New York Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a New York state grant program that helps small businesses cover the costs of export-related activities. It is funded through an SBA grant and administered by Empire State Development's Global NY division. The program reimburses eligible businesses for expenses tied to activities like attending foreign trade shows, international marketing efforts, and other export-development work.

Under STEP, reimbursement grants generally range from $2,000 to $5,000 per approved activity, with a cap of up to $10,000 per year per business. Companies may apply for reimbursement on up to three qualifying activities annually, giving businesses room to pursue multiple export opportunities within a single funding cycle.

This program is aimed specifically at New York small businesses that meet SBA size standards for an eligible small-business concern and that are either entering export markets for the first time or expanding existing export activity. For a small business owner looking to grow sales internationally, STEP can offset some of the real costs of testing new markets — trade show booths, travel, translation, marketing materials, and similar expenses — without requiring repayment, since it is structured as a grant rather than a loan.

Deadlines are not fixed; the program runs in rounds, so interested businesses should check current application windows directly with Global NY / Empire State Development. As of the most recent update available, applicants are advised to confirm the current award amounts, open application rounds, and detailed eligibility requirements at the official ESD site before applying, since program details can change year to year.