State Trade Expansion Program Year 13 (STEP)

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is an International Financial Assistance Program to support export efforts of eligible small businesses in Nebraska. The program is made possible by funding to the State of Nebraska from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This Program is limited to specific expenses focused on increasing export sales and the number of exporting companies in Nebraska, and will not be used to support activities sponsored or co-sponsored with NDED when expenses are outside the approved program guidelines for STEP Year 13. STEP 13 is a matching program required. All participants will contribute 25% matching funds. Example: $10,000 total expenses, the program will require $2,500 contribution from the participant.

For program guidelines, please refer to: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/step/

Questions may be directed to: Isadora Sutton Export Manager – STEP Director | Economic Development Business Nebraska Department of Economic Development isadora.sutton@nebraska.gov Cell: (531) 739-8993 Additional information: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov

Companies applying for STEP Grant funding must be US-owned, operated, and headquartered in Nebraska to process, manufacture, and/or distribute a product or provide an exportable service at the time of application. They must also meet the following criteria: 1. Produce exportable product with at least 51% U.S. content. 2. Meet SBA “Eligible Small Business Concern” size guidelines  sba.gov/size 3. Being in business for at least one year, US-owned, and operating in the United States; 4. Product content with at least 51% U.S. content Export Training

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.

How It Works a. Fill out an application online—Amplifund system. b. Submit through email an itemized Budget Request (IBR). c. Wait for approval and attend the event. d. Submit through email expense receipts and proof of payment. e. Submit IBR evaluation, ACH information and equest refund—Amplifund System. f. Receive payment.