The Iowa Economic Development Authority is pleased to announce the receipt of a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant in the amount of $370,258.00 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The STEP Pilot Grant Initiative provides grants to states for small business exporting assistance programs. The aim of the STEP Initiative is to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and increase the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority will disburse grant funds via the following programs to help eligible Iowa companies develop or expand their export markets:

Technical Trade Assistance Program (TTAP) – Iowa Economic Development Authority’s International Trade Office will provide an assessment of a company’s export needs, provide consultation and linkage to a variety of export resources at the local, state and federal levels

Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP) – Provides up to $3,000 assistance per occurrence to participate at a domestic trade show with an international buyers program

Expanded Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP) – Provides up to $4,000 per occurrence, up to three times in the fiscal year, to help defray expenses when participating at a trade show or on a trade mission outside of the U.S.

Product Trade Assistance Program (PTAP) – Provides up to $5,000 per occurrence to assist a company in adjusting product or product certification to expand export opportunities

Funding will be available October 1 through the International Trade Office of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. To learn more about the STEP grant , e-mail: international@iowa.gov or contact Lisa Longman at 515.725.3139.