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Oregon's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP Program)

Export Promotion Program


Participating in international trade shows and trade missions is among the most effective ways for companies to enter into new international markets or expand their visibility in existing markets.


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STEP Grant Update

Effective October 1, 2023

We have received additional funding for STEP 11. New STEP Grant requests will be accepted beginning October 1, 2023. Due to limited funding, applications will be evaluated on several metrics including historical performance and return on investment and awarded based on a competitive process. Please contact a Global Trade Specialist for additional information and details about the program.

Applications are processed and awarded, first-come-first-served on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. 
Applications are limited to events occurring 6 months or less from the date of submission and should be submitted at least weeks prior the start of any intended activity.

Trade shows offer the opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest, and evaluate the competition. A trade mission can be a cost-effective way to meet potential distributors and buyers, secure licensing agreements, and explore joint venture opportunities. The Oregon Export Promotion Program helps Oregon companies access foreign markets and increase exports to existing markets through participation in various trade development activities. 


Click Here to Apply for Export Grant


​​Oregon's Trade Promotion Grants are awarded to eligible small businesses that meet the U.S. SBA's definition and can self-certify their eligibility. Small businesses are generally defined as those with 500 or fewer employees. Candidates must evaluate and certify their eligibility by submitting two required SBA forms: Self Certify as a Small Business, and Debarment Certification.  

Additional Qualifying Criteria

  • Companies must have been in business for at least one year prior to application;
  • Businesses must be headquartered in Oregon, and at least 50 percent of the business's total employees must be employed in Oregon; 
  • The applicant must promote their own export ready product or service that is Oregon manufactured, processed, or value-added; 
  • The business must commit at least one full-time, U.S. based employee for the duration of the Export Promotion Grant-funded activity; and 
  • For a trade show, the applicant must actively exhibit (e.g., rent a booth space and attend), pay the trade show organizer directly for the activity, and provide receipts for any allowable expense submitted for reimbursement, or accompany a Global Trade Specialist as an attendee at an approved trade show.
  • A Grant Agreement must be signed with Business Oregon prior to initiation of covered activities. Grants will not cover any activity retroactively.


Eligible Activities

Most export training and development activities are supported by the program, though specific programs of activity must be developed in consultation with a Global Trade Specialist. Examples of supported activities include: 

  • U.S. Department of Commerce services, counseling, B2B match-making, Gold Key or subscription to other services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service
  • Website translation into foreign language, website localization and search engine optimization
  • E-Commerce set-up fees associated with online storefront set-up targeted toward international markets (recurring fees excluded)
  • Participation in export training workshops and/or attendance at export seminars provided by the U.S. Commercial Service and partner organizations in U.S. locations
  • EXIM Bank premium expenses
  • Training related to international projects, including cybersecurity and EAR/ITAR training
  • Eligible International and Domestic tradeshows, both live and virtual, including translation services
  • International trade missions organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, Business Oregon, or specific State Trade & Export Program (STEP) Partners/Contractors

Eligible Reimbursements

Expenses eligible for reimbursement include:  

  • Freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from trade show (up to a maximum of $2,000)
  • Lodging Per Diem for up to two U.S. based company employees for the duration of the event, plus travel time up to two days before and one day after for international events, and up to one day prior for domestic events.* 
  • Meals and Incidentals are not reimbursable
  • International & Domestic airfare for up to two U.S. based company employees to and from a grant-funded activity. Subject to a maximum reimbursement of $500 per roundtrip ticket for domestic events, and $1000 per roundtrip ticket for international events**
  • Ground transportation costs up to $350 within the hosting event locale
  • Costs associated with tradeshow booth purchase, design, and set-up (e.g., space rental, construction at trade show site, equipment and/or furniture rental, utility costs, booth signage)   
  • Additional industry and market research as provided by Export Promotion Program partners or contractor
  • Ancillary expenses not relevant to trade show participation will not be reimbursed
  • Note: Purchases using frequent flyer miles, credit card points, or loyalty program rewards will not be reimbursed

​​Have an expense, tradeshow, or project that you think may be eligible for grant funding but is not listed above? Feel free to reach out! Our team is more than happy to work with you to see how we can best fit your company's needs into our grant program.​

*Lodging is based on the GSA​ domestic and U.S. De​partment​ of State​ international per diem rates. Eligible attendees will receive a 50% reimbursement for lodging expenses up to a maximum of the applicable per diem rate.​

​**Note: Travelers must observe the "Fly America Act​" and fly via U.S. flag carriers pursuant to Title 41 C.F.R. Airline-issued boarding passes or passenger receipt must be submitted as doc​umentation. ​​​

Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), money is available to assist Oregon small businesses seeking to begin or grow international sales. Export Promotion Grants reimburse up to 50 percent of a company's eligible expenses, with a maximum reimbursement amount of $8,000. Eligible applicants may apply to receive up to a maximum of two (2) grants per funding term. ​Each funding term runs annually from October 1st through September 29th. ​​​​​​

​Oregon Global Trade Grant Program Application Process: STEP by Step 

Applications are processed and awarded, first-come-first-served on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. Applications should be completed and submitted at least 6 weeks prior the start of any intended activity.​

Required Documents: Download, print, and sign the Self Representation as an Eligible Small Business Con​​​cern, Self Certify as a Small Business and Debarment Certification forms, and complete the Oregon Small Business Survey. These forms are required and will need to be submitted along with your online application in Step 2. 

Global Trade Promotion Program Application: Complete the Global Trade Promotion Program Application by creating an account on Business Oregon’s Export Application Portal. Once logged in, enter the required information and submit the online application. 

Application Review: Once your application is submitted, it’s forwarded to Business Oregon's Global Trade Team for review. This process may take two to three weeks, so please be sure to submit your application as early as possible in order to have an adequate amount of time for the review process. 

Application Acceptance: If your application is accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation email that will include your STEP Grant Document Packet as well as next steps for completing the grant reimbursement process. Your STEP Grant Document Packet will include: 

Step Grant Agreement: This four page document will detail the requirements for your grant. Once reviewed, this will need to be signed by a member of the management team from the participating company and returned by email to Business Oregon's Step Program Manager. This document must be signed and submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start date of the tradeshow/event.  

Your Post Event/Project Paperwork & Reimbursment Process

Immediate Performance Report – Exhibit A: This form will detail your experience and immediate sales associated with the attended tradeshow or other eligible event. This form is required in order to complete the reimbursement and must be submitted within 45 days of the final date of the tradeshow/event listed on the grant agreement.  

Expense Detail Report – Exhibit B: This form will compile all eligible expenses that you would like to consider for your grant reimbursement. Complete this form by listing all eligible expenses associated with the tradeshow or other eligible event. Please be sure to submit all receipts/proof of payment for any expense listed on this form. Any expense listed on this form that does not include a valid proof of payment will not be included in your grant reimbursement. This form is required for reimbursement and must be submitted within 45 days of the final date of the tradeshow/event listed on the grant agreement. ​

For more information, please contact one of our Global Trade Specialists: 




Global Trade Specialist
Aerospace & Defense
Advanced Manufacturing
Food & Beverage
503-475-1832


Global Trade Specialist
Outdoor Gear & Apparel
Business Services
971-374-3077


Global Trade Specialist
Bioscience
Cleantech & Energy
High-Tech
971-374-3076


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