STEP Grants – Export Voucher Program : Making it easier to expand to new markets
Funded in part by the Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program ( STEP ), this program reimburses a business for such international market expansion efforts as trade show registration fees , airfare , and more . Qualifying companies who are new to exports or entering new markets can get up to $ 10,000 to offset expenses through the STEP Export Voucher Program .
“ It ’ s important to remember that applications for an export voucher are only considered for events or activities taking place in the future ,” says Nicole Gunkle , STEP program manager . “ Once the application has been approved , participants can begin incurring expenses for their activities and submit those expenses for reimbursement once the activity is complete .”
STEP Program eligibility
1 . Be registered to do business in Washington State .
2 . Have a Federal Employer Identification Number tied to a Washington address .
3 . Be in good standing with the Washington Department of Revenue .
4 . Be a small business concern ( SBC ) as defined by SBA criteria and meet other program criteria , such as being in business for at least one year and being able to demonstrate export readiness .
5 . Have at least 51 percent of your total goods / services sourced from the U . S .
To apply , visit the program website ( bit . ly / export-vouchers ) and complete a STEP Voucher Program application form . The timeframe from submitting an application to being accepted is typically about one to two weeks and can coincide with applying as a co-exhibitor with the Department of Commerce for a trade show .
42 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS