State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
In South Carolina, funding is available for eligible small businesses to offset costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets. SC Commerce administers the STEP program, offering reimbursements for a variety of common export activities.
Is your business eligible?
Qualifying companies must be headquartered in or have a place of business in South Carolina and adhere to the following requirements:
- In business for no less than two years with a product/service with at least 51% US content
- Independently owned and operated
- Organized for-profit
- Currently has an export-ready product, a strategic plan for exporting and understands the costs associated with exporting
- Meets the US SBA’s definition of a small business
Costs that can be reimbursed
- International trade shows: Registration fees, booth space and eligible travel costs* associated with exhibiting at trade shows overseas or international trade shows taking place in the US
- US commercial service programs and subscription services: Services include Gold Key, International Partner Search, RAISE Market Research and more
- Select trade missions: Trade mission fees and eligible travel costs* incurred while participating in a SC Commerce trade mission
- Participation in export training workshops, in person or virtual
- Website and marketing enhancements: Services such as search engine optimization (SEO), translations of marketing materials and/or website localization services, website analytics and ecommerce services (such as adding an online payment option or a currency converter tool)
- Other export initiatives: Expenses incurred with procurement of consultancy services not offered by the US Commercial Service, payment for services provided by federal agencies (such as export credit insurance policy fees, shipping samples to trade shows, compliance testing and foreign market sales trips)
*Travel costs: airfare (Fly America Act), hotels (State Dept or GSA lodging rates), and/or ground transportation
The STEP program is funded in part through a grant from the US Small Business Administration. In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328, SC STEP program total cost: $433,333. Federal Share (75%): $325,000, Non-Federal Share (25%): $108,333
Considering South Carolina for your business?
Whether you’re planning a new location, expansion or relocation, our Business Development team can connect you with the right information and resources.
Download the export incentives guide
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