Michigan Secures Top SBA Grant to Boost Small Business Exports
LANSING, Mich. – In a significant boost to Michigan’s small businesses, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), has announced that Michigan will receive $847,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) for the forthcoming fiscal year. Complementing this federal support, the Michigan Strategic Fund is contributing an additional $282,333 as a state match to enhance the Michigan STEP (MI-STEP) initiative, aiming to widen global market access for small businesses. The MEDC’s International Trade program has played a pivotal role, facilitating over $6.3 billion in new small business export sales through vital export resources and a robust statewide support network.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of STEP funding in Michigan, with the state having received nearly $16 million from the SBA since the program’s inception. Given that 95% of global consumers and two-thirds of purchasing power are outside the U.S., Michigan’s allocation of STEP funds is crucial for promoting the state’s goods and services internationally.
Michigan stands out nationally in the STEP grant program, leading in facilitated export sales. The national average return on investment (ROI) for SBA STEP funds is 40:1, but Michigan boasts a remarkable ROI of 328:1, according to the latest SBA Annual Report to Congress.
“Right now, small businesses across Michigan are grappling with higher costs due to tariffs, inflation, and war overseas,” stated Governor Whitmer. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to help small businesses export their products, compete globally, and create good-paying jobs here at home. These grants will help our small businesses navigate uncertainty and succeed. Together, let’s keep working to grow our economy and help more small businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
The recent SBA award is set to continue supporting export development among small- and medium-sized businesses via grants for international sales trips, trade missions, and trade shows. Since FY25, MI-STEP has expanded its eligible uses to include the design and translation of international marketing media, compliance testing costs, international certifications for existing products, and sample product shipping. The reimbursement rate remains at 75% to encourage more companies to explore international markets and overcome present trade challenges.
MI-STEP aims to stimulate job creation by empowering businesses to export, providing reimbursement grants up to $15,000 annually for qualified export-related expenses.
“Michigan companies have the expertise and innovation to compete successfully in markets around the world. Expanding our companies’ global reach is a key priority of the state’s economic development strategy. By helping businesses increase exports, we’re creating new opportunities for growth, strengthening companies, and supporting good-paying jobs that benefit local economies across Michigan,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “In fiscal year 2025, federal and state funding for MI-STEP allocated more than $1 million to 117 small businesses. Michigan small businesses utilizing MEDC’s International Trade resources, including MI-STEP, reported $496 million in new export sales to 121 countries, which is a testament to the global reach of Michigan businesses.”
MI-STEP applications are open from Oct. 1 through Sept. 15 for small- and medium-sized businesses seeking export development. These grants are competitive and not guaranteed. Businesses not qualifying for MI-STEP or not receiving funding are encouraged to engage with Michigan’s international trade resources and service providers, offering support at any stage of international growth. These services include B2B matchmaking, partner lists, worldwide credit reports, export compliance support, and customized market research, all available at no cost to Michigan small businesses.
Get details on how to apply for assistance, including MI-STEP eligibility requirements and the application process, or complete the online intake form to start a conversation with an International Trade Manager.
FEDERAL FUNDING DISCLOSURE (Section 632, Public Law 117-328) Michigan STEP year 13 (Federal Fiscal Year 2025): • Federal share: $847,000 (75%) • Non-federal share: $282,333 (25%) • Total program cost: $1,129,333
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