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Louisiana State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
General · Louisiana Economic Development (LED) · LA
The Louisiana STEP Grant is a state program run by Louisiana Economic Development that reimburses eligible Louisiana small businesses up to $10,000, or 90% of eligible export expenses, for activities like trade shows and export training. It's intended for profitable, export-ready Louisiana small businesses that have been operating for at least a year.
The Louisiana State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant is a state-level export-assistance program administered by Louisiana Economic Development (LED), funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration's national STEP initiative. Rather than providing a straight cash award, the program works as a reimbursement mechanism: eligible Louisiana small businesses can be reimbursed for up to 90% of qualifying export-related expenses, capped at $10,000 per company. This is designed to help small businesses expand into international markets without absorbing the full cost of activities like attending overseas trade shows, participating in export-training workshops, or running international marketing campaigns.
For a small-business owner considering exporting for the first time, or one already selling abroad but looking to grow that side of the business, STEP can meaningfully offset the costs of testing new markets. Because it's a reimbursement program and not an upfront cash grant, businesses typically need to pay for eligible activities first and then submit for reimbursement through LED's FastLane online system.
The program is specifically for Louisiana-headquartered, for-profit small businesses that meet SBA's small-business size standards, have been operating for at least one year, are currently profitable, and are export-ready — meaning their products have at least 51% U.S. content. This program is best suited to established, profitable Louisiana companies with an actual export plan, not startups or those merely exploring the idea of exporting.
Application rounds open periodically rather than continuously, so businesses should check LED's official site for current round dates, exact reimbursement terms, and any updates to eligibility criteria before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It's structured as a grant-funded reimbursement program — you don't repay it, but you typically pay expenses upfront and get reimbursed.
How much money can I get?
Up to 90% reimbursement of eligible export expenses, capped at $10,000 per company.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, this is a reimbursement grant, not a loan.
Who is eligible?
Louisiana-headquartered, for-profit small businesses (per SBA size standards) that have operated for at least one year, are profitable, and are export-ready with 51%+ U.S. content.
What expenses are covered?
Export-related activities such as trade shows, export-training workshops, and international marketing.
When is the deadline?
Check current application rounds; the exact deadline isn't fixed and should be confirmed at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Through Louisiana Economic Development's FastLane system, accessible via the official program page.
Who runs this program?
Louisiana Economic Development (LED), using SBA STEP funding.
Is this available outside Louisiana?
No, it's limited to businesses headquartered in Louisiana.
Is the award taxable?
Confirm at the source, as tax treatment isn't specified in the program details provided.
Can startups apply?
No, businesses must have been operating at least one year and be profitable.
Do I need to already be exporting to apply?
You need to be export-ready with 51%+ U.S. content in your product, though specifics on current export activity should be confirmed at the source.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No minimum is specified; the program reimburses up to 90% of costs, up to a $10,000 maximum.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Louisiana Economic Development (LED); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.