The U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) helps small businesses expand by increasing their revenue through global trade. Business owners interested in exporting their products can apply to the New Mexico Economic Development Department Office of International Trade (OIT) for assistance with strategies designed to increase small business exports. The OIT also makes available grant funds from SBA STEP for expenses such as tradeshow booth fees, trade missions, and other export-related activities.

The STEP grant program has helped thousands of U.S. small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. SBA STEP grants are managed by an agency in each awarded state — in New Mexico, the EDD’s Office of International Trade manages the funds — to help small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting. STEP aims to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to increase the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting.

Eligible small businesses must complete and submit a STEP Client Application Form, SBA Certification Form, and a Sales Survey, all of which are utilized to determine eligibility for the program and to track sales. Learn more and request the forms here.

Attend the STEP discussion to learn more! The SBA is hosting a brief conversation with two small businesses that have utilized STEP grants to support global sales growth. The discussion will last approximately 20-25 minutes and there will be a Q&A opportunity after the session for anyone that has additional questions and would like to stay on longer.

Register for the SBA STEP grant discussion that takes place at 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 9.