funds.

The online application requires two Small Business Administration (SBA) forms to be signed and dated: * SBA Certification Regarding Debarment Form * SBA Self-Representation Form, (PDF) Include a detailed budget outlining all expenses for the project. When listing expected personnel and equipment expenses, be as detailed as possible. Category labels such as ‘manufacturing equipment’ and ‘management personnel’ are too generic.

Do not include equipment or salaries of personnel that the project team needs for operations outside of this project. It typically takes us three to four weeks to review applications. A panel reviews all applications.

Companies that win the grant will receive a detailed commitment letter listing the approved export development project or activities, timing, and breakout of approved expenses in U.S. dollars. Even if your company qualifies for the grant, we may award less funding than you request based on the strength of applications and the number of applicants. You will submit for reimbursement once your trip is complete.

If expenses are not submitted in 30 days, you may not receive funds. Reimbursements will be paid in full unless the company does not: * Fulfill its obligations for participating in the program. * Submit required receipts and summaries.

We will send surveys to STEP grantees every six months for up to three years. By applying for the grant, your company agrees to: * Provide information on export sales data related to STEP funding. * Respond to all STEP surveys in a timely manner.

In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328 for the State Trade Expansion Program: * Federal Share: 67% – $770,000 * Non-Federal Share: 33% – $256,666 * Total Program Cost: $1,026,666