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Michigan State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP)
Industry-Specific · Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) · MI
MI-STEP is a Michigan state grant, run by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, that reimburses about 75% of eligible export-development costs, up to roughly $15,000 a year, for Michigan small businesses pursuing exports or new international markets.
The Michigan State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP) is a state-run grant that helps Michigan small businesses grow their exports and enter new international markets. It is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and funds eligible export-development activities such as participation in trade shows, foreign market entry costs, and international marketing efforts aimed at reaching new global buyers.
Under the current program structure, MI-STEP offers reimbursement of about 75% of eligible export-related expenses, up to roughly $15,000 per year, per the program's award note. This is a grant, not a loan, meaning funds do not need to be repaid, though it works on a reimbursement basis — businesses generally spend on qualifying activities first and then seek reimbursement.
This program matters to small-business owners because international expansion can be expensive, particularly for costs like trade show booths, travel, translation, or foreign market research. A reimbursement grant like MI-STEP can lower the financial barrier to testing new markets abroad.
Eligibility is limited to Michigan-based small businesses (as defined by the SBA) that are actively pursuing exports or trying to enter new international markets. The program falls under an industry-specific category tied to international trade activity rather than being open to all business types.
Deadlines are not fixed annually — applicants should check current application rounds, as MEDC periodically opens and closes funding periods. Because award amounts, eligibility details, and open application rounds can change, business owners should confirm the latest specifics directly on the official MI-STEP page before applying or budgeting around this funding.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is MI-STEP a grant or a loan?
It is a grant — specifically a reimbursement-based grant, not a loan, so funds do not need to be repaid.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, but it works as a reimbursement, meaning you typically pay for eligible export activities first and then get reimbursed.
Who is eligible?
Michigan small businesses, as defined by the SBA, that are pursuing exports or entering new international markets.
How much money can I get?
The program offers about 75% reimbursement of eligible export activity costs, up to roughly $15,000 annually.
What expenses are covered?
Eligible export-development activities such as trade shows, foreign market entry, and international marketing.
What is the deadline to apply?
There isn't a fixed deadline listed — applicants should check current open application rounds at the official site.
Where do I apply?
Through the official MI-STEP page at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/international-trade/mistep/.
Who runs this program?
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Is this available outside Michigan?
No, it is limited to businesses eligible under Michigan's program (eligible states: MI).
Is the award amount taxable?
Confirm at the source, as tax treatment is not specified in the given information.
What category of funding is this?
It falls under an industry-specific category related to international trade.
Do I need to already be exporting to qualify?
The eligibility description covers businesses pursuing exports or entry into new international markets, so both current exporters and those entering new markets may qualify — confirm specifics at the official source.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No minimum (award floor) is specified in the available information.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.