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"STEP Financial Assistance Awards" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
STEP Financial Assistance Awards is sponsored by Maine International Trade Center (MITC). Provides reimbursement funding to Maine-based small businesses for export development and market entry activities.
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STEP Financial Assistance Awards - Maine International Trade Center STEP Financial Assistance Awards Are you a Maine-based small business? Have you been in business at least 1 year? Are you seeking new international sales?
If you answered “yes” to the three questions above, keep reading to learn how a STEP Financial Assistance Award could be part of a winning strategy for export growth. Accepting Applications: Through June 30, 2026 Activity Period for Projects: Through September 1, 2026 Award Amounts: $5,000 minimum to $10,000 maximum Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis for as long as funding is available.
Before submitting an application, we recommend that you meet with a MITC Trade Specialist.
Before submitting an application, please read the Guidelines for complete information on: Funding Categories & Eligible Expenses Application Review & Scoring Reimbursement Requirements & Timeline STEP Financial Assistance Awards will be determined through a competitive review process that will consider several factors including strength and detail of project description, company location, and past funding received under this program.
Awards are reimbursements , which means that you must cover 100% of activity costs up front. There is a 25% match required from your company , and the reimbursement payment covers 75% of eligible activity costs. For example, in order to receive a $5,000 minimum reimbursement payment, you would need to submit at least $6,700 in paid invoices or similar required documentation for eligible expenses on the project.
Companies must apply for the STEP Financial Assistance Award in advance. Funds may not be used to pay for activities completed prior to the award notification date. After a company receives notification of a STEP Financial Assistance Award, the company must conduct the project activity within the timeframe stated in the application window.
NOTICE: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funded State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) depends on availability, approval, and disbursement of federal funds. Thus, all company award reimbursements are contingent upon Maine International Trade Center receiving requested funds from SBA. MITC is unable to provide company reimbursements if we do not receive the federal funds.
How long does it take to fill out a STEP Financial Assistance Award application? The online application usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes to complete. In addition to basic information about your company, you will need to provide a detailed description of the proposed activity, targeted countries, total estimated cost, and how you plan to build export capacity from the activity.
We recommend you contact a MITC Trade Specialist before submitting an application to discuss your project. Will I receive money up front once my application is approved? No. STEP Financial Assistance Awards are reimbursements, which means that you must cover 100% of activity costs up front.
Is there a match requirement? Yes. There is a 25% match required from your company, and the reimbursement payment covers 75% of eligible activity costs.
Can my proposed activity focus on a region or does it have to be a specific country? In the online application, you must specify at least one country that is being targeted with the activity. If you have an idea to expand your export sales and are not sure the activity would be covered under this program, please contact us before submitting an application.
We want to hear from you.
STEP Financial Assistance Award 2025 Sample Application Worksheet To complete a STEP Financial Assistance Award application, you will need to provide the following information: brief project name (e.g., B2B Matchmaking, Seafood Expo Global 2025, Export Compliance Audit) description of the proposed activity top target countries (up to 4) how you plan to build export capacity from the activity The first step is to create an account in the MITC funding portal.
It’s quick and easy. Setting up your company account on this portal will allow you to create, save, and submit applications, as well as invite other members of your team to participate. Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant initiative of the U.S. Small Business Administration provides funding to increase the number of businesses that export.
Administered by Maine International Trade Center (MITC), the objective of the STEP Financial Assistance Award is to encourage Maine companies to seek new international sales through financial support for costs associated with such export growth activities.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Maine-based small businesses in operation for at least one year seeking new international sales. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $5,000 - $10,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was June 30, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
STEP Financial Assistance Awards is funded by Maine International Trade Center (MITC). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Maine. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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