California STEP Grant

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) oversees the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), aimed at helping small businesses expand into global markets by increasing the number of exporters and the volume of goods and services they trade. STEP is partially funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Eligiblity Overview

Funding Opportunities

Application Process

Grant Resources

Eligibility Survey

Check Business Eligibility

Business Profile

1. Is your business a for-profit entity?

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements, please view grants for non-profits at California Grants Portal.

2. Is your business organized or incorporated in the United States?

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements.

3. Is your business registered to do business in California?

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements, please view the STEP grant for other states.

4. Is your business currently in good standing with California state regulatory agencies?

Corporations/LLCs can verify at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Sole proprietors should have a business license or DBA certificate.

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements.

5. Does your business have significant operations in California (e.g., staff, office, facility, or other business activity)?

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements.

6. Has your business been operational for at least one full year?

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements.

Export Readiness

7. Do your products or services meet the U.S. origin requirement (at least 51% U.S. content)?

Yes

No

Not sure

You do not meet the eligibility requirements.

Review the 51% U.S. Content Definition.

Small Business Qualification

8. Does your business meet the SBA definition of a “small business” under 13 CFR Part 121?

find the SBA definitions of a "small business" here: SBA guidelines and 13 CFR Part 121

Yes

No

Not sure

You do not meet the eligibility requirements.

Financial Capacity

9. Does your business have the financial ability to pay for eligible export-related expenses up front (e.g., booth fees, travel, marketing), with the understanding that reimbursement may take up to 60 days after submitting proper documentation?

Yes

No

You do not meet the eligibility requirements, please view other funding programs.

Grant Application Type

10. Are you interested in participating in a specific trade show or mission organized or promoted by GO-Biz or its partners?

(See list of 'STEP Events').

Yes

Not at this time

Review the STEP Event flyer for details and submit an application prior to the event’s registration deadline.

11. Are you planning your own export-related activity (e.g., attending a non-STEP trade show, developing international marketing, translating materials) and seeking reimbursement?

Yes

Not at this time

Review the Export Voucher’s Application Timeframe for details and submit an application prior to the round deadline.

12. Are you seeking export-related training or certification to build knowledge before actively exporting?

Yes

No

Review available Export Trainings for details and submit an application prior to the round deadline.

Consider exploring small business resources through CalOSBA.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Eligibility Overview

For-profit entity

Significant operations in California

Meet SBA small business size standards

Operated for at least one year

Organized or incorporated in the U.S.

Export goods/services with at least 51% U.S. content

Registered in California and in good standing

Check Detailed Eligibility

Funding Opportunities

STEP Events

Subsidized participation fees for international trade events
Eligible for up to 2 events per federal fiscal year
View Upcoming Events and Deadlines

Export Vouchers

Reimbursement for export promotion expenses up to $10,000
Pre-approved activities only
Round-specific deadlines for different activity periods
Learn More About Vouchers

Application Process

Prepare | Review the guidelines and develop your export strategy.

Apply | Submit through the STEP Grant Portal

Await Notification | Receive approval and next steps

Execute | Participate in your approved activity

Closeout | Submit your reimbursement request and share outcomes

Start Your Application

Grant Resources

STEP Program Guidelines

STEP Application Instructions

STEP Event Application Preview

STEP Reimbursement Instructions

STEP Export Voucher Application Preview

STEP Program Training Video

California STEP Grant

Eligibility Survey

Business Profile

Export Readiness

Small Business Qualification

Financial Capacity

Grant Application Type

Eligibility Overview

Funding Opportunities

Application Process

Grant Resources

GO-Biz Teams

GO-Biz Programs

State Programs

Leadership