Oklahoma STEP Fund Grant: Up to $24,000 for Small Business Export

Grant Overview

Unlock International Markets with SBA-Backed Export Funding for Oklahoma Small Businesses

Donor: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

About: The Oklahoma State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Fund represents a strategic partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce designed to empower small businesses across the state to venture into international markets. This specialized funding initiative addresses a critical challenge many small businesses face—the financial and knowledge barriers to export expansion—by providing matching funds for approved export-related activities.

For many Oklahoma small businesses, the potential for growth lies beyond domestic borders, yet navigating international trade requires resources and expertise that can be prohibitively expensive. The STEP Fund directly tackles these obstacles by reimbursing eligible companies for up to $24,000 in export-related expenses for activities occurring between October 1, 2024, and September 29, 2026. This practical financial support allows Oklahoma entrepreneurs to showcase their products globally, make valuable international connections, and develop sustainable export strategies without shouldering the full financial burden.

What makes the STEP Fund particularly valuable is its comprehensive approach to export development. Beyond simple financial aid, the program offers a multifaceted support system spanning four key areas: participation in international trade shows or domestic shows with significant international attendance; involvement in Oklahoma Commerce-led foreign trade missions; access to specialized export training; and assistance with e-commerce translation and website optimization services. This holistic structure ensures businesses don’t just receive funding—they gain the tools, knowledge, and connections essential for long-term export success.

The application process has been streamlined to be accessible while still ensuring accountability. Oklahoma businesses must complete an online application, preparing several required documents that establish eligibility and demonstrate commitment to export development. Successful applicants enter into a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where funding operates through a reimbursement model, ensuring that resources are directed to businesses demonstrating serious export initiatives. The program also includes a crucial evaluation component, with funded companies agreeing to provide quarterly progress reports documenting leads, negotiations, and actual sales resulting from their STEP-funded activities.

The STEP Fund’s focused approach on export readiness is particularly beneficial for small businesses poised for international expansion. With eligibility requirements including at least one year in operation, good standing with state agencies, and products containing majority U.S. content, the program targets businesses with genuine potential for export success. This selective approach ensures maximum impact, creating sustainable pathways for Oklahoma businesses to diversify their markets and build economic resilience.

For businesses struggling to navigate the complexities of grant applications or export strategy development, Grantaura offers complementary services to maximize your chances of securing STEP funding. Our team of grant experts can provide targeted research to identify additional export-related funding opportunities, develop compelling application materials, create export business plans, and handle application submission processes on your behalf. With over 300 successful grant projects completed, Grantaura’s experienced team can transform your international business aspirations into actionable, funded initiatives.

Focus: Export expansion, international trade shows, trade missions, website translation, e-commerce optimization, export training, small business growth, global market access, international sales development

Region: Oklahoma, United States

Eligibility:
-Business must be organized or incorporated in the United States
-Business must be operating in the United States
-Must own an Oklahoma-based business that has been operational for at least 1 year
-Must be a for-profit business entity
-Must meet the SBA definition of a small business (according to SBA size standards 13 C.F.R. Part 121)
-Must be an export-ready U.S. company
-Products or services must contain majority U.S. content (51% or higher)
-Must be in good standing with Oklahoma state agencies, including Secretary of State and Oklahoma Tax Commission
-Must demonstrate ability to bear costs associated with international trade (including packing, shipping, freight forwarding, and customs brokers)

Benefits:
-Financial reimbursement of up to $24,000 per eligible company
-Matching grant funding for international or domestic trade shows with international attendees
-Financial support for booth space, booth build, and exhibitor passes (up to two people per company)
-Funding for participation in Oklahoma Commerce-led foreign trade missions
-Coverage for transportation costs including airfare, ground transportation, and lodging
-Access to export compliance training webinars
-Support for e-commerce, website optimization, and translation services (up to two languages/countries)
-Opportunity to exhibit within the Oklahoma pavilion at global trade shows
-Networking connections with international buyers and partners

Deadline: September 29, 2026

Terms:
-STEP: State Trade Expansion Program – A federal grant program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to help small businesses engage in international exports
-SBA: U.S. Small Business Administration – A federal agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses
-Export-ready: A business that has a marketable product or service, is financially and operationally prepared for international sales, and has committed resources to export development
-SAM: System for Award Management – A federal government database where businesses must register to receive federal funding
-Oklahoma Supplier Portal: Online registration system for businesses to become approved vendors with the state of Oklahoma
-Reimbursement process: Funding method where businesses pay for approved expenses upfront and then submit documentation to receive partial refund
-NAICS Code: North American Industry Classification System code – Standard used by federal agencies to classify businesses for statistical purposes
-DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise – A for-profit small business concern that is at least 51% owned by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged
-Foreign Trade Mission: Organized trips to international markets for business development and export promotion
-C.F.R.: Code of Federal Regulations – The codification of general and permanent rules published by executive departments and agencies of the federal government