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California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
General · GO-Biz / California Office of the Small Business Advocate · CA
The California State Trade Expansion Program, or STEP, is a state-administered export grant run by GO-Biz that reimburses California small businesses for costs like trade shows and marketing materials when entering new export markets.
The California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a state-administered export grant that helps California small businesses cover the costs of entering or expanding into foreign markets. It is run by GO-Biz / California Office of the Small Business Advocate and is funded through an SBA award passed down to the state, then distributed to eligible businesses as reimbursement for qualifying export activities.
According to the program summary, STEP funding can be used to offset costs such as participation in international trade shows, international marketing efforts, and translation of marketing or product materials. This is a cost-reimbursement grant/voucher, meaning businesses typically pay for the activity first and then are reimbursed, rather than receiving a lump sum upfront. The award amount note indicates funding levels vary but are typically a few thousand dollars per eligible activity.
This program matters to a small-business owner because exporting can be expensive to test, especially for a company that has never sold internationally. STEP is designed specifically for California small businesses that are new to exporting or looking to expand into new export markets, and applicants must meet SBA small-business size standards to qualify.
Because this is an SBA-backed award administered at the state level, funding rounds, exact award amounts, and specific eligibility documentation requirements can change from year to year. The listing data notes that current details should be confirmed directly at the official state site before applying. Business owners interested in this program should check for open application rounds and current reimbursement caps before planning export activities around this funding.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, structured as a cost-reimbursement voucher for eligible export activities.
Do I have to repay the funding?
No, it is a reimbursement grant, not a loan, so it does not need to be repaid.
Who is eligible?
California small businesses that are new to exporting or expanding into new export markets, meeting SBA small-business size standards.
How much funding can I get?
The amount varies and is typically a few thousand dollars per eligible activity; confirm current amounts at the official source.
What can the funding be used for?
Eligible export activities such as trade shows, international marketing, and translation of materials.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing notes to check current rounds, as specific deadlines vary; confirm at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through https://export.business.ca.gov/.
Who runs this program?
GO-Biz / California Office of the Small Business Advocate administers the program.
Is this a state or federal program?
It is state-administered but funded through an SBA award.
Can businesses outside California apply?
No, this program is limited to California businesses.
Is the grant amount guaranteed upfront?
No, it is a reimbursement model, meaning businesses typically pay first and are reimbursed for eligible costs.
Is the funding taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with GO-Biz / California Office of the Small Business Advocate; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.