State Trade and Export Program (STEP)

Connecting Alaska's Small Businesses to China

About Alaska's STEP Grant

Alaska’s STEP grant focuses on increasing trade to China in seafood, wood products, mineral and other export sectors. Activities include translation services, export training and consultation, and trade missions and trade shows.

In a partnership between the Governor’s Office of International Trade and the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development, the State of Alaska received a $330,000 grant from the United States Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Export Promotion Grant (STEP) Pilot Grant Initiative. The purpose of the STEP Initiative is to increase small business exports. These goals build on the National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports and give America a stronger competitive edge in the global market.

STEP programs are administered by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and the Office of International Trade.

Eligibility

Eligible companies must fit the SBA definition of a small business, based on annual sales or number of employees, and:

• Complete the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Export Questionnaire with a score of 91 -100.
• Have been in operation for at least one year
• Have an understanding of the costs associated with exporting
• Have a strategic plan for exporting
• Have products or services that are appropriate for the target market
• Agree to participate in surveys and provide information on program outcomes

Final eligibility will be determined by the State of Alaska.