SBA Announces FY 2017 State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Awards
September 14, 2017
(SBA)
SBA Awards $18 Million to Expand Small Business Exporting
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced that $18
million in funding has been awarded to 44 State international trade agencies
through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), to support
export growth among U.S. small businesses.
STEP is designed to increase both the number of small businesses that begin to
export and the value of exports for small businesses currently exporting.
Expanding the base of small business exporters and making the process as easy as
possible is a key component of the Administration’s small business strategy.
“The awards will provide a solid foundation for small businesses planning to
enter and set them up for success,” said SBA Administrator Linda McMahon.
The 2017 STEP awards will allow states to assist small businesses with the
information and tools they need to succeed in export related activities that are
in line with the objectives of the program. These objectives include
participation in foreign trade missions, foreign market sales trips, services
provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as design of international
marketing campaigns, export trade show exhibits, training workshops and more.
STEP awards are managed and provided at the local level by state government
organizations. The program is managed at the national level by the U.S. Small
Business Administration’s Office of International Trade.
See the full list of STEP awardees for FY 2017.
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