Export Grants Available for Small Firms

SBA funds administered through state DECD

Small businesses interested in promoting their products to international markets can apply for federal funding through the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Funding is made possible by a $339,319 State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant awarded to Connecticut by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The three-year grant program, now in its second year, is aimed at increasing the value of exports for small businesses currently exporting and growing the number of companies that export.

DECD, which administers the program for the SBA, directs funds toward international business development opportunities and technical assistance programs.

Last year, 178 grant awards allowed Connecticut companies to participate in:

• Medica, the leading international medical device trade show, in Dusseldorf, Germany
• Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology trade show, in Hannover, Germany
• The Farnborough Air Show, one of the world’s largest air shows, in Farnborough, U.K.

“STEP grants are helping Connecticut’s small businesses make critical investments so that they can expand their profile in the global economy,” says DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith.

The funding period runs through the end of September 2013. For information on eligibility criteria, required forms, and open application periods, contact Aaron Knight at DECD at 860.270.8059 or aaron.knight@ct.gov.