Introduction: Your Gateway to Global Growth

Welcome to the start of your company’s global expansion. As a small business owner in the Sunshine State, you are sitting on a goldmine of potential. Whether you are considering diversifying your revenue streams to protect against domestic economic shifts or simply tapping into millions of customers living outside U.S. borders, the Florida State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is your primary tool for success.

Managed by SelectFlorida, the program’s core mission is to increase both the number of Florida exporters and the total value of their international sales. This program represents an investment in your company’s long-term resilience. Historically, every $1 awarded through STEP results in approximately $43 in export sales, acting as a powerful catalyst for small businesses looking to make a global mark.

The "Menu" of Support: Understanding Your Grant Options

SelectFlorida offers reimbursement grants designed to offset the costs of international market entry. While many services are open to all small businesses, priority and specific grants are often reserved for Florida’s Target Industries. These include Aviation & Aerospace, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Defense & Homeland Security, Clean Technology, Manufacturing, Global Logistics & Trade, Financial & Professional Services, Corporate Headquarters, and Research & Development.

• Target Sector Trade Show Grants: Offsets costs for exhibiting at approved overseas international trade shows with a 75% reimbursement (up to $7,500) of booth costs.
• Gold Key / Matchmaker Grants: Funds pre-screened, one-on-one meetings with qualified overseas buyers or agents with 100% reimbursement of participation fees or service costs.
• Export Marketing Plans (EMP): Valued at $5,000, this grant covers $4,500, leaving the client to pay only $500.
• Florida Online Global / Website Localization: Upgrades your website with translation and SEO for specific foreign target markets with an $8,000 subsidy.
• International Registration & Credit Insurance: Offsets costs for required certifications or EXIM credit insurance, providing up to $2,000 for Export Credit Insurance premiums.

Important Note on Funding Caps: To ensure fair distribution, the program limits total reimbursement to $8,000 per export client per 2-year funding period. This cap increases to $15,000 for clients who execute an Export Marketing Plan (EMP) during that same period.

Am I Eligible? A Simple Verification Checklist

To participate in STEP, your business must meet both federal Small Business Administration (SBA) standards and Florida-specific mandates.

Universal SBA Requirements

• Organized and operating as a for-profit company in the U.S..
• Meet SBA size standards.
• Products or services must contain at least 51% U.S.-origin content.
• Must have been in business for at least 1 year for general services, or 2 years for EMP and Virtual Matchmaker services.

Florida-Specific Must-Haves

• Listed as an "Active" corporation on Sunbiz.org.
• Have a Federal ID tied to a Florida address.
• Product or service must be manufactured, produced, or value-added within the state.
• Must be "New to Export" or pursuing "Market Expansion" into a new segment where you do not already have significant sales.

The Roadmap: From Application to Reimbursement

Success with STEP requires following a precise administrative path. Treat the first step with the most importance.

1. The Eligibility Check: You must consult with a Trade Specialist who determines your "Export Readiness".
2. Submission: Complete the online application at least two weeks prior to the activity.
3. Review & Notification: Wait for the official award email before incurring non-refundable expenses.
4. Execution: Complete your project activity within the timeframe stated in your award.
5. Reimbursement: Submit your receipts, proof of payment, and post-event surveys.

Remember that you must cover 100% of all costs upfront, submit all documents within 30 days of completion, and ensure airfare complies with the Fly America Act. Lodging rates cannot exceed GSA/State Department per diem rates.

Leveraging Southeastern U.S. Supply Chains and Think Tanks

Successfully navigating international trade often requires a robust domestic network of supply chain and technical partners. If your business is expanding into global target sectors like aerospace, IT, or clean technology, collaborating with reliable Southeastern partners is highly recommended.

• Florida: For businesses focused on global logistics, Flagler Global Logistics operates out of Coral Gables, offering comprehensive supply chain management and Foreign Trade Zone connectivity.
• Georgia: Serving complex supply chains, Omni Logistics provides vital warehousing, freight forwarding, and specialized global transport solutions out of Atlanta.
• Alabama: If your focus is on aerospace and defense, Alabama Aerospace in Huntsville is a leading ISO-certified stocking distributor for crucial aerospace fasteners and components.

Additionally, small businesses can find valuable guidance from leading regional think tanks and non-profits that regularly publish actionable intelligence on global trade policy and economic development:

• The Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics provides free consultation and analysis to help businesses evaluate road/rail routes and shipping lanes.
• The Auburn University Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI) conducts research on civic engagement and economic prosperity to elevate regional businesses.
• The Florida Chamber Foundation drives statewide research on trade policies and workforce economic development.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional business advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the program details regarding the Florida State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), guidelines and funding availability are subject to change by SelectFlorida and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Orbis Management makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, or suitability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Hyperlinks to external websites or third-party organizations do not imply an endorsement by Orbis Management, and we hold no responsibility for the content, products, or services offered by these external entities. Please consult with a qualified trade specialist or legal advisor before making any business decisions.

© 2026 Orbis Management. All Rights Reserved. https://orbis.management