The State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP) is a 3-year pilot trade and export initiative authorized by the federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) won a competitive STEP grant award of $1.26 million to help raise the dollar value of export sales in Illinois. Illinois' STEP program will focus on providing small and medium-sized businesses with financial and technical assistance, including the opportunity to participate in group Trade Missions or Individual Foreign Market Sales Missions. STEP one-time assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis for all qualifying companies, for either an Individual or Group Trade Mission, but not both.
Print our STEP brochure
OTI STEP Presentation
How To Apply
Applicants are required to fill out an ITC Request for Consultation Form which is available at your nearest International Trade Center.
Individual Foreign Market Sales Mission
Businesses outside of the sectors represented in the scheduled STEP Trade Missions are encouraged to undertake an individual foreign market sales mission. Qualified businesses will enjoy:
- $1500 cap per company toward program costs, which can include Gold Key services such as matchmaking and trade show registration
- 50-75% travel cost reimbursement, not to exceed $5,000 for travel per company; partial travel reimbursement for only one Illinois company representative, which includes economy class air fare and standard hotel room
STEP Trade Mission
STEP Trade Missions are available to a limited number of companies. Qualified participants will receive the following complimentary services:
- Financial assistance covering associated costs including: trade show booth fees, group ground transportation, matchmaking fees, interpreters, briefing materials, and assistance with travel logistics
- 50-75% travel cost reimbursement, not to exceed $5,000 for travel per company; partial travel reimbursement for only two Illinois company representatives, which includes economy class air fare and standard hotel room
Review the calendar of upcoming trade missions.
Is your business eligible?
Illinois businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible for STEP funding:
- In operation for at least one year with 500 employees or less
- Minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue for U.S. operations
- Demonstrates an understanding of the costs associated with exporting
- Exports products and/or services that contain at least 51% USA and 25% Illinois content, or in the opinion of the OTI, the products and or services to be promoted substantially contribute to Illinois job creation/retention efforts
- OTI/International Trade Center has determined the company has a sound strategy for exporting and is export ready