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South Carolina Export Incentives Program (STEP / SCOPE)
General · South Carolina Department of Commerce · SC
The South Carolina Export Incentives Program, known as STEP and SCOPE, is a reimbursement grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce that helps South Carolina small and medium-sized businesses cover pre-approved costs of entering or expanding into international markets, such as trade missions and export exhibitions.
The South Carolina Export Incentives Program, made up of STEP and SCOPE, is a reimbursement grant offered through the South Carolina Department of Commerce to help small and medium-sized businesses in South Carolina grow their international sales. STEP is funded through a federal SBA grant, while SCOPE is funded by the state; together they cover pre-approved export-related expenses such as participation in trade missions, international trade shows and exhibitions, and programs run through the U.S. Commercial Service.
For a small business owner looking to break into or expand in foreign markets, this program matters because export activities like international travel, exhibition booths, and market-entry services can be expensive. Rather than covering ordinary operating costs, this grant is specifically aimed at offsetting costs tied to expanding abroad, which can otherwise be a barrier for smaller firms without a global sales team.
The award amount is not fixed — it varies depending on available program funds and the specific expenses that are pre-approved before the activity takes place. This is a reimbursement-style grant, meaning a business generally needs to get approval and incur eligible costs first, then seek reimbursement rather than receiving funds upfront.
Because funding rounds, dollar amounts, and open application windows change from year to year, businesses should check the official South Carolina Department of Commerce export services page for the current status of STEP and SCOPE before making any export-related spending decisions tied to this program. As of 2026, applicants are advised to confirm current award amounts, open rounds, and eligibility requirements directly with the state.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant — specifically a reimbursement grant, not a loan that needs to be repaid.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, funds are reimbursed for pre-approved eligible export expenses and are not repaid like a loan.
Who runs this program?
The South Carolina Department of Commerce administers both the STEP and SCOPE programs.
Who is eligible?
South Carolina-based small and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter or expand into international markets.
How much money can I get?
The amount varies based on available program funds and the specific pre-approved export expenses; confirm at the source for current figures.
What expenses does it cover?
Pre-approved export costs such as trade missions, international trade exhibitions, and U.S. Commercial Service programs.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The listing notes to check current rounds; specific deadlines should be confirmed at the official source.
Do I need approval before spending money?
Yes, this is a reimbursement grant, so expenses generally need pre-approval before they are incurred.
Is this a state or federal program?
It combines both — STEP is funded through a federal SBA grant, and SCOPE is state-funded.
Where do I apply?
Through the South Carolina Department of Commerce's export services page at the official link provided.
Is the award amount fixed?
No, it varies depending on available funds and the specific approved expenses.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm tax treatment at the source or with a tax professional.
Can businesses outside South Carolina apply?
No, eligibility is limited to South Carolina-based businesses.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with South Carolina Department of Commerce; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.