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Alabama State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
General · Alabama Department of Commerce, Office of Global Business · AL
The Alabama State Trade Expansion Program, or STEP, is a reimbursement grant from the Alabama Department of Commerce that helps Alabama small and medium-sized businesses cover export-related costs like trade shows and foreign market entry. It's for Alabama-headquartered, for-profit businesses operating 12 or more months that meet SBA size standards and export U.S.-origin goods or services.
The Alabama State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a reimbursement grant administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce, Office of Global Business, that helps small and medium-sized businesses in Alabama cover costs tied to exporting. The program is funded through an SBA-backed pool and is designed to offset export-related expenses such as attending or exhibiting at international trade shows, entering foreign markets, and export marketing activities.
For a small business owner in Alabama who is trying to sell U.S.-origin goods or services overseas, STEP can help reduce the financial burden of activities that build export sales but are often too costly to pursue without support — things like translating marketing materials, traveling to trade shows abroad, or developing a foreign-market website. Because it is structured as a reimbursement grant rather than a loan, funds do not need to be repaid, though applicants should confirm exact terms with the program administrator.
The award amount is not fixed; it varies depending on the SBA-funded pool available for each cycle, and the deadline is not fixed either — interested businesses should check current rounds for open application windows. Given that funding availability and terms can change year to year, any business considering applying should visit the official Alabama Department of Commerce site to confirm the current award amount, eligibility requirements, and any open application rounds before committing time to an application.
This program is only open to Alabama-headquartered businesses, so companies located outside the state are not eligible.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant (reimbursement-based), not a loan, so funds generally do not need to be repaid.
Who runs this program?
The Alabama Department of Commerce, Office of Global Business administers STEP.
Who is eligible?
For-profit Alabama-headquartered small/medium businesses operating 12+ months that meet SBA size standards and export U.S.-origin goods or services.
How much money can I get?
The award amount varies since it comes from an SBA-funded pool; confirm the current amount at the official source.
What can the money be used for?
It can offset export-related costs such as trade shows, foreign market entry, and export marketing.
When is the deadline?
There is no fixed deadline listed — applicants should check current rounds for open windows.
Is my state eligible?
Only businesses headquartered in Alabama are eligible.
Where do I apply?
Apply at https://www.madeinalabama.com/resources/global-business/step/.
Do I need to already be exporting?
The eligibility criteria mention businesses that export U.S.-origin goods or services, so some export activity or intent appears necessary; confirm at the source.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information — confirm at the source.
How long must my business have been operating?
At least 12 months.
Is this a one-time or recurring program?
The summary references funding cycles/rounds, suggesting it recurs, but specifics should be confirmed at the source.
Do I need to meet SBA size standards?
Yes, the business must meet SBA size standards for small/medium businesses.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Alabama Department of Commerce, Office of Global Business; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.