State Trade Expansion Program 2026-001
🏛 Small Business Administration (SBA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 12, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state governments seeking to expand international trade and export activities. Applicants must be state-designated international trade arms with an official agency relationship to their state government. The state must provide financial backing to meet the required cost-share match. Non-federal entities can apply if they have proper state governmental affiliation and commitment.
The program supplements (not replaces) state funds for export activities. States must demonstrate official status, financial capacity, and organizational support. Export-related activities are eligible for funding.
Geographic scope is national—all 50 states may apply. The state must be the applicant entity through its designated trade organization.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The underlying premise of STEP is to supplement non-federal entities’ (as defined in Section 3.1) funds for export activities, not to substitute federal funds to cover costs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Program Narrative (project description and export strategy)
- Budget Narrative and Budget Form SF-424C
- Evidence of state agency status and official relationship to state government
- Documentation of state cost-share/match commitment
- Organizational chart and resumes of key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 Small Business Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202 619 0603
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 59.061 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,503,486
-
$1,093,067
-
$1,000,000
-
$900,000
-
$900,000
-
$900,000
-
$900,000
-
$900,000
-
$900,000
-
$900,000
Top States by Funding
- MI 3 awards $3.3M
- HI 4 awards $2.9M
- NY 4 awards $2.7M
- WA 2 awards $1.9M
- NC 2 awards $1.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 59.061). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $17,788,579 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for STEP grants?
State-designated international trade arms with official agency status and state financial backing. The state must provide cost-share funds.
What is the award amount?
Grants range from $100,000 to $900,000. Cost-sharing is required.
What activities does STEP fund?
Export promotion and international trade expansion activities. Federal funds supplement (not replace) state funds.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, the deadline is August 10, 2026 (fixed date). Plan submissions in advance.
Can we reapply if rejected?
The program typically allows reapplication. Contact SBA for specific reapplication policies.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your state trade office has formal agency status and state government backing before applying. Verify this upfront.
- Clearly document your state's financial commitment and cost-share contribution in the budget. Strong match = stronger application.
- Focus your narrative on how federal funds will expand (not duplicate) existing state export efforts. Show additionality.
- Include letters of state support from executive branch leadership. Political backing strengthens competitiveness.
- Budget realistically for export promotion activities—trade shows, business matching, market research, staff training.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without formal state agency designation or state financial commitment—this disqualifies you. Using federal funds to replace state funding instead of supplementing it. Weak or missing documentation of state cost-share capacity and match funds.
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