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STEP Export Voucher Program
General · Washington State Department of Commerce · WA
The STEP Export Voucher Program is a Washington state grant, run by the state Department of Commerce with SBA STEP funding, offering up to $10,000 in reimbursement to Washington-based small businesses for eligible export-development costs like trade shows and translation services.
The STEP Export Voucher Program is a Washington state grant program administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, funded in part through the U.S. Small Business Administration's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). It provides cash reimbursement to eligible small businesses for costs related to entering or growing in foreign markets.
Eligible expenses include participation in international trade shows, translation services, and marketing materials needed to support export activities. Businesses can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement, with a limit of three vouchers per federal fiscal year. Each voucher covers up to 75% of an eligible event's cost, meaning the business must cover the remaining portion itself.
This program is intended for Washington-based small businesses that already export a U.S.-origin product or service, or that are ready to begin exporting. It matters to small-business owners because entering foreign markets can be expensive — trade shows, translation, and marketing materials add up quickly — and this reimbursement structure helps offset some of that cost without requiring repayment, since it is structured as a grant rather than a loan.
Deadlines are not fixed; applicants should check current funding rounds, as availability may vary depending on when the program is open. Because program details such as exact award amounts, application rounds, and eligibility criteria can change, business owners should confirm the most current information directly at the official Washington State Department of Commerce export assistance webpage before applying. This listing reflects available program facts as of the most recent update and is not a guarantee of current terms.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, structured as a cash reimbursement — it does not need to be repaid.
Who runs this program?
The Washington State Department of Commerce administers it, with partial funding from the U.S. SBA's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
Who is eligible?
Washington-based small businesses that export or are ready to begin exporting a U.S.-origin product or service.
How much money can I get?
Up to $10,000 in reimbursement, with up to three vouchers per federal fiscal year, each covering up to 75% of an eligible event's cost.
Do I have to cover any of the cost myself?
Yes, since a voucher covers up to 75% of an event's cost, the business is responsible for the remaining 25% or more.
What expenses are covered?
Eligible costs include international trade-show exhibition, translation services, and marketing materials for export development.
Is there a deadline?
There is no fixed deadline listed; applicants should check current funding rounds at the official site.
Where do I apply?
Apply through the official page at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/export-assistance/export-vouchers/.
Is this only for businesses already exporting?
No, it's open to businesses that already export as well as those that are ready to begin exporting.
Is the award amount taxable?
This is not addressed in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Can businesses outside Washington apply?
No, this program is limited to Washington-based small businesses.
How many times can I use this program?
Up to three vouchers can be received per federal fiscal year.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Washington State Department of Commerce; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.