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Kansas State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
General · Kansas Department of Commerce · KS
The Kansas State Trade Expansion Program, run by the Kansas Department of Commerce, helps Kansas small businesses that are export-ready cover costs like trade shows and market entry as they begin or expand exporting to foreign markets.
The Kansas State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a federally funded, state-administered program run by the Kansas Department of Commerce that helps Kansas small businesses begin exporting or expand their sales into new foreign markets. STEP is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration and delivered at the state level, which is why only Kansas businesses can apply.
Rather than handing out a lump-sum cash grant, STEP works as a reimbursement program for export-related costs. This can include things like market entry expenses, participation in international trade shows, or foreign trade missions — activities that help a small business find and reach overseas customers. For a small-business owner, this matters because international expansion costs (travel, exhibit fees, translation, market research) can be a real barrier, and STEP is designed to offset some of that financial risk.
To qualify, a business generally needs to be based in Kansas, meet SBA size standards for a small business, have been operating for at least one year, be "export-ready," and have a product that is at least 51% U.S. content and produced or value-added within Kansas. Applications are accepted year-round rather than on a single fixed deadline, though specific funding rounds and available amounts can change from year to year.
Because this is a reimbursement-based program tied to annual federal funding, the exact award amounts, current application rounds, and fine print on eligibility should be confirmed directly at the Kansas Department of Commerce's official STEP page before applying. This description is based on 2026 program information and details may be updated.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It's structured as a grant program, but functions as a reimbursement for export-related expenses rather than a loan or a lump-sum cash award.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, this is not a loan, but it works by reimbursing eligible export expenses rather than providing upfront cash.
Who is eligible?
Kansas small businesses that meet SBA size standards, have operated for at least one year, are export-ready, and have products with 51%+ U.S. content produced or value-added in Kansas.
How much funding can I get?
The program covers export-cost assistance such as market entry and trade show/mission expenses; confirm current award amounts at the official source.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted year-round; check the official site for current funding rounds.
Where do I apply?
Through the Kansas Department of Commerce STEP page at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/business-incentives-and-services/step/.
Who runs this program?
The Kansas Department of Commerce administers it, with funding from the SBA.
Is this only for Kansas businesses?
Yes, it's a state-level program limited to Kansas-based businesses.
What can the funds be used for?
Export-related costs such as market entry expenses, trade shows, and trade missions.
Do I need to already be exporting?
You need to be export-ready, but exact readiness requirements should be confirmed at the official source.
Is my product eligible?
It should have at least 51% U.S. content and be produced or value-added in Kansas.
Is the award amount fixed?
No, the note indicates it's a reimbursement program with variable award amounts; confirm at the source.
Is this funding taxable?
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 Kansas Department of Commerce; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.