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Arizona State Trade Expansion Program (AZ STEP)
General · Arizona Commerce Authority · AZ
AZ STEP is a grant program from the Arizona Commerce Authority, run with the U.S. SBA, that reimburses Arizona small businesses for costs like trade shows and export training as they enter or expand into international markets.
The Arizona State Trade Expansion Program (AZ STEP) is a grant program administered by the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under its State Trade Expansion Program cooperative agreement. It is designed to help Arizona small businesses grow their international sales by offsetting some of the costs of export-development activities.
Specifically, the program provides reimbursement funding, described as a voucher-style structure, for activities such as participating in trade missions, exhibiting at international trade shows, translating marketing materials, and receiving export training. Because funding comes through reimbursement rather than an upfront payment, businesses generally pay for approved activities first and then apply to be reimbursed for eligible costs.
This program is administered at the state level by the Arizona Commerce Authority, and eligible activities and reimbursement amounts vary depending on the specific export activity undertaken. The listing notes that reimbursement/voucher amounts vary by activity, and there is no fixed floor or ceiling amount provided in the current data.
For a small-business owner in Arizona looking to enter a new export market or expand existing international sales, this program could help lower the financial barrier to activities like attending a trade show abroad or getting sales materials translated into another language. Because funding rounds and award details can change, business owners should check the official Arizona Commerce Authority site for the current round status, deadlines, and reimbursement amounts before planning around this funding. As of 2026, applicants are advised to confirm current award amounts, open rounds, and eligibility directly at the official source before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant-type program, structured as reimbursement/voucher funding rather than a loan that needs repayment.
Do I have to repay the funding?
No, it is reimbursement for eligible export-development expenses, not a loan.
Who runs this program?
It is administered by the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with the U.S. SBA's State Trade Expansion Program.
Who is eligible?
Arizona small businesses, generally with fewer than 500 employees, that are entering export markets for the first time or expanding into new international markets.
How much funding can I get?
Reimbursement/voucher amounts vary by activity; no fixed floor or ceiling is specified, so confirm current amounts at the official source.
What can the funding be used for?
Export-development activities such as trade missions, trade-show exhibition, translation services, and export training.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing says to check current rounds; there is no fixed deadline provided, so confirm at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Through the Arizona Commerce Authority website at https://www.azcommerce.com/programs/arizona-state-trade-expansion-program/.
Is this only for Arizona businesses?
Yes, this program is limited to businesses in Arizona (AZ).
Is the funding taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Do I need to already be exporting to qualify?
No, it's aimed at businesses entering export markets for the first time or expanding into new international markets.
Is this a one-time or recurring funding opportunity?
The program operates in rounds, so availability may recur; check current rounds at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Arizona Commerce Authority; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.