Opportunity Information: Apply for OIT STEP 2023 01
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a federal grant opportunity run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help states strengthen small business exporting and expand U.S. participation in global markets. Authorized under 15 U.S.C. 649(l), STEP provides funding to state governments (and equivalent entities) so they can design and operate export development projects that directly support eligible small business concerns (ESBCs). In practical terms, the program is aimed at helping more small businesses start exporting, helping current exporters grow their international sales, and encouraging small businesses to pursue meaningful new trade opportunities in overseas markets.
At its core, STEP is an economic development and trade promotion program focused on measurable export outcomes. The SBA frames the program around three main objectives: increasing the number of U.S. small businesses that export, increasing the total dollar value of exports generated by small businesses supported through the program, and increasing the number of small businesses actively exploring significant new trade opportunities. That emphasis on outcomes matters because STEP is not simply general business assistance; it is intended to fund targeted activities that move companies toward real export readiness, market entry, and international sales growth.
This particular funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Title: State Trade Expansion Program (STEP); Funding Opportunity Number: OIT STEP 2023 01) is categorized as a discretionary grant within the Business and Commerce funding activity area (CFDA/Assistance Listing: 59.061). The eligible applicants are state governments, meaning the funds are awarded to states rather than directly to individual businesses. States then use the grant to run programs or initiatives that support ESBCs through export-related services and activities, consistent with the definitions and requirements referenced in the solicitation (including the ESBC definition in Section 8.1.5 and the definition of significant new trade opportunities in Section 8.1.15).
Key administrative details show the overall scale and structure of the program. The SBA posted this opportunity with a creation date of February 27, 2023, and an original closing date of May 19, 2023. The maximum award amount listed (award ceiling) is $1,400,000, and the SBA anticipated making about 56 awards, which aligns with providing support across states and comparable jurisdictions. In short, STEP is designed as a nationwide network of state-run export assistance efforts, backed by federal funding, to increase small business export participation and export revenue, while also helping firms identify and pursue new international market opportunities.Apply for OIT STEP 2023 01
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.061.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 27, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 19, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,400,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 56 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)?
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a federal grant opportunity run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It provides funding to states so they can design and operate export development projects that directly support eligible small business concerns (ESBCs) and expand U.S. participation in global markets.
What is STEP designed to accomplish?
STEP is focused on measurable export outcomes. The SBA frames the program around three main objectives: (1) increasing the number of U.S. small businesses that export, (2) increasing the total dollar value of exports generated by small businesses supported through the program, and (3) increasing the number of small businesses actively exploring significant new trade opportunities.
Is STEP general business assistance, or is it specifically about exporting?
STEP is specifically intended to fund targeted export-related activities that move companies toward export readiness, market entry, and international sales growth. It is not described as general business assistance; it is an economic development and trade promotion program centered on export results.
Who runs STEP at the federal level?
The program is run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
What is the legal authority for STEP?
STEP is authorized under 15 U.S.C. 649(l).
What is the funding opportunity title and number for this solicitation?
The Funding Opportunity Title is "State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is "OIT STEP 2023 01."
What type of grant is this?
This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant.
What is the funding activity area for this grant?
The funding activity area is Business and Commerce.
What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for STEP?
The CFDA/Assistance Listing for this opportunity is 59.061.
Who is eligible to apply for STEP funding?
The eligible applicants are state governments (and equivalent entities). The funds are awarded to states rather than directly to individual businesses.
Do small businesses apply directly to the SBA for STEP funds?
Not under this opportunity as described. The grant is awarded to state governments, and states then use the grant to run programs or initiatives that support eligible small business concerns (ESBCs).
How do STEP funds reach small businesses?
States receive the grant and then design and operate export development projects that directly support eligible small business concerns (ESBCs) through export-related services and activities, consistent with the solicitation requirements.
What kinds of businesses does STEP aim to help?
STEP is intended to support eligible small business concerns (ESBCs). The solicitation references an ESBC definition in Section 8.1.5.
What does STEP mean by "significant new trade opportunities"?
The solicitation references a definition of "significant new trade opportunities" in Section 8.1.15. The program objective tied to this term is increasing the number of small businesses actively exploring these opportunities.
What is the overall purpose of providing funds to states?
The purpose is to strengthen small business exporting and expand U.S. participation in global markets by enabling states to operate export development projects that directly support eligible small businesses.
When was this funding opportunity posted?
The opportunity has a creation date of February 27, 2023.
What was the original closing date for this opportunity?
The original closing date listed is May 19, 2023.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed is $1,400,000.
How many awards did SBA anticipate making?
The SBA anticipated making about 56 awards, aligning with providing support across states and comparable jurisdictions.
What does "nationwide network of state-run export assistance" mean in this context?
It means STEP is structured so many states (and comparable jurisdictions) receive federal funding and operate their own export assistance efforts, creating a broad, national footprint of state-run programs aimed at increasing small business export participation and export revenue.
What outcomes does STEP emphasize for participating small businesses?
The emphasis is on measurable export outcomes: more small businesses beginning to export, growth in international sales (including increased total export dollar value), and more businesses pursuing meaningful new international trade opportunities.
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