WHAT IS SOUTH DAKOTA STEP?
The South Dakota State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides grants to eligible small businesses. The goals of STEP are to increase the number of small businesses that export, increase the value of exports, and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. These grants provide up to 75% reimbursement of the total cost of eligible expenses related to export development total activity cost. SD STEP is a local chapter of the federal grant program funded in part from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and managed by South Dakota Trade (SDT).
SOUTH DAKOTA STEP GRANT SUCCESSES
ROI GENERATED BY THE FIRST GRANT CYCLE
28X
EXPORTS COME FROM SMALL BUSINESSES
83%
REAL MEMBERS. REAL RESULTS.
The STEP program has been an invaluable tool for our company. It’s allowed us to significantly reduce the risk of international expansion and helped us find international partners who serve as distribution agents overseas. Thanks to the STEP program, we’ve generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in new revenue over the last five years with a relatively minimal investment.
John Willard
CEO, Caw Industries Inc., Plant Catalyst
John Willard
CEO, Caw Industries Inc., Plant Catalyst
Eligibility Requirements
Assistance is limited to South Dakota companies that qualify as “eligible small business concerns,” have profitable U.S. operations, products, or services for export that have at least 51% US content, are in good standing with the South Dakota Department of Revenue and the IRS, and agree to a limited media release.
South Dakota Trade allocates funds to approved companies on a first-come, first-served basis. If funds are available and the company is approved, eligible businesses can take advantage of a second grant.
How to Apply
You’ll be asked to fill out a STEP application providing information on your company, products, or services produced, proposed international market activity, anticipated results, and project budget (Attachment A). You’ll also need to:
- Sign a Letter of Commitment outlining your company’s obligations if you receive a grant (Attachment B).
- Sign a Limited Media Release Form (Attachment C).
- Sign SBA Eligible Small Business Concern Self-Certification Form (Attachment D).
- Sign SBA Form 1624, Certification Regarding Debarment (Attachment E).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Funding decisions will be made on a competitive basis, based on the likelihood that the company’s export efforts will be sustained or expanded beyond the grant period, and the potential economic impact for the company and for job creation in South Dakota.
QUALIFYING BUSINESS EXPENSES
The current SD STEP grant program is available for projects through September 29, 2026 (as available funding allows). At times there are multiple grant periods running at the same time. Qualified activities and programs can include:
- Foreign trade missions, virtual or in-person
- Foreign trade shows
- Foreign market sales trips
- Export-related enhancements to websites, apps, or e-commerce platforms, including translation
- Department of Commerce subscription services
- Export-related training and education courses
- Design of international marketing materials, including digital materials and ad placements
- Costs relating to foreign product certifications/compliance testing
- Costs associated with international intellectual property protection
- Fees for shipping sample products
- Airfare (limited to one person, economy class on a US air carrier, and compliance with Airline Open Skies Agreements (Fly America Act) provisions)
- Hotel (limited to one person subject to S. State Department Foreign Federal Hotel Per Diem Rates. For reimbursement of hotel accommodations, submit invoices containing only room rates, taxes, and/or hotel fees; amenities are not eligible for reimbursement.)
- Premiums on trade insurance (i.e., Export-Import Bank premiums)
- Any other eligible expenses, subject to review.
Ineligible expenses that will not be covered include compensation, wages, or salary; alcoholic beverages, meals, and incidentals; phone and Internet usage; passport or visa fees; immunizations; new product development or alteration of existing products; printing of international marketing materials; video and radio production costs; and capital goods, product samples, giveaways, supplies, and conference registrations.
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS
All grant activities and reporting must be completed by September 29, 2026. Successful applicants must provide quarterly activity reports during the entire grant period from September 30, 2024–September 29, 2026, even after having been reimbursed. Companies that fail to meet this requirement may not be eligible for a STEP Grant in the future.
Activity reports must provide details regarding export successes, such as joint ventures, actual sales, contract agreements, and/or partnerships with distributors/agents. Awardees will recover authorized funds only after their activity has been completed and all documentation and receipts are submitted in a single package to the Office of International Commerce.
All reimbursements must be listed on the Reimbursement Form (Attachment F). Only itemized receipts or invoices with eligible expenses and proof of payment will be reimbursed. If an award activity is not executed for any reason the applicant is responsible for all activity costs; no pre-paid activity costs for non-executed activities will be reimbursed. Reimbursement payments will normally be issued within a month of submission.
Activity reports must provide details regarding export successes, such as joint ventures, actual sales, contract agreements, and/or partnerships with distributors/agents. Awardees will recover authorized funds only after their activity has been completed and all documentation and receipts are submitted in a single package to the Office of International Commerce.
All reimbursements must be listed on the Reimbursement Form (Attachment F). Only itemized receipts or invoices with eligible expenses and proof of payment will be reimbursed. If an award activity is not executed for any reason the applicant is responsible for all activity costs; no pre-paid activity costs for non-executed activities will be reimbursed. Reimbursement payments will normally be issued within a month of submission.