Opportunity Information
Title
State Trade Expansion Program Year 11 (STEP)
Description
The State Trade Expansion Program helps increase the number of small businesses that export, and increases export value for those already doing so. This program is made possible by a grant DED received from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
STEP grants operate on a reimbursement basis for qualified small Nebraska businesses. Successful applicants are reimbursed for eligible expenses when their project/activity has been completed and required documentation has been submitted to DED. A 25% company match of the maximum reimbursement allowed is required for each activity funded through STEP.
STEP grants help businesses defray the cost to market internationally, and assist with identifying potential international buyers.
Agency Contact Name
Ben Coleman
Agency Contact Phone
531-530-7671
Agency Contact Email
benjamin.coleman@nebraska.gov
Opportunity Manager
Ben Coleman
Additional Users
Funding Information
Opportunity Funding
$150,000.00
Funding Sources
Federal Or Federal Pass Through
Award Information
Other Funding Requirement
Submission Information
Submission Open Date
Submission Close Date
Submission Timeline Additional Information
For program guidelines, please refer to: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/step/
Eligibility Information
Eligibility Type
Public
Additional Eligibility Information
Applicants must operate a business in Nebraska to process, manufacture, and/or distribute a product, or provide an exportable service. They must be in business for at least one year, and they must qualify as a small business entity according to U.S. Small Business Administration standards, and also be in good standing with the Nebraska Secretary of State's office.
The following are examples of activities a STEP grant can support:
Domestic or International Trade Shows
Matchmaking Programs
Export Training and Associations
Additional Information
Additional Information URL
Additional Information URL Description
Resources: General and Program specific user guides and videos can be found at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/amplifund/. Statewide Relay System: Individuals, who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TTY, may contact the Department through the Statewide Relay System by calling (800) 833-7352 (TTY) or (800) 833-0920 (voice). The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505 or (402) 471-3111.
Award Administration Information
Administrative and National Policy Requirements
How It Works
Businesses must fill out an application to identify as a small business entity.
After qualification, the company must submit an Itemized Budget Request (IBR) for each activity for which they’re requesting funding.
The submitted IBR must be approved before incurring any costs related to the project in order to be eligible for reimbursement.