U.S. Virgin Islands State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The U.S. Virgin Islands State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a federally funded grant program administered by the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority's Enterprise Zone Commission, with funding originating from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). STEP is designed to help export-ready small manufacturers and artisans based in the USVI expand their sales into foreign and mainland U.S. markets.

Rather than providing general working capital, STEP funds specific export-related activities. According to the program summary, this includes training on exporting, participation in foreign trade missions, market sales trips, and trade-show attendance. In past cycles, USVI businesses have used STEP support to travel to major U.S. and international trade events, helping them make connections and generate sales outside the territory.

This program matters to a small-business owner in the Virgin Islands because breaking into new markets — whether on the U.S. mainland or abroad — often requires travel, booth fees, and marketing costs that can be difficult for a small manufacturer or artisan to cover alone. STEP is meant to offset some of those costs so export-ready businesses can pursue growth opportunities they might not otherwise afford.

The award amount is described as varying by award cycle, and no fixed dollar range is listed here. The deadline is listed only as "check current rounds," meaning application windows open periodically rather than on a single fixed date. Because program details such as funding amounts, open application rounds, and specific eligibility documentation can change from year to year, business owners should confirm the latest information directly with the USVI Economic Development Authority before applying or planning around this funding.