Description
The Missouri Department of Economic Development, funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Association, administers the Missouri State Trade & Expansion Program (MO STEP). The MO STEP program offers small businesses grant opportunities to fund qualifying international activities that further the importance of exporting in the state. The aim of the MO STEP 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.
Federal Funding Disclosure
In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328:
Missouri State Trade Expansion Program
- STEP 12 (Federal FY24) Cycle: 9/30/2024 - 9/29/2026
- Federal Share: 75% - $375,000
- Non-Federal Share: 25% - $125,000
Total Program Cost: $500,000
- STEP 13 (Federal FY25) Cycle: 07/01/2026 - 09/29/2027
- Federal Share: 75% - $235,0000
- Non-Federal Share: 25% - $78,333
- Total Program Cost: $313,333
Do I Qualify?
The target audience for this program is small businesses, with 500 employees or less. DED will focus assistance to these small firms to new markets in order to ensure increased opportunities.
- 500 employees or fewer
- Is licensed to do business in the State of Missouri and is in good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State;
- Has been in business in Missouri for no less than 1-year on the date of application for funding;
- Is operating profitably; based on operations in the US
- Is an export-ready U.S. company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least 51% U.S. content;
- Has demonstrated export sales potential and intent, understanding the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the cost of freight forwarding, custom brokers, packing and shipping and has a strategic plan in effect for exporting;
- Registrants will be required to acknowledge and commit to the reporting methodology as set forth by the state and detailed on each application form.
How Do I Apply?
Eligible applicants must submit a complete application form and all required supporting materials no less than 15 business days prior to a trade activity. Only applicants applying for approved cost-share activities will be reviewed for approval. Application review will consider activity, market opportunity, impact, likelihood of success and availability of funds. Approval of the application is required in advance of the event. Once completed, all receipts and source documentation evidencing the cost and the cost share must be submitted to DED within 90 days of the execution of the event(s) for reimbursement. Failure to comply with the submission of required documents may result in the delay or cancellation of the approved reimbursement. Reimbursement is the lesser of the authorized amount in the approval letter or the actual eligible costs. A Tax Clearance Letter from the Missouri Department of Revenue indicating that the applicant/company has no outstanding taxes due must accompany the request for reimbursement.
Application Checklist:
- Core Application Materials
- Completed and signed Application Form
- Export Plan (if required)
- Supporting Documents
- SBA Self-Representation Form (valid for one year)
- SBA Debarment Certification Form (valid for one year)
- MissouriBuys registration (instructions below/one time requirement)
- Signed Certificate of Statement (signature page of application)
- E-Verify Memorandum (instructions below; one time requirement)
- Fly America Document (if applicable)
- Additional Documentation required after activity takes place
- Itemized, paid receipts
- Certificate of Tax Clearance letter, provided by the MO Department of Revenue (DOR) (valid for 90 days)
- Company Invoice to DED
- Client Impact Statement (CIS)
- Supplemental materials, if required
Need Help?
Contact the International Trade and Investment Office at exports@ded.mo.gov or 573-751-4855.