STEP Grants

STEP Grant Tennessee

The program primarily focuses on assisting small businesses with the resources they need to explore new international opportunities and increase their export activities, ultimately enhancing their global presence. In Tennessee, the STEP program is administered by Belmont University’s Tennessee Export Initiative (TEI). This partnership enables the university to work closely with small businesses across the state, helping them access the necessary tools, training, and financial support to expand into foreign markets. Through this initiative, TEI provides expertise in navigating the complexities of international trade and connects businesses to resources that can aid in market research, trade missions, and export documentation.

The STEP grant in Tennessee is partially funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Tennessee District Export Council (TDEC). The SBA is a key federal agency that supports the growth of small businesses in the U.S. and allocates funding to state-level programs like STEP. TDEC, composed of industry professionals with deep expertise in global trade, helps guide and support Tennessee’s small businesses in their export endeavors. Together, the SBA and TDEC work with Belmont University’s TEI to ensure that the STEP program delivers impactful results and supports Tennessee businesses in successfully entering international markets.

The STEP grant program offers small businesses financial assistance to cover a range of activities related to international market expansion. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Trade missions: Support for attending or participating in trade missions that provide direct access to foreign buyers, partners, and distributors.
• Market research: Financial assistance for conducting research into potential international markets, helping businesses make informed decisions about where to target their products or services.
• Export training and seminars: Funding for training programs that equip businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate export regulations, documentation, and logistics.
• International advertising and marketing: Assistance with promoting products in global markets through digital advertising, brochures, and other marketing materials tailored for foreign audiences.

STEP Grant funds may be used for the following activities:

• USCS Subscription Service
• International Website Fees
• International Marketing Media Design
• International Trade Show Exhibition

Small businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Export-ready, for-profit
• Organized or incorporated in the US
• Registered to do business in the State of Tennessee
• Operating in the State of Tennessee
• Exporting goods of services of US origin or consisting of at least 51% US content

The STEP grant program in Tennessee provides valuable financial support to small businesses seeking to expand their global reach. By collaborating with Belmont University’s Tennessee Export Initiative, along with the backing of the Small Business Administration and the Tennessee District Export Council, STEP is a powerful tool that helps local businesses thrive in the international marketplace, contributing to the overall economic growth and competitiveness of the state.