Grant Details
The California State Expansion Program (STEP) grant offers financial assistance to eligible California small businesses seeking to expand into foreign markets through STEP Events and Export Vouchers. Each federal fiscal year, eligible businesses can participate in up to two (2) STEP Events. Additionally, they have the opportunity to be reimbursed for up to 75% of their export promotion expenses, with a maximum award amount of $10,000 through the Export Voucher. STEP is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Eligibility
To be eligible for STEP funding, California small businesses must meet the following criteria:
- For-profit Business
- Organized or incorporated in the U.S.
- Significant operations in California
- Exporting goods or services of U.S. origin or that have at least 51% U.S. content.
- Meet SBA small business size standards (which vary by NAICS code based on either annual receipts or number of employees)
- Registered to do business in the State of California and in good business standing with regulatory agencies
- In business for at least one year at the time that the funded activity takes place.
- Have sufficient resources to bear the costs associated with trade, including the costs of packing, shipping, freight forwarding, and customs brokers.
See the Program Guidelines for additional details.
Program Resources
STEP Program Guidelines
Review program eligibility, selection criteria, and allowable expenses.
STEP Application Instructions
STEP Event Application Preview
STEP Program Training Video
STEP Reimbursement Instructions
STEP Export Voucher Application Preview
STEP Event
Application Process
Prepare
Review if the STEP Event is the right fit for your business objectives. Review the Eligibility Criteria and Program Guidelines to ensure you are eligible for participation.
Apply
Submit your STEP Event application before the event recruiting deadline.
Await Notification
GO-Biz will evaluate your application and notify your company if approved for funding, along with next steps.
Execute
Participate in the STEP Event and execute on your export goals.
Closeout
Share your outcomes with the GO-Biz team.
Export Voucher
Application Process
Prepare
Prepare an Export Strategy and Plan. Review the Eligibility Criteria and Program Guidelines to ensure you are eligible for participation.
Apply
Submit your Export Voucher application before the activity takes place and before the application deadline.
Await Notification
GO-Biz will evaluate your application and notify your company if approved for funding, along with next steps.
Execute
Perform the pre-approved export activity, and document participation.
Closeout
Submit the reimbursement request and share your outcomes with the GO-Biz team.
