The California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), provides financial assistance to eligible small businesses in California to support their efforts in entering or expanding into foreign markets. This program is designed to enhance the export capabilities of qualified small business exporters by subsidizing participation in STEP Events and reimbursing eligible export-related expenses through Export Vouchers. The program is funded through a combination of federal and state resources, specifically supported by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The main objective of the STEP grant is to increase the number of California-based small businesses engaged in international trade and to expand the volume of goods and services they export. Participating businesses may attend up to two STEP events per federal fiscal year, with additional participation subject to space and funding availability. Export Vouchers reimburse up to 75% of pre-approved export-related expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000 per business, per federal fiscal year from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
To be eligible, applicants must be for-profit businesses organized or incorporated in the United States, with a substantial business presence in California, including workforce, facilities, and economic impact. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with California regulatory agencies, registered to do business in the state, and have been in operation for at least one year. They must also meet SBA small business size standards and export goods or services of U.S. origin or with at least 51% U.S. content.
Applications are due by August 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., with the performance period set from September 1 to September 30, 2025. Award announcements are made on an ongoing basis. The program does not require a letter of intent, but it does necessitate a 25% funding match from applicants. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. The amount per award ranges from $500 to $10,000, and the actual number of awards will depend on available funding and the strength of applications received.
Applications are submitted online, and applicants are encouraged to read the full program guidelines available on the grantor’s website. For questions about the grant, interested parties can contact Jonathan Gasca at 1-916-857-9847 or via email at STEP@gobiz.ca.gov. Detailed information, including the matching funding requirement and eligibility conditions, can be found in the program guidelines, especially on page 7.
