Program Overview

The MEDC International Trade Program has a new allocation of State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funds available for eligible small business concerns. On September 25, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded Michigan the maximum state award of $1,350,000 in MI-STEP funds for FY21. With additional state match funding, total funds available are $1.85 million.

The program has three primary objectives:

• Increase the number of Michigan small businesses that export
• Increase the dollar value of Michigan exports
• Increase the number of Michigan small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities

Eligibility

Up to $15,000 in assistance is available to offset 75 percent of pre-approved expenses per fiscal year. Michigan companies must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for MI-STEP funds:

1. Be in accordance with Small Business Administration
   (SBA) guidelines and size standards:
   www.sba.gov/content/small-business-size-standards
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the costs associated
   with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers,
   including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers,
   packing, and shipping, per SBA guidelines
3. Demonstrate potential for export success and positive
   impact on the regional economy
4. Provide an EIN number linked to a Michigan address
5. Be in good standing with the Michigan Department of
   Treasury and other regulatory agencies
6. Must be an export-ready U.S. company seeking to
   export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least
   51 percent U.S. content

Determine U.S. COntent

Allowable Uses of MI-STEP Funds

Program funds may be approved for export marketing-related activities including:

1. Participation in foreign trade missions
2. U.S. Department of Commerce services
3. International website design, development, and translation; search engine optimization and localization maintenance and monitoring; e-commerce fees including hosting and maintenance capped at $10,000 reimbursement per award year
4. Design and translation of international marketing media, including social media and digital ad placements, capped at $6,000 reimbursement per award year
5. International trade show participation
6. Foreign sales trip
7. U.S.-based international trade show participation
8. Participation in export training workshops
9. Reverse foreign buyer missions (meeting space/audio visual)
10. Cost of compliance testing for an existing product for entry into an export market capped at $6,000 reimbursement per award year
11. Sample product shipping capped at $4,000 reimbursement per award year

Expense/Reimbursement Limitations

Ineligible expenses include:

• Meals, entertainment, cell phone charges, gifts, and personal expenses 
• Passport and visa fees
• Immunization expenses
• Travel reimbursement for distributors or sales representatives not employed by the Michigan company
• Fees for shipping products to be sold in market
• Printing materials/services

Please also note:

• Travel reimbursement is limited to two (2) travelers who must be U.S. citizens
• Flights must adhere to Fly America/Open Skies agreements. Only economy flights are eligible for reimbursement — no upgrades
• Mileage is reimbursable at the federal per diem rate — no gas receipts, unless used with a rental car

Contact your ITM to Apply