Missouri small businesses (500 or fewer employees, in Missouri at least a year, profitable, export-ready) can get reimbursement for approved international trade activities such as trade shows and missions. Apply at least 15 business days before the event. Per-company amount not published.
MO STEP, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, offers small businesses grant opportunities to fund qualifying international activities. It reimburses approved trade-activity costs; reimbursement is the lesser of the amount authorized in the approval letter or actual eligible costs. The current STEP 13 cycle runs 07/01/2026–09/29/2027, and applications are due at least 15 business days before each trade activity. Amount not published per company.
500 employees or fewer
Licensed to do business in the State of Missouri and in good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State
In business in Missouri for no less than 1 year on the date of application for funding
Operating profitably, based on operations in the US
Export-ready U.S. company exporting goods or services of U.S. origin or with at least 51% U.S. content
Has demonstrated export sales potential and intent, understands the costs of exporting, and has a strategic export plan
Must acknowledge and commit to the program's reporting methodology
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Money can be used for
Open opportunities funding similar work, from the same funder or in the same place.
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