State Trade Expansion Program 2026

The State Trade Expansion Program is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration through its Office of International Trade and Office of Manufacturing and Trade. The program is authorized under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which made the initiative a permanent part of the Small Business Act. The SBA’s broader mission is to support small business growth, innovation, and global competitiveness, and this program specifically focuses on expanding export capacity among small businesses. It provides federal grant funding to state-level entities that are designated to lead export promotion activities within their jurisdictions. The primary purpose of the program is to increase the number of small businesses that export, expand the dollar value of exports, and encourage businesses to explore new international trade opportunities. The funding is not provided directly to businesses but rather to eligible state entities that administer programs benefiting eligible small business concerns. These state entities must design and implement initiatives that directly support export development, including participation in trade missions, international marketing efforts, training workshops, and other export readiness activities. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes such as export sales growth and increased participation in global markets. Funding under this opportunity totals up to twenty million dollars for the fiscal year, with individual awards ranging from one hundred thousand dollars to nine hundred thousand dollars. The performance period for each award is twelve months, with a project start date of September 30, 2026. A significant requirement is that at least eighty five percent of awarded funds must directly benefit eligible small business concerns through approved activities. Allowable uses of funds include participation in foreign trade missions, translation and localization of marketing materials, trade show participation, export training, and other initiatives that directly support export readiness and market expansion. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements. Only states and equivalent entities, such as U.S. territories, are eligible, and each state may submit only one application. The applying organization must be officially designated by the state governor as the lead entity responsible for export promotion activities. Additional eligibility requirements include compliance with federal financial and administrative standards and the absence of disqualifying conditions such as unresolved federal debts or recent grant terminations for cause. Matching requirements apply, with states contributing between twenty five percent and thirty five percent of total project costs depending on export volume classification. The application process requires submission through the Grants.gov platform and includes several components: a technical proposal, budget documentation, forms and assurances, and supporting attachments. The technical proposal must outline program design, performance measures, collaboration strategies, and a financial assistance plan for small businesses. Applicants must also provide detailed budget justifications, match certifications, and organizational documentation such as resumes and audit reports. Proposals are evaluated based on project design and past performance, with a scoring system that prioritizes measurable outcomes and effective use of funds. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes an opening date of July 9, 2026, and a closing date of August 10, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Questions may be submitted during a defined window, and responses are published publicly. Awards are expected to be announced following a review process that includes eligibility screening and scoring based on established criteria. Recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and progress reports, and adhere to federal regulations governing grant administration. The program is recurring and has historically been offered annually, though continuation depends on congressional appropriations. The SBA reserves the right to modify or cancel the opportunity as needed. Overall, the program is designed to strengthen state-led export ecosystems and ensure that small businesses have the resources and support needed to compete effectively in global markets.

Ensure at least 85 percent of funds directly benefit small businesses and clearly define measurable export outcomes and partnerships