Minnesota small businesses (SBA size standard, 1+ year in operation, majority of product value made in MN) can be reimbursed up to 50% of pre-approved export costs such as trade missions, trade shows, translation and certification, capped at $7,500 ($500 for export training).
The STEP grant pays back eligible Minnesota small businesses for pre-approved export training and export-development activities. These include foreign trade missions, foreign market sales trips, export trade show exhibits, U.S. Commercial Service services, international marketing materials, website translation and required certifications. It covers up to 50% of qualified expenses, capped at $500 for export training or $7,500 for export-development activities. The current RFP (issued July 1, 2026) offers about $300,000 for the program year ending June 30, 2027, awarded as applications are approved.
Fit the SBA definition of a small business, based on annual sales or number of employees (13 C.F.R. Part 121, Subpart A)
Have been in operation for at least one year at the time of application
Be generating revenue based on U.S. operations
Not be debarred, suspended or excluded from federal transactions
Have provided MTO with a strategic plan for exporting (except if applying for reimbursement for export training)
Have Minnesota operations that involve the research, design, manufacture, processing, assembly or distribution of products, or provide an exportable service; more than 50% of the value of the product or service promoted must be produced in Minnesota
Have researched whether the products or services suit the target market and can be exported there
Agree to answer surveys and report program outcomes
Activities must be pre-approved; no reimbursement for activities that have already taken place
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