The latest round of STEP funding will be used to promote New Hampshire exports, such as the Farnborough International Air Show, one of the largest aero/defense trade shows in the world.
The New Hampshire Office of International Commercial received from the U.S. Small Business Administration a State Trade Expansion Program grant, which will continue to help Granite State businesses discover, and expand in, markets around the world.
“For more than five years, STEP grants have made a real difference for New Hampshire businesses and the global market, said Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “Through this program, scores of companies and manufacturers have completed export training programs; participated in international trade shows, and raised the profile of New Hampshire in markets around the world.”
US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced the $250,000 award last week, noting “This federal support is an important investment in Granite State entrepreneurs, helping them compete in a global economy.”
The STEP Financial Assistance Award program is now available! Companies can apply for a financial assistance award of up to $5,000 to help increase export sales. Details below.
The latest round of funding will be used to provide matching grants to eligible New Hampshire companies for their export promotion efforts; further development of the annual Export Boot Camp by the Office of International Commerce, and taking part in an international trade show.
The SBA distributed $18 million in STEP grants to 47 state international trade agencies. Now in its seventh year, STEP is designed to increase the number of small businesses that export and the value of those exports, and to explore new trade opportunities.
Get in on STEP!
Join the Office of International Commerce at two informational webinars regarding the grant,
application process and guidelines. Register for one of the webinars and receive 5
points towards your application’s overall score.
Wednesday, October 10 at 10 a.m. ET
Thursday, October 11, at 2 p.m. ET
There is no cost to participate in the webinar, but registration is required. The application packet, instructions, guidelines and additional program information are available HERE.
Please note:
• Application deadline is Friday, Nov. 9 at 3 pm ET
• Submit applications HERE
• No partial applications will be accepted
• Awards are limited in number and applications are ranked based on the competitiveness and innovation of the submitted proposal
*Note: The STEP Grant is a two-year grant. As a result, all successful activity reimbursements must be submitted within the next two federal fiscal calendar years (Oct. 1, 2018 – Sept. 29, 2020). Limited funds are available for this two-year period.
For more information, visit nhexportassistance.com or contact Rachel Adams.
Tags: international trade, Office of International Commerce, STEP grant