State Trade Expansion Program

Let us invest in your export ambitions. Money is available to help you grow your business.

An Update on the North Carolina STEP Program

The US Small Business Administration was unable to notify states of their STEP grant awards for the 2025-2026 grant cycle before the federal government shutdown. We have been apprized by the federal government to make no awards to companies for the current year until government operations resume, and we know the actual awards going to each state. For companies with outstanding projects in the STEP 12 year (September 30, 2024-September 29, 2025), we will continue to reimburse projects as they are completed.

Business Support for NC Exporters

Funded in part through a grant with the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is specifically designed to help small businesses in North Carolina fund costs associated with international trade.

As a qualifying participant in STEP, you can be reimbursed thousands of dollars of expenses that your business would normally have to pay out-of-pocket. Because it’s grant money, you are under no obligation to repay any amount. In other words, the cost of doing business internationally becomes much less costly.

aerial view of cargo ship entering port of wilmington

Introduction to STEP 13

STEP 13 will run from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026. This one-hour webinar is designed for North Carolina exporters to not only understand eligibility for funding through the STEP program, but more specifically about utilizing the current program, STEP 13.

How the EDPNC Supported Sciencix's Global Growth

For small businesses looking to grow internationally, the right support makes all the difference. Thanks to the EDPNC and STEP grant funding, Sciencix expanded its reach, doubling business in India within a year.

From funding trade show travel to providing expert market research, the EDPNC’s international trade team acts as boots on the ground, helping businesses break into new markets—at no cost.

Receiving the STEP Grant

Qualifying exporters are eligible for up to $12,000 in reimbursements for business-building activities such as:

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Up to $3,000

for eligible travel associated with coexhibiting in an EDPNC booth at a tradeshow

Up to $8,000

for booth costs for exhibiting at a qualifying trade show
for qualifying export services and marketing media which aid in reaching foreign markets
for qualifying website localization and e-commerce fees
for qualifying EXIM credit insurance fees
for qualifying international marketing lead subscriptions
for qualifying US Commercial Service Export Services

The challenges of entering new markets as a small business are significant—from regulatory hurdles and logistics to marketing and international compliance. The STEP grant has been a vital resource in helping us overcome those barriers.

Ethel Torres

President and CEO, National Drug Source

The EDPNC has proved to be an invaluable resource as we set our sites for expanding our brand globally. The STEP program in particular helped us to network, analyze the market and launch a supporting European based business that serves as the hub for our EU-focused exports.

David Thomas

Director of Marketing, Industry Nine Componentry and 2022 Governor’s Export Award winner for Top Small Business Exporter

Our Funding Partners

Federal Funding Disclosure

In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328

Federal Funding: $900,000 (75%)
State Funding: $300,000 (25%)
Total: $1,200,000 (100%)

cargo ship approaching Port of Wilmington

Learn More About STEP

If you are interested in a STEP application, please contact your current international trade manager. To learn more about the STEP program or need export assistance, please complete the form below.

Get in Touch

Cheryl Mauro

STEP Program Manager

Email cheryl.mauro@edpnc.com

Phone 919.447.7790

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