Oregon STEP Program

Entering new markets

Participating in international trade shows and trade missions is among the most effective ways for companies to enter into new international markets or expand their visibility in existing markets. Trade shows offer the opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest and evaluate the competition. A trade mission can be a cost effective way to meet potential distributors and buyers, secure licensing agreements and explore joint venture opportunities.

Receive financial assistance

The state of Oregon offers financial assistance to small businesses who wish to take advantage of a unique combination of support services and assistance available through the Oregon STEP Program. Eligible applicants may attend international trade shows or trade missions and may receive training for the purpose of beginning to export products or services overseas, entering new markets or increasing the volume or value of exports to existing markets. The Oregon STEP Program shall reimburse 50 percent of a company's eligible expenses up to $5,000 per pre-approved trade show or mission as well as up to $200 for costs associated with pre-approved training provided by STEP partner organizations. Eligible expenditures may include:

Export Promotion Expenses

• Booth: space rental, construction at trade show site, equipment and/or furniture rental, utility costs
• Trade show or trade mission participation fee
• Gold Key and other in-market assistance as provided by the U.S. Commercial Service
• Additional industry and market research as provided by STEP partners
• Additional market research or assistance provided by Business Oregon overseas representatives beyond the existing limit of 20 hours per client.
• Freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from trade show
• Interpreter/translation fees
• Per Diem (lodging and meals, based on U.S. Department of State per diem for the locality) for one employee or agent for the duration of the event plus travel time up to one day before and one day after the actual event. Travelers must observe the "Fly America Act" and fly via U.S. flag carriers pursuant to Title 41 C.F.R. Reimbursement for lodging will be based on actual lodging costs, but no more than the rate established by the U.S. Department of State for the locality. See individual country rates.

Training Expenses

• Registration fees for export seminars, workshops or presentations provided by STEP partners
• Industry sector market reports prepared by the U.S. Export Assistance Center
• Additional training materials or publications available from STEP training partners

Program funds limited to the following

• Export promotion and training activities identified in applicant's Export Plan
• Training activities organized/conducted by STEP training partners
• Three trade events per state fiscal biennium
• Participation in a given trade show only once in consecutive years
• Participation in a given trade show no more than twice total

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must:

• Comply with SBA size standards;
• Operate as a business for not less than the one-year period ending on the date on which assistance is provided under a STEP grant;
• Operate profitably, based on operations in the United States;
• Demonstrate understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping;
• Have in effect a strategic plan for exporting; and
• Certify eligibility for Federal grants by attesting with a Debarment Certification.

Additional qualifying requirements
Overall funds available are limited. To qualify for funding, eligible applicants also must:

• Demonstrate overall export success potential and strategy.
• Qualify for inclusion in Business Oregon's five traded-sector key industry categories or other categories identified for export promotion assistance (see box at right).
• Employ at least 75% of total number of employees within Oregon.
• Plan to exhibit services or samples of Oregon manufactured, processed or value-added products in conjunction with an international trade show or trade mission.
• Commit at least one full-time employee or sales agent to participate in a trade show or mission.

How to Apply

1. Download, print and sign the following SBA certification forms:
   • Self Representation as an Eligible Small Business Concern form
   • Debarment Certification form ; then
a. Email electronic copies of the certification forms to Amanda Lowthian and
b. Mail original signed hard copy of certification forms to
Amanda Lowthian
Business Oregon
121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 205
Portland, OR 97204
2. Obtain an Export Readiness score by completing export.gov's online Export Questionnaire.
3. Complete an online Oregon STEP application.