Community & Economic Development
KY Cabinet for Economic Development
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Kentucky Export Initiative
KY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
State
Grant Funding
Rolling
STEP is a reimbursement grant available through a partnership between the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The purpose of this program is to help Kentucky’s small to mid-size businesses grow by entering or expanding markets internationally. The grant offsets costs associated with exporting activities such as exhibiting at trade shows with international audiences, trade missions, website and product translations, export training, and more.
Next funding deadline
Rolling deadline
Timing Notes
Eligible Kentucky businesses may apply for the grant and conduct allowable export development activities within the timeframe of the grant, from 06/30/2026 until 09/29/2027 or earlier depending on funding availability. This is a reimbursement grant. Once an application is approved and activities conducted, expenses must be submitted and approved for reimbursement. Reimbursements must be submitted within a timely manner following the activity. Do not hold onto requests as this may result in the request not being funded. Funds are administered in the priority they are received on a first come, first-served basis until all state funds are expended and reimbursements are contingent upon availability of funds.
Max Award Amount
15000
Cost share/match Required
No
Eligible applicants
Small Business
Eligibile Geographies
Anywhere in Kentucky
Eligibility Notes
To be eligible, applicants must be a Kentucky-based, small to mid size for-profit business that has been physically located and operational in Kentucky for at least one year and be in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Business must have exportable products and/or services that contain at least 51% US content. and have the capacity to take on exporting. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Please see the Eligibility form for complete details. To apply applicants should download and save all three STEP forms before completing and submitting them via email. These forms include: 1 - Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development STEP Grant Eligibility form 2 - Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development International Export Readiness & Growth Assessment (ERA) form 3 - Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development STEP Application Email completed copies of the above mentioned mandatory forms to mnecamp@ky.gov. Include #encrpyt in the subject line of the email to protect confidential information.
Contact Information
Additional Links
https://kyexports.com/step-grant/
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