State Trade Expansion Program (STEP Grant)

STEP 1: Determine Eligibility

• Use the STEP U.S. Content Definition/Formula
• Find your business’ NAICS code
  • Click here to link directly to the complete list of SBA size standards used to define small business concerns based on NAICS codes.
• Use the SBA Business Size Standards Tool
  • Affiliates: You must include the employees or receipts of all affiliates when determining the size of a business. Affiliation with another business is based on the power to control, whether exercised or not. The power to control exists when an external party has 50 percent or more ownership. It may also exist with considerably less than 50 percent ownership by contractual arrangement or when one or more parties own a large share compared to other parties. Check the SBA’s compliance guide for size and affiliation for more detailed information.
  • Annual receipts: This is the “total income” (or “gross income”) plus the “cost of goods sold.” These numbers can normally be found on the business’s IRS tax return forms. Receipts are averaged over a business’s latest three complete fiscal years or (except in the Business Loan and Disaster Loan Programs) five complete fiscal years to determine the average annual receipts. If a business hasn’t been in business for five years, multiply its average weekly revenue by 52 to determine its average annual receipts. The SBA calculates annual receipts in accordance with 13 CFR 121.104.
  • Employee calculation: This is the average number of people employed for each pay period over the business’s latest 12 calendar months. Any person on the payroll must be included as one employee regardless of hours worked or temporary status. The number of employees of a concern in business less than 12 months is the average for each pay period that it has been in business. The SBA calculates number of employees in accordance with 13 CFR 121.106.

STEP 2: Learn

• Review program guidelines for USCS Services Award.
• You can review program guidelines for all other programs under each opportunity below.
• STEP Best Practices Webinar* (webinar slides with notes available here)
  • *Please note, the webinar was recorded in 2018 and some of the specifics (award amount, eligible activities, dates, caps, etc.) have changed. Review current guidelines for grant requirements, use this webinar as a tool for the actual execution of a quality application.

STEP 3: Evaluate

• Export Readiness Assessment
• Developing an Export Plan
• Fly America Checklist
• See the Bonus Criteria Definitions if you qualify for any bonus points

STEP 4: Register and Apply

• Register for your online portal account to apply for a STEP Grant, contact Jeremy Collier at +1-208-780-5145 or Jeremy.Collier@commerce.idaho.gov.
  • Logins must be requested 48 hours prior to application due dates. If your company has previously applied for any grants administered by Idaho Commerce, you are already set up in the system and will use that login to apply.
• Request a copy of the application questions that will be found in the online portal system once it opens. This way you can get a bit of a head start.
• Assistance determining eligibility under SBA requirements.
• Get introduced to your industry’s International Trade Specialist at Idaho Commerce or the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. They are here to help you and can be a valuable resource during the application process, including tips before you upload your submission (time permitting).
• The following required forms must be submitted with application. Applications are only accepted online at the Idaho Commerce Grant Portal.
  • Budget and RFF 2in1 (Financial Assistance Awards only)
  • Self-Representation as Eligible Small Business
  • Debarment and Suspension Certification