TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Kansas Department of Commerce a $450,000 State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant for potential or current exporting businesses in Kansas. These funds will further elevate the state’s robust export sector, which hit an all-time high of $14.08 billion in 2023.

“The production and export of more Kansas-made products has bolstered the state’s economy and has assisted our local and small businesses reach a larger customer base and accelerate their efforts outside the United States,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This support from the SBA will spur business expansion and provide resources to reach markets worldwide.”

The agency’s International Division oversees the administration of the STEP award, enabling eligible businesses to leverage these funds for conducting focused activities that promote export growth. The STEP program plays a crucial role in equipping Kansas small businesses with the necessary resources and knowledge to excel in export-related endeavors, offering assistance to both existing exporters and companies venturing into international markets for the first time.

The SBA began administering STEP in 2011 as part of federal legislation encouraging trade. Through STEP, states competitively apply for and receive financial awards to assist small businesses with export development. The award will allow the State of Kansas to assist small businesses with activities such as foreign trade missions and trade shows, obtain market entry support services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and participate in training workshops.

“Investing resources to help broaden the Kansas exporter base is good for our small businesses and the entire state economy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As the global marketplace continues to present new opportunities for Kansas companies, we want our businesses to take advantage of them. Our International Division will utilize the STEP grant to help Kansas firms start exporting or expand their exporting efforts.”

Since the program’s inception in 2012, more than 240 Kansas small businesses have participated and achieved more than $56 million in actual export sales.

“Many Kansas small businesses have limited resources to venture into new markets or are uncertain how to begin exporting their products,” International Division Director Laura Lombard said. “The STEP funding allows us to tackle those challenges, assist them in growing their businesses, and taking advantage of the global market.”

To learn more about the STEP program, visit the Kansas Department of Commerce website here or the SBA site here.