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Colorado State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
General · Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) · CO
The Colorado State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant is a reimbursement grant from Colorado OEDIT, funded by the SBA, that helps Colorado small businesses cover costs of exporting activities like trade shows and trade missions. It's for Colorado-based small businesses looking to start or grow international sales, though exact award amounts and deadlines should be confirmed at the official state site.
The Colorado State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant is a reimbursement grant program administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration. It is designed to help Colorado small businesses that are beginning or expanding their efforts to sell products or services in international markets.
The grant works by reimbursing eligible businesses for costs associated with export-related activities. Based on the program summary, this can include expenses like attending international trade shows, participating in trade missions, and other export marketing activities. Rather than providing upfront cash, STEP is structured so that businesses incur eligible costs and then receive reimbursement, which is a common approach for trade-promotion grants of this type.
For a small business owner in Colorado who is trying to break into or grow in overseas markets, this program can matter because export marketing and travel costs can be significant, and a reimbursement grant can offset some of that financial burden. Because this is state-level and tied to SBA funding, availability and terms can shift year to year depending on funding rounds.
The exact award amounts, current application rounds, and detailed eligibility requirements are not fully specified here. As of the most recent information available (2026), applicants should confirm the current award amount, whether a round is currently open, and full eligibility criteria directly at the official OEDIT website before making business decisions based on this program.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, specifically structured as a reimbursement for eligible export-related expenses.
Do I have to repay the funding?
No, as a grant it does not need to be repaid, though funds are provided as reimbursement for costs you've already incurred.
Who is eligible?
Colorado small businesses seeking to begin or expand exporting to international markets; confirm eligibility at the official source for full details.
How much funding can I get?
The amount varies and is not specified here; confirm the current award amount at the official OEDIT site.
What can the money be used for?
Eligible export/international marketing costs such as international trade shows, trade missions, and related export marketing activities.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing says to check current rounds; there is no fixed deadline given here, so confirm at the source.
Who runs this program?
It is administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), funded by the U.S. SBA.
Is this available outside Colorado?
No, this program is specific to Colorado (eligible states: CO).
Where do I apply?
You can apply through the official page at https://oedit.colorado.gov/state-trade-expansion-program-grant.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source or with a tax professional.
Do I need to already be exporting to qualify?
No, the program is for businesses seeking to begin or expand exporting, so new exporters may qualify; confirm details at the source.
Is there a specific industry requirement?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm eligibility details at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.