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Idaho State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
General · Idaho Department of Commerce · ID
The Idaho State Trade Expansion Program, run by the Idaho Department of Commerce, reimburses export-related costs like trade shows and website globalization for export-ready Idaho small businesses meeting SBA size standards.
The Idaho State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a federally-funded, state-administered reimbursement program run by the Idaho Department of Commerce. It uses SBA funding to help Idaho-based small businesses start or grow their export activities. Rather than providing an upfront cash grant, STEP reimburses eligible export-related expenses after they are incurred.
Costs that may be covered include participation in international trade shows, website globalization (translating or adapting a business website for international customers), and state-led trade missions. These are common expenses that make it difficult for smaller companies to compete internationally without support, since travel, translation, and marketing costs can be significant relative to a small business's budget.
To qualify, a business must be based in Idaho, operate as a for-profit entity, meet SBA size standards for a small business, and be export-ready with goods or services of U.S. origin. This means the program is intended for businesses that already have an exportable product or service and are looking to expand into new international markets, not companies just beginning to explore whether exporting is viable for them.
Because STEP is a reimbursement program tied to specific funding rounds, the amount available, the exact list of reimbursable expenses, and application windows can change year to year. Idaho Commerce notes that current details should be confirmed directly on the official program page before applying. Small business owners interested in this program should treat it as a way to offset already-planned export costs rather than a source of general working capital.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is structured as a reimbursement program funded through an SBA grant to the state, not a loan, and there is no repayment required.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, but it works as a reimbursement, so you typically pay costs first and get reimbursed for eligible expenses.
Who is eligible?
Idaho-based for-profit small businesses meeting SBA size standards that are export-ready and sell U.S.-origin goods or services.
How much funding can I get?
The specific award amount is not stated here; confirm current reimbursement limits at the official site.
What expenses does it cover?
It covers export-related costs like international trade show participation, website globalization, and state-led trade missions.
What is the deadline?
The listing says to check current rounds; there is no fixed deadline given here.
Where do I apply?
Apply through the Idaho Department of Commerce STEP page at https://commerce.idaho.gov/idaho-business/international-trade/step-grant/.
Is this only for Idaho businesses?
Yes, eligibility is limited to Idaho-based businesses.
Is my business too small or too new to qualify?
You must meet SBA size standards and be export-ready; confirm specifics at the official source.
Is the funding taxable?
This is not addressed in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Who runs this program?
The Idaho Department of Commerce administers it using SBA funding.
Can I use it for domestic marketing costs?
No, it is intended for export-related activities like trade shows, website globalization, and trade missions.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Idaho Department of Commerce; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.