Since 2012, more than 50 Kansas small businesses have achieved $17.2 million in export sales through STEP grant programs. The Kansas Department of Commerce is currently accepting STEP grant applications from small businesses to assist them in starting or growing their exports. The Commerce programs, which are being  funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), will help non-exporters begin exporting for the first time or existing exporters expand their export levels.

“Exporting can be a key to success for many small businesses,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave. “These STEP grants, through the SBA, allow the Department of Commerce to assist small businesses across the state with starting, maintaining and growing their exports, in an effort to achieve their maximum potential, both as a national or global exporter and as a small business in Kansas.”

“Kansas has a proud and rich tradition in agriculture and understands that the international market is the key to growth of the industry,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “The Kansas agriculture industry is always ready to become highly engaged in export markets. This grant will allow us to explore new markets for Kansas agricultural products.”

Programs offered through the STEP Grant include:

• Export seminars and training courses
• Opportunities for participation in foreign trade shows and missions
• Support for entering new markets

For the current grant year, SBA has awarded Kansas $383,000 in STEP funding. Commerce is administering the grant in tandem with the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Businesses that wish to apply for support or are interested in learning more should visit KansasCommerce.com/STEP.