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Nebraska State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Industry-Specific · Nebraska Department of Economic Development (U.S. SBA funding) · NE
The Nebraska State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is an SBA-funded reimbursement program run by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development that helps Nebraska small businesses cover part of the cost of export activities like trade shows and foreign sales trips, requiring a 25% match from participants.
The Nebraska State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a state-run reimbursement program funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. It is designed to help small businesses in Nebraska grow their export activity by offsetting some of the costs involved in entering or expanding in foreign markets.
Unlike a traditional cash grant paid upfront, STEP works as a reimbursement mechanism: eligible businesses pay for qualifying export-related activities first, then submit documentation to receive reimbursement for a portion of those costs. Eligible expenses typically include participation in international trade shows, foreign sales trips, and export training. Participants are required to contribute a 25% match toward the cost of these activities, meaning the program shares the financial burden rather than covering it entirely.
This program matters to small-business owners in Nebraska who are considering or already engaged in exporting because it lowers the financial barrier to testing new international markets. Trade shows abroad, overseas travel, and specialized export training can be expensive, and STEP's reimbursement structure helps offset those costs after the fact.
To qualify, a business generally must be U.S.-owned, headquartered in Nebraska, in operation for at least one year, and producing products with at least 51% U.S. content or exportable services, while meeting SBA size standards. Because reimbursement amounts, application rounds, and eligibility details can change year to year, businesses should confirm current terms directly on the official Nebraska state website before applying or budgeting for export activities based on this program.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is structured as a reimbursement-based grant program, not a loan, so there is no repayment obligation on funds received.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, but it works as a reimbursement rather than an upfront payment, and you must contribute a 25% match toward eligible costs.
Who is eligible?
U.S.-owned, Nebraska-headquartered small businesses in operation for at least one year that produce exportable products (51% U.S. content) or services and meet SBA size standards.
How much money can I get?
The program reimburses eligible export expenses; confirm the current award amount at the official source.
Is there a deadline?
Deadlines depend on current funding rounds; check the official site for open rounds.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/step/.
Is the money paid upfront?
No, funds are paid as reimbursement after eligible export activities are completed and documented.
What expenses are covered?
Eligible costs include trade-show participation, foreign sales trips, and export training, per the program summary.
Do I need to match funds?
Yes, a 25% participant match is required for eligible expenses.
Who runs the program?
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers it using SBA funding.
Does my business need export experience already?
The eligibility criteria don't specify prior export experience, only that the business must produce exportable products or services and meet other listed requirements; confirm at the source.
Is the reimbursement taxable?
This is not addressed in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Can businesses outside Nebraska apply?
No, the program is limited to businesses headquartered in Nebraska.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Nebraska Department of Economic Development (U.S. SBA funding); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.