SBA/EDPNC STEP Reimbursement

Program for Exporters

If you are a small-to-medium sized business that currently exports or is interested in exporting, you may be eligible for STEP Program reimbursement of up to $48,000, over two years, for a variety of costs associated with export-focused initiatives—from booth costs, to travel expenses, to export services. Our CWTA webinar will show you how.

CWTA SBA/EDPNC STEP Reimbursement Program for Exporters

The Carolina World Trade Association (CWTA) is pleased to invite you to a program Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM via ZOOM describing the SBA/EDPNC STEP Reimbursement Program for businesses that are involved in exporting.

Are you with a small-to-medium sized business that currently exports or is interested in exporting? Would you like to learn how to access the STEP Program that reimburses eligible companies up to $48,000, over two years, for a variety of costs associated with export-focused initiatives—from booth costs, to travel expenses to export services? If so, be sure to join this informative webinar to learn more.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), provides funding to qualifying small businesses to offset costs associated with exporting. State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funds are used to assist companies with participating in foreign trade shows and trade missions, translating marketing materials and websites to attract foreign buyers; obtaining services to support foreign market entry; attending select export education courses throughout the state; and participating in the Southeastern Asia Initiative.

Qualifying companies can receive up to $24,000 per year in reimbursement funds through the NC STEP Program. This can include:

1. Up to $5,000 in reimbursement towards booth costs associated with exhibiting on their own at a virtual trade show or an in-person trade show with an international focus,
2. Up to $3,000 in reimbursement toward eligible flight and lodging costs for 1 or 2 company employees to exhibit at a qualifying trade show,
3. Up to $6,000 in reimbursement toward export services which assist them in reaching foreign markets such as the translation of marketing media and digital ad placement including social media, and
4. Up to $10,000 in reimbursement toward website localization to foreign markets and certain e-commerce fees.

During this webinar we will discuss eligibility requirements, qualifying activities, timelines, and approval and reimbursement processes. Additionally, we will discuss the international trade team and help you identify with whom to connect to learn more. Learn more about the STEP Program for reimbursement of such international trade expenses at this CWTA webinar!

To learn more about International Trade in the state, view the most recent North Carolina International Trade Report here.

To learn if your company is eligible to participate and to view the full list of qualifying tradeshows, click here.

To apply for the 2019-2021 NC STEP Program, click here.

To learn more about North Carolina Online Global programs and how they help North Carolinian businesses grow their exports, sales, brands and businesses internationally, click here.

Blake Jackman, International Trade Manager, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (NCEDP)

Blake Jackman is an International Trade Manager in Export Assistance at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) providing export counseling to his client base in the Aerospace, Automotive, Energy and Outdoor industries.

With 14 years of international business experience and he has participated in over 100 different Trade Missions, Trade Shows and conferences including speaking engagements, both nationally and internationally.

Blake is the President of the North Carolina World Trade Association – Research Triangle Chapter and is on the board of the British-American Business Council Triangle Chapter. Blake came to EDPNC from Bass Industries Inc., where he was Vice President and in charge of operations, sales, and procurement. Blake’s previous experience includes working with North Carolina Department of Commerce International Trade Division, Ferrell Law’s International Private Equity Investment Division and for the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Mandarin. 

Contact Blake at the EDPNC’s Export Assistance Office in Raleigh, NC at 919-447-7753 directly or 919-236-9750 cell or blake.jackman@edpnc.gov.