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Indiana State Trade and Export Promotion (IN-STEP)

Industry-Specific · Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) · IN

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IN-STEP is an Indiana state grant program run by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation that reimburses small businesses for export-related costs like trade missions and foreign trade shows, and it's meant for Indiana small businesses looking to grow international sales.

The Indiana State Trade and Export Promotion program, known as IN-STEP, is a state-level grant administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). It is designed to help small businesses based in Indiana develop or expand their sales into international markets.

Rather than providing an upfront cash payment, IN-STEP works as a reimbursement program. Eligible Indiana small businesses can be reimbursed for costs tied directly to export activities, such as participating in international trade missions, exhibiting at foreign trade shows, and pursuing export education or training. These are common expenses that small exporters face when trying to break into new markets, and the reimbursement structure is meant to lower the financial risk of testing or growing an export strategy.

For a small-business owner already selling or curious about selling overseas, this program matters because international trade shows and missions can be expensive, and many smaller companies avoid them simply due to cost. IN-STEP is meant to offset some of that cost after the fact, making it more feasible for Hoosier businesses to compete abroad.

Because this is a state program tied to specific funding rounds, the exact award amounts, current eligibility details, and open application periods should be confirmed directly with IEDC. The listing notes that details are current as of 2026 but advises checking the official site for the latest information on rounds and amounts before applying, since state grant programs like this can change year to year based on available funding.

Who qualifies

Indiana small businesses that are seeking to develop or expand export sales into international markets qualify for IN-STEP. The program is specific to companies located in Indiana, and eligibility centers on having (or planning) export activity rather than domestic-only sales. Confirm eligibility at the official source for full details, as specific size, revenue, or industry qualifications are not spelled out in the summary provided.

How to apply

1. Visit the official IN-STEP program page at IEDC's website: https://iedc.in.gov/programs/in-step. 2. Review the current application round details and reimbursement requirements listed there, since deadlines are described as 'check current rounds.' 3. Confirm your business's eligibility and prepare documentation of export-related expenses (trade missions, foreign trade shows, export education). 4. Submit your application per the instructions on https://iedc.in.gov/programs/in-step.

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Questions people ask

Is IN-STEP a grant or a loan?

It is a grant, but it functions as a reimbursement program rather than an upfront cash payment.

Do I have to repay the funds?

No, it is a grant-based reimbursement, not a loan, so repayment is not required.

Who is eligible?

Indiana small businesses seeking to develop or expand export sales to international markets.

How much money can I get?

The program reimburses eligible export-related costs, but a specific dollar amount is not listed; confirm the current award amount at the official source.

What expenses does it cover?

It covers costs like international trade missions, foreign trade shows, and export education.

What is the deadline to apply?

The listing says to check current rounds; confirm exact deadlines at the official site.

Where do I apply?

Apply through the IEDC's official IN-STEP page at https://iedc.in.gov/programs/in-step.

Who runs this program?

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) administers IN-STEP.

Is this only for Indiana businesses?

Yes, eligibility is limited to Indiana (IN) small businesses.

Is the reimbursement paid upfront?

No, it is described as a reimbursement program for export activities, not an upfront cash grant.

Is the award amount taxable?

This is not addressed in the available information; confirm at the official source.

Do I need to already be exporting to qualify?

The eligibility language covers businesses seeking to develop or expand export sales, suggesting both new and existing exporters may be considered; confirm eligibility at the official source.

Is this a one-time or recurring program?

The listing references 'current rounds,' suggesting it runs in cycles, but details should be confirmed at the official site.

Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.