Maine STEP Financial Assistance Awards

The Maine STEP Financial Assistance Awards program is a state-level export assistance grant administered by the Maine International Trade Center (MITC), using federal SBA STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) funding. It helps Maine-based small businesses pursue new international sales by reimbursing a portion of eligible export development costs.

Rather than a straight cash grant, this is a reimbursement award: businesses can receive between $5,000 and $10,000, covering 75% of eligible export-related expenses, while the company contributes a 25% match. Eligible activities typically include costs tied to international business development, such as attending trade shows, export marketing materials, and other activities aimed at building overseas sales channels.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis while program funds last, so timing matters — businesses interested in applying should check whether a current funding round is open. The deadline is not fixed; instead, availability depends on remaining funds for the program year.

This program matters to small-business owners in Maine who are exploring or expanding international sales but need help offsetting the cost of entering new markets. Because it is reimbursement-based, businesses generally need to incur eligible expenses first and then seek reimbursement for a share of those costs.

Because funding rounds, exact award amounts, and eligibility details can change year to year, businesses should confirm the current status of the program, the specific eligible expense categories, and any documentation requirements directly with MITC before applying. This description reflects only the facts provided and should be verified at the official source before making funding decisions.