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Iowa State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
General · Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) · IA
The Iowa State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a reimbursement program from the Iowa Economic Development Authority that covers about 75% of eligible export-development costs, roughly $2,500 to $8,000 per activity, for small Iowa businesses breaking into new export markets.
The Iowa State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a reimbursement program run by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration's national STEP initiative. It's designed to help small businesses in Iowa offset the costs of expanding into export markets. Rather than a lump-sum cash grant, STEP works as a 75% reimbursement of eligible export-development costs, with amounts typically ranging from roughly $2,500 to $8,000 per approved activity.
Eligible activities include participating in trade missions, exhibiting at international trade shows, international marketing campaigns, and globalizing a company website to reach overseas customers. This makes STEP particularly useful for Iowa manufacturers, processors, and service providers that are trying to break into a new export market but need help covering the upfront costs of doing so.
To qualify, a business must be a for-profit Iowa company that meets SBA size standards, manufactures or processes a product (or provides an exportable service) with at least 51% U.S. content, and must be new to the specific export market it's targeting. This is not a program for companies already established in a given foreign market.
For a small business owner, STEP can meaningfully lower the financial risk of testing a new export market, since a large share of costs like trade-show fees or marketing materials can be reimbursed after the fact. Because funding rounds, exact reimbursement amounts, and open application windows change over time, business owners should confirm current details directly with IEDA's Global Business team before planning around this program.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It's a reimbursement grant program — you pay for eligible export costs upfront and get reimbursed, rather than borrowing money.
Do I have to repay it?
No, it's a reimbursement of costs already incurred, not a loan that requires repayment.
Who runs this program?
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) administers it using SBA STEP funding.
Who is eligible?
For-profit Iowa companies meeting SBA size standards that manufacture, process, or provide an exportable service with 51%+ U.S. content, and that are new to the target export market.
How much money can I get?
Typically 75% reimbursement of eligible export costs, roughly $2,500 to $8,000 per activity.
What costs are covered?
Activities like trade missions, trade-show exhibits, international marketing, and website globalization.
When is the deadline?
Check current rounds directly with IEDA, as deadlines vary and aren't fixed.
Where do I apply?
Through IEDA's website at https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/international-trade/financial-services.
Is this only for Iowa businesses?
Yes, it's limited to companies based in Iowa (IA).
Can established exporters apply?
No, businesses must be new to the specific export market they're targeting.
Is the reimbursement taxable?
Confirm at the source, as tax treatment isn't specified in the program details.
Do I need to already export to qualify?
The company must produce an exportable product or service, but must be new to the market it's expanding into.
What size businesses qualify?
Businesses must meet SBA size standards for small businesses.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.