IN-STEP GRANT PROGRAM
The Indiana State Trade Expansion Program (IN-STEP) provides international trade support to Indiana small businesses in the form of financial assistance towards the execution of eligible and approved trade expansion activities. IN-STEP can provide reimbursement of up to $15,000 per calendar year for related eligible expenses incurred through the execution of the approved trade support activity at a reimbursement rate of 80% upon official application approval by IEDC’s international trade team.
- $15,000 Calendar Year reimbursement cap
- 80% Reimbursement Rate towards approved and eligible expenses
To be eligible for IN-STEP funding, companies must 1) apply for an eligible IN-STEP activity, 2) identify at least one target international market, and 3) provide a detailed scope and budget.
IN-STEP ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
- International and Domestic Trade Shows
- International Trade Missions
- Translation for International Languages, Search Engine Optimization, and Website Globalization and Localization Services
- International Marketing Media Design
- U.S. Federal and Private Export and Commerce Support and Training Services
- Product Compliance Testing or Certification
BUSINESS QUALIFICATIONS:
A company must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Become a registered vendor with the State of Indiana;
- Be in operation for at least one year;
- Be new to exporting or pursuing market expansion;
- Be an Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) client;
- Be in accordance with SBA size standards, which categorizes small businesses based on measures like industry, number of employees and annual receipts. Use the SBA’s Size Standards Tool to see if your company qualifies; and
- The business’ goods must be made in the U.S. or composed of at least 51% U.S. material.
All applicant businesses applying to the IN-STEP program will be subject to a business background verification through the Indiana Department of Revenue, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, and the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office. Unresolved issues with a background check could lead to the applicant being deemed ineligible for the program.
Please contact IEDCTrade@iedc.in.gov for additional questions or APPLY TODAY FOR IN-STEP.