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New Hampshire State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
General · New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (Office of International Commerce) · NH
The New Hampshire STEP grant, run by the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs, reimburses export-ready New Hampshire small businesses for costs like trade shows, marketing materials, and export consulting; the award amount varies and current rounds should be confirmed on the official state site.
The New Hampshire State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a state-administered grant that helps small businesses in New Hampshire cover costs tied to exporting and international market expansion. It is run by the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Office of International Commerce, using federal SBA STEP funding passed through to the state.
The program reimburses eligible export-related expenses, which can include participation in trade shows, development of international marketing materials, translation of business websites for foreign audiences, and export consulting services. Rather than a lump-sum award, STEP works as a reimbursement grant, meaning businesses generally incur eligible costs first and then apply to be reimbursed a portion of those expenses. The exact award amount varies and is not fixed, so applicants should confirm current funding levels directly with the state office.
This program matters to small-business owners because breaking into international markets can be expensive, and many smaller firms lack the budget to test new markets through trade shows or localized marketing without help. STEP is designed specifically to offset some of that financial risk for businesses that are already export-ready or actively working toward exporting.
Because STEP operates in funding rounds tied to federal SBA allocations, availability and deadlines change from year to year. The listing here reflects the general structure of the program as of 2026, but applicants should check the official New Hampshire Economic Affairs grant programs page for the current round status, specific reimbursable expense categories, award caps, and application deadlines before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, funded through federal SBA STEP dollars and administered by the state.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, it is a reimbursement grant, not a loan, so it does not need to be repaid.
Who is eligible?
New Hampshire small businesses that are export-ready and seeking to enter or expand into international markets.
How much can I get?
The amount varies; it's a reimbursement grant for export-marketing costs, so confirm the current award amount at the official source.
What expenses does it cover?
Costs such as trade-show participation, international marketing materials, website translation, and export consulting.
What is the deadline?
Check current rounds; deadlines are not fixed and change with funding availability.
Where do I apply?
Through the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs grant programs page at nheconomy.com.
Who administers the program?
The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Office of International Commerce.
Is this only for New Hampshire businesses?
Yes, eligibility is limited to businesses located in New Hampshire.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the source.
Do I need to already be exporting to apply?
The program is for businesses that are export-ready or seeking to expand into international markets; confirm specific requirements at the official source.
Is funding guaranteed once I apply?
Not necessarily; funding depends on current round availability, so confirm at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (Office of International Commerce); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.