Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program

Program Overview

The program has three primary objectives:

• Increase the number of Michigan small businesses that export
• Increase the dollar value of Michigan exports
• Increase the number of Michigan small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities

MI-STEP applications are accepted annually November 1 through September 15 pending funding availability. Applications must be received a minimum of three (3) business days prior to the start date of travel or the start date of an eligible non-travel activity. Applications that do not meet this requirement are not eligible and will not be processed or approved. Reimbursements are subject to funding availability on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of application approval status.

Eligibility

Up to $15,000 in assistance is available to offset 75 percent of pre-approved expenses per fiscal year. Michigan companies must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for MI-STEP funds:

1. Be in accordance with Small Business Administration (SBA) guidelines and size standards: www.sba.gov/content/small-business-size-standards 
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing, and shipping, per SBA guidelines
3. Demonstrate potential for export success and positive impact on the regional economy
4. Be able to provide, upon request, a copy of a Michigan LARA annual report filing or a copy of sole proprietorship or limited partnership filing from the county registrar’s office
5. Provide an EIN linked to a Michigan address
6. Be in good standing with the Michigan Department of Treasury and other regulatory agencies
7. Must be an export-ready U.S. company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least 51% U.S. content
8. Be able to demonstrate minimum gross annual revenue of $100,000
9. Be a full-time means of employment
10. Demonstrate a competitive advantage and capability of entering international markets against local products and services
11. Wholesale distributors of imported products are ineligible
12. MI-STEP program utilization is not guaranteed and is subject to past performance, program compliance, return on investment (ROI) and a demonstrated export growth need as detailed in the export strategic plan

Determine U.S. Content

Allowable Uses of MI-STEP Funds

Program funds may be approved for export marketing-related activities including:

1. Participation in foreign trade mission
   • Participation fees 
   • Basic economy airfare and lodging expenses at the nightly federal per diem rate 
2. Participation in international trade shows
   • Booth space fees, associated booth space expenses i.e. electrical, furniture, carpet 
   • Basic economy airfare and 
   • Lodging expenses at the nightly federal per diem rate 
3. Participation in foreign market sales trips
   • Basic economy airfare 
   • Lodging expenses at the nightly federal per diem rate 
   • USCS Gold Key services 
4. Design and translation of international marketing media, including social media and digital ad placements
5. Cost of compliance testing and/or international certifications for an existing product for entry into an export market
6. Sample product shipping

Expense/Reimbursement Limitations

Ineligible expenses include:

• Meals, entertainment, cell phone charges, gifts, personal expenses, giveaways, promotional items, clothing, etc.
• Passport and visa fees
• Immunization and COVID related testing expenses
• Travel reimbursement for distributors or sales representatives not employed by the Michigan company
• Fees for shipping products to be sold in market
• Printing materials/services
• Ground transportation including but not limited to mileage, taxis, Ubers, trains, and rental cars
• Annual membership fees and dues, conferences, annual meetings, and symposiums

Please also note:

• Reimbursements are subject to funding availability on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of application approval status
• Travel reimbursement is limited to two (2) travelers who must be U.S. citizens
• Flights must adhere to Fly America/Open Skies agreements. Only economy flights are eligible for reimbursement — no upgrades. Flight eCredits are ineligible

Contact your ITM to Apply