STEP

Alabama’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The Alabama State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant offers eligible Alabama small and medium-sized businesses assistance in launching or expanding export activities. Grant funds are used to reimburse Alabama businesses for pre-approved, eligible export marketing expenses. The program is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration and administered by the Global Business Office on behalf of the State of Alabama.

The program is focused on achieving three key goals:

• Increasing the number of small- and medium-sized businesses engaged in exporting.
• Boost the economic impact of Alabama’s exports by driving a higher dollar value of goods and services sold abroad.
• Foster the exploration of new export opportunities for Alabama small- and medium-sized businesses, helping them tap into foreign markets and diversify their international presence.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be in accordance with SBA guidelines and size standards: Size Standards
• For-profit and headquartered in Alabama
• Minimum of 12 months operational in Alabama
• Must be an export-ready U.S. company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least 51 percent U.S. content: Determine U.S. Content
• Not barred from receiving federal funds and in good standing with the Alabama Department of Revenue and other regulatory agencies
• Demonstrate an understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing, and shipping, per SBA guidelines

Continued participation in Alabama’s State Trade Expansion Program is not guaranteed and is subject to past performance, program compliance, return on investment (ROI) and a demonstrated export growth plan.

STEP Grant allowable expense reimbursements

All activities must be pre-approved by an international project manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce and all documentation must be collected prior to any funds being expended.

Participation in Foreign Trade Missions (Alabama or U.S. Agency Led)

• Trade mission participation and registration fees
• Main economy airfare (consistent with Fly America Act guidelines)
• Lodging expenses during the official mission dates (capped at the nightly federal per diem rates)

Participation in International Trade Shows

• Participation in Foreign Trade Missions (Alabama or U.S. Agency Led)
• Participation in International Trade Shows

Domestic trade shows that have international attendees and buyers (at least 25%) will be considered.

Participation in a Foreign Market Sales Trip

• U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service Gold Key service fees or private consultant (business matchmaking only) fees.
• Main economy airfare (consistent with Fly America Act guidelines)
• Lodging expenses during the official sales trip dates (capped at the nightly federal per diem rates)

Utilizing the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS)

• Fees associated with USFCS programs including but not limited to their Gold Key Services, International Partner Searches, and Single Company Promotions.

Increasing your Online International Presence

• Fees associated with the translation of websites into foreign languages, localization for foreign markets, and search engine optimization

STEP Grant Unallowable Expense Reimbursements

• Passport or visa fees
• Meals
• Immunizations
• Expenses related to entertaining current or prospective clients or government officials
• New product development or alteration of existing products
• Cellphones and cellphone charges
• Television and radio production
• Efforts to create or augment marketing and advertising campaigns to draw international visitors to a state
• Cost for printing marketing materials
• Cost for development and/or design of a website for a company
• Cost for enhancement and/or development of an existing company’s product 
• Incidental expenses associated with individual’s attendance at meetings, conferences and symposiums

Please also note:

• Travel reimbursement is limited to two (2) travelers per activity.
• As noted, flights must adhere to Fly America/Open Skies agreements. Only main economy class tickets are eligible for reimbursement. Flight eCredits are ineligible. 
• Bookings made through third-party booking sites and travel agencies are ineligible.