Opportunity Information: Apply for SB OITST 25 001
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help states strengthen and grow small business exporting. STEP was made a permanent part of the Small Business Act through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (HR 644), which was signed into law on February 24, 2016. In practical terms, this program gives funding to state governments (and equivalents) so they can operate or expand export development projects that directly support eligible small business concerns (ESBCs), using the program definitions referenced in the solicitation (including ESBCs and what counts as significant new trade opportunities).
The core purpose of STEP is export expansion, and the program is structured around three main outcomes. First, it aims to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export at all, meaning it focuses on helping companies begin exporting or become active exporters. Second, it targets growth in the total dollar value of exports generated by U.S. small businesses, reflecting an emphasis on measurable economic results rather than only outreach. Third, it seeks to increase the number of small businesses that are exploring significant new trade opportunities, which generally means helping firms pursue meaningful entry or expansion into new international markets or channels, consistent with the definition cited in the funding notice.
Eligibility for applicants is limited to state governments. That means individual companies do not apply to SBA directly under this opportunity; instead, the state (or a state-designated entity acting as the equivalent) applies for the grant and then uses the award to deliver export assistance services and programs to eligible small businesses within that jurisdiction. The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity focus is categorized under Business and Commerce and Community Development, reflecting both economic growth and broader local or statewide development impacts.
This particular opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Title "STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP)" with Funding Opportunity Number "SB OITST 25 001" and CFDA number 59.061. The opportunity was created on 2025-06-16 and has an original closing date of 2025-07-31. The expected scale is substantial: SBA anticipates making about 55 awards, with an award ceiling of $900,000 per award. Overall, the solicitation is designed to fund state-led initiatives that help small businesses start exporting, export more, and pursue new international market opportunities, with the intent that states build practical, on-the-ground support that translates into measurable export outcomes.Apply for SB OITST 25 001
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce, community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.061.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-06-16.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-07-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $900,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 55 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Business and Commerce, Community Development
Next opportunity: FY25 Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services- Bureau wide
Previous opportunity: Limited Competition: Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project (RMIP) Investigator-Initiated Studies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SB OITST 25 001
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SB OITST 25 001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.