Oklahoma STEP Fund (State Trade Expansion Program)

The Oklahoma STEP Fund (State Trade Expansion Program) is a state-run export grant program administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. It provides matching reimbursement grants to help Oklahoma small businesses start or grow their export activities, covering costs such as trade show participation, trade missions, and export training.

Funding is structured as a reimbursement grant, meaning businesses generally pay for approved export-related activities first and then submit for reimbursement, up to a cumulative cap of $28,500 per company per funding period. This is not a loan, so funds do not need to be repaid, though applicants should confirm reimbursement mechanics and any matching requirements directly with the Department of Commerce.

To qualify, a business must be based in Oklahoma, organized as a for-profit entity, meet SBA small business size standards, have been operating for at least one year, and be export-ready with products or services containing at least 51% U.S. content. This makes the program most relevant to established small manufacturers, producers, or service providers looking to enter or expand into international markets rather than brand-new startups.

For a small-business owner, this program matters because export activities like trade shows and international travel can be costly, and STEP Fund reimbursement can offset a meaningful portion of those expenses. Deadlines and funding rounds change, so applicants should check the current round status on the official Oklahoma Commerce website before applying. Because program details such as exact award amounts, open application windows, and eligibility nuances can shift year to year, always confirm the latest information directly at the official source listed below before making business decisions based on this program.