Over $1.1 million in export assistance funds available for Michigan's small businesses

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce Michigan has received the top award of $847,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) for the upcoming fiscal year. The Michigan Strategic Fund is providing an additional $282,333 as the state match to support the Michigan STEP (MI-STEP) initiative and help small businesses grow through increased access to global markets. The MEDC’s International Trade program has now facilitated over $6.3 billion in new small business export sales by deploying critical export resources and fostering a statewide network of export support.  

This year marks the 14th year of STEP funding from SBA, which has awarded nearly $16 million to the state of Michigan since its inception. With 95% of the world's consumers and two-thirds of all purchasing power located outside of the United States, Michigan’s administration of STEP dollars to small businesses is critical in promoting Michigan’s goods and services worldwide.  

Michigan has historically led the nationwide STEP grant program in results of facilitated export sales. While the national return on investment (ROI) remains 40:1 for facilitated sales realized from SBA STEP dollars, Michigan retains #1 status with a reported ROI of 328:1 during STEP program history, as published in the most recent SBA Annual Report to Congress.

“Right now, small businesses across Michigan are grappling with higher costs due to tariffs, inflation, and war overseas,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to help small businesses export their products, compete globally, and create good-paying jobs here at home. These grants will help our small businesses navigate uncertainty and succeed. Together, let’s keep working to grow our economy and help more small businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

This year’s SBA award will continue to support export development for small- and medium-sized businesses through grants for international sales trips, trade missions, and trade shows. MI-STEP eligible uses have expanded from FY25 to include design and translation of international marketing media, cost of compliance testing and/or international certifications for an existing product entering an export market, and sample product shipping. The reimbursement rate remains at 75% to encourage more companies to visit international markets and overcome the challenges presented by today’s trade environment.

MI-STEP is designed to spur job creation by empowering small- and medium-sized businesses to export their products, providing reimbursement grants up to $15,000 annually for eligible export-related expenses.

“Michigan companies have the expertise and innovation to compete successfully in markets around the world. Expanding our companies’ global reach is a key priority of the state’s economic development strategy. By helping businesses increase exports, we’re creating new opportunities for growth, strengthening companies, and supporting good-paying jobs that benefit local economies across Michigan,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “In fiscal year 2025, federal and state funding for MI-STEP allocated more than $1 million to 117 small businesses. Michigan small businesses utilizing MEDC’s International Trade resources, including MI-STEP, reported $496 million in new export sales to 121 countries, which is a testament to the global reach of Michigan businesses.”

MI-STEP applications are accepted Oct. 1 through Sept. 15 for small- and medium-sized businesses pursuing export development. MI-STEP grants are competitive awards and funding is not guaranteed. Companies that may not qualify for MI-STEP or do not receive MI-STEP funding are encouraged to engage with Michigan’s network of international trade resources and service providers offering support for businesses at any point along their international growth journey. These services include B2B matchmaking, qualified and unqualified partner lists, worldwide credit reports, export compliance support, customized market research, and more – available at no cost to Michigan small businesses.

Get details on how to apply for assistance, including MI-STEP eligibility requirements and the application process, or complete the online intake form to start a conversation with an International Trade Manager.
 
FEDERAL FUNDING DISCLOSURE (Section 632, Public Law 117-328) Michigan STEP year 13 (Federal Fiscal Year 2025): • Federal share: $847,000 (75%) • Non-federal share: $282,333 (25%) • Total program cost: $1,129,333

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.