Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) 2026

About

The Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) offers grants to eligible small businesses in Massachusetts to support their export activities, providing funding for various international business development costs and requiring a matching contribution.

Benefits

• 💰Grant funding
  Grants ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 for approved export-related projects
• 📈Reimbursement for specific costs
  Covers costs for trade shows, marketing, and international business development services
• 🌐Support for export readiness
  Assistance in preparing for international markets

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an eligible small business concern under Section 503 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015
• Must have at least 51% U.S. content
• Must be seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin

Participation Commitments

• Complete online application — Must submit a detailed application by the deadline
• Match requirement — New-to-STEP firms must provide a 10% match; others must provide a 20% match
• Project timeline — Funded activities must occur between June 30, 2026, and July 31, 2027

Target Region

Massachusetts, USA

Target Sector

Small businesses engaged in export activities