About this programme
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a Connecticut grant administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). It exists to help small businesses in the state increase the value of what they export, expand the number of Connecticut companies that export at all, and explore new trade opportunities abroad.
The program reimburses businesses for costs tied to specific export-development activities rather than handing out a lump sum for general use. It draws on federal STEP funding matched with state funds; the FY 2025 (Year 13) round runs on $226,000 in federal money plus a $75,333 non-federal match, for a total pool of $301,333.
Applications run through the online SMApply platform (stepgrant.smapply.io) and are processed first come, first served, so businesses that apply early in the cycle have a better shot at reimbursement before the pool is exhausted.
How it works
STEP reimburses eligible export-related expenses after a business completes the activity and submits proof of the cost. Eligible activities include exhibiting at foreign and international trade shows, trade missions, U.S. Department of Commerce services (Gold Key, International Partner Search, International Company Profile), design of international marketing material, website translation, export training (minimum 1 hour, with at least 2 participants), and export B2B matchmaking.
Ineligible costs include travel, lodging, meals, alcohol, employee compensation, product samples, promotional items, website development, visa fees, printing, product development, and entertainment or membership dues.
The FY 2025 program period runs July 22, 2026 through September 29, 2027. The application submission deadline is July 1, 2027, and any reimbursement request must be filed by October 1, 2027, and within two weeks of completing the activity.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a registered Connecticut business that manufactures, assembles, or provides an exportable service, and must qualify as an 'eligible small business concern' under SBA size standards for its NAICS code.
The business must have been operating for at least one year and must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the costs of exporting, such as freight, customs, and shipping.
Goods or services exported must be of U.S. origin or contain at least 51% U.S. content, and the applicant must not be debarred or suspended from federal programs.
How to apply
- Download and read the STEP FY 2025 Program Guidelines before applying.
- Create an account on the SMApply platform at stepgrant.smapply.io, or sign in with an existing account.
- Select the activity 'General Assistance Fund (GAF) FY 2025.'
- Complete the online Application Form for the selected activity.
- Download, sign, and scan five offline documents: Self-Certification Form, Debarment Form, Agency Vendor Form, W-9 Form, and a Strategic Export Plan (using the provided template).
- Upload all completed paperwork to the application.
- Submit the application; applications are reviewed first come, first served, subject to funding availability.
Documents you’ll typically need
- STEP FY 2025 Program Guidelines
- Application Form (online)
- Self-Certification Form
- Debarment Form
- Agency Vendor Form
- W-9 Form
- Strategic Export Plan (template provided)
Frequently asked
Is STEP a grant I receive upfront or a reimbursement?
It works as a reimbursement: you complete an eligible export activity, then submit your paperwork and proof of cost, and the reimbursement request must be filed within two weeks of finishing the activity.
What kinds of export costs does STEP cover?
Foreign and international trade show exhibiting, trade missions, U.S. Department of Commerce services like Gold Key and International Partner Search, international marketing material design, website translation, export training, and export B2B matchmaking.
Can I use STEP funding for travel or samples?
No. Travel, lodging, meals, alcohol, employee compensation, product samples, promotional items, website development, visa fees, printing, product development, and entertainment or membership dues are all ineligible.
How long has my business needed to be operating to qualify?
At least one year, and you must also qualify as an eligible small business concern under SBA size standards for your NAICS code.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The FY 2025 application submission deadline is July 1, 2027, but funding is awarded first come, first served, so applying earlier in the program period (which opens July 22, 2026) improves your odds.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.