The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that 24 awards will be made to states to support activities to increase exporting by small businesses. The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program was appropriated $8 million to award by September 30, 2014.
The STEP program has two objectives: 1) increase the number of small businesses that begin to export and 2) increase the value of exports for small businesses that currently export.
The 2014 awards are designed for states to assist small businesses with the following export related activities:
- participation in foreign trade missions,
- foreign market sales trips,
- subscription services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce,
- design of international marketing campaigns,
- export trade show exhibits,
- training workshops, or
- other export initiatives that are in line with the objectives of the program.
“With today’s technological advances, small businesses are better equipped than ever to compete in a global marketplace. Exporting provides tremendous opportunities for America’s small businesses that are looking to expand and create jobs. The STEP program is another way that the U.S. Small Business Administration is partnering with states to give small businesses the tools and resources they need to take their business to the next level,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet.
“Exporting is big business throughout this region,” said SBA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Natalia Olson-Urtecho, who represents three of the districts receiving awards – Eastern and Western Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact the STEP awards will have, not only for the 24 states and districts which received them, but for the economy as a whole.”
For a list of awardees and more information on the STEP program, visit www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/oit/resources/14315.
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