FY18 MI-STEP Funding Now Available!

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international trade team - michigan economic development corp

MichiganBusiness.org

October 3, 2017

APPLY NOW: STEP Application available on the Online Portal!

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FY18 Funding is available for eligible export activities

October kicks off MEDC’s new fiscal year, which means the International Trade Program has a new allocation of State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funds available for eligible small business concerns.  On September 12, 2017, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded Michigan the maximum state award of $900,000 in MI-STEP funds for FY18. With additional support from the Michigan Strategic fund, total available funding for FY18 is over $1.7 million.

Funding period

September 30, 2017 through September 29, 2018

Note: All activities must take place during this time period. 

NEW! Award amounts:

This year, maximum annual award amounts are increasing from $12,000 to $15,000 per award year.

New-to-export companies: maximum reimbursement $7,000 per year

Market Expansion companies: maximum reimbursement $15,000 per year 

If you are unsure of your funding level OR are new to the program, please complete our online intake form.

Eligible export activities:

1. Participation in foreign trade missions

2. U.S. Department of Commerce services

3. Website fees (translation to foreign languages, localization to foreign markets, SEO)

4. Design of marketing media

5. International trade show participation

6. Domestic trade show participation

7. Participation in export training workshops

8. Reverse trade missions

9. Procurement of consultancy services

10. Other export initiatives (subject to approval from SBA)

NEW! Application Process:

The application process has moved to the existing online portal! This is the same system used for MI-STEP reimbursements & quarterly sales confirmations. It is now available under the “MEDC Programs” tab. Hit “Apply Now” to start your application. Move through the tabs to edit all of the required information. You can save at any time and all applications will be found under “My Applications.”

  • Need portal access? Send full name, title & email address to your Regional International Trade Manager to request a username & password. 

Resources for companies:

 Need portal access? Send full name, title & email address to your Regional International Trade Manager to request a username & password. 

For questions related to the new funding year, please contact your Regional International Trade Manager or STEP Program Manager, Natalie Sandborn at sandbornn@michigan.org

For more information about the MEDC International Trade Services

Visit http://www.michiganbusiness.org/grow/international-trade-services or contact export@michigan.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/export-assistance