State Trade and Export Promotion Program

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion Program is administered by the Minnesota Trade Office within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. This program was established following the allocation of State Trade and Export Promotion funds by the Minnesota legislature, with the objective of strengthening the international competitiveness of Minnesota-based small businesses. The program is designed to support companies that are either beginning to export or seeking to expand their export activities by providing financial and technical assistance. It operates within a defined program year ending June 30, 2027, and distributes funding on a rolling basis until available funds are exhausted. The primary purpose of the program is to reduce barriers to export market entry and expansion by reimbursing eligible small businesses for specific export development activities. These activities include export training, participation in foreign trade missions, international sales trips, and trade show exhibitions. Additional supported activities include services from the U.S. Commercial Service, development of international marketing materials, website translation, and compliance testing required for entry into foreign markets. The program focuses on reimbursing costs that fall outside normal business operations, ensuring that the funding directly contributes to export growth initiatives. Funding for the program totals approximately 300000 for the program year. Eligible applicants may receive reimbursement for up to 50 percent of qualified expenses, with a maximum award cap of 7500 for export development activities. Export training activities are capped separately at 500 per company and do not require a match. For all other activities, a matching requirement applies, requiring recipients to contribute at least 50 percent of total project costs. Reimbursements are contingent on documented expenditures and compliance with approved budgets outlined in the application. Eligibility is limited to small businesses that meet federal SBA size standards and have been operating for at least one year. Applicants must generate revenue from U.S. operations and maintain a significant operational presence in Minnesota, including producing more than 50 percent of the value of the product or service within the state. Additional requirements include having a strategic export plan, conducting market research, and demonstrating compliance with all federal and state regulations. Businesses must also agree to participate in outcome reporting and follow-up evaluations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed competitively as they are received. There is no fixed submission deadline, but applicants are encouraged to apply early, particularly for activities involving travel, which should be submitted at least two months in advance. Applications must be submitted electronically and include multiple required forms, such as a self-representation certification, debarment certification, activity plan, budget, and supporting documentation. Applicants must complete all sections and submit materials in a single email to the program contact. The evaluation process considers several criteria, including project design, export potential, company readiness, budget justification, and whether the proposed activities target new markets or represent new export efforts. Additional consideration is given to businesses located in underserved areas or owned by minorities, women, or veterans. Successful applicants typically receive a decision within two weeks of submission and must execute a grant contract within two weeks of award notification. Following award acceptance, recipients must complete approved activities within the contract period and submit reimbursement requests with supporting documentation before the contract expiration. Reporting requirements include metrics such as leads generated, distributors signed, and export sales achieved. Participants must also complete evaluations for up to one year after project completion. The program does not explicitly state recurrence but is tied to annual funding cycles, suggesting periodic reissuance based on legislative appropriations.

Clearly define export strategy and target markets; justify budget with allowable costs; demonstrate strong export potential and readiness; prioritize new markets and measurable outcomes