State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant
The Idaho Department of Commerce is proud to announce a new grant program now available to qualifying Idaho exporters.
Grant monies are now available to companies in any industry to assist with export market development and promotion activities. Businesses who are looking to increase their exports, find new markets, or get involved in exporting for the first time are encouraged to apply.
The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant is a three year trade and export pilot initiative administered by the Small Business Administration.Grants will be available, on a competitive basis, to companies with fewer than 500 employees that meet revenue requirements set by the SBA.
Grant monies are available in two program areas:
• Market Access Grants
• Idaho Export Circuits
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Market Access Grants
30 or more grants will be awarded to Idaho companies pursuing global market development activities.
Qualifying expenses covered by the grant include:
• International travel costs for approved business activity
• Governor’s trade mission
• International trade show or event
• International sales mission
• Company-specific international projects
• Participation in an export seminar or educational event
• Creation or translation of marketing materials for an international activity
• Bringing a potential foreign buyer or partner to Idaho for a site visit
• US Commercial Service products such as Gold Keys
Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $10,000, with a dollar for dollar cost match requirement.
Application instructions:
Company writes proposal and submits to Idaho Department of Commerce. Upcoming deadline:
• March 2nd (for activities occurring from March 2012- August 2012)
Download grant flyer HERE
Application HERE , grant Budget form HERE and the Grant Rules HERE
Following submittal:
1. Proposal is received and reviewed by a grant panel
2. Successful applicants notified
3. Company engages in international activity
4. Company submits report and receipts
5. Reimbursement sent to company
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Idaho Export Circuits
The Idaho Export Circuit program will recruit pre-qualified international buyers to Idaho and match them with potential Idaho exporters.
For 2011-2012, Export Circuit programs will be conducted in the following two Idaho industry sectors:
1) Agricultural Machinery & Food Processing Equipment
2) Non-wood Building Materials
How it works:
Each industry category makes up a “circuit” with approximately ten Idaho companies chosen to participate. Inbound buying delegations will visit your facility where you may present your product. The Idaho Department of Commerce will work with successful applicants to develop presentations, suggest activities, provide cross cultural communication training, and organize logistics as the buyers travel through Idaho.
In return, participating Idaho companies MUST participate in one outbound activity throughout the year to help build the relationships that have been started. This can be in the form of a trade show, trade mission, or simply a targeted business trip abroad.
For additional information on the new STEP Grant, and to determine eligibility, please contact Jake Klossner (208) 334-2650 x 2113.
