Tool 02 · 2026–2027 SBA STEP Caps, Sub-Caps & Working-Capital Float

State STEP Export Grant & Upfront Cash-Float Calculator

Q: How do I register a SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) for STEP without getting spam calls?

During your free SAM.gov entity registration or renewal, uncheck 'Allow Public Display' on the Entity Core Data screen. State grant reviewers can still verify your active UEI internally via government login while blocking commercial list-scrapers from harvesting your phone number and address.

Model your exact state grant check back, category sub-caps, and 100% upfront cash float across Washington, California, Texas, New York, Florida, or any U.S. state — including the July 2026 U.S. Commercial Service fee schedule.

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2026–2027 State-by-State Caps & Federal Rules

Compare Top State STEP Export Grant Caps, Match Rates & Audit Traps

Funded cooperatively by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and state trade offices, STEP reimburses 50%–75% of pre-approved international business development expenses for small businesses meeting the ≥ 51% U.S. content threshold.

State Program	2026–2027 Max Cap	Match %	Critical State Audit Rule to Know	Full State Guide
Washington Export Washington Voucher	$10,000 Across up to 3 vouchers	75%	Airfare strictly capped at Basic Economy / Coach on U.S.-flag carriers (Fly America Act).	WA Grant & FTZ Guide →
California California STEP (GO-Biz)	$10,000 Annual company ceiling	75%	Enforces $5,000 website localization sub-cap and $2,500 international IP/trademark sub-cap.	CA Grant & FTZ Guide →
Texas Texas STEP Grant	$10,000 / $20,000 New vs. Market Expansion	75%	Active `SAM.gov` UEI is mandatory before submitting your initial Texas STEP application.	TX Grant & FTZ Guide →
New York Global NY STEP + State Fund	$10,000 + $25,000 STEP + Global NY Fund	50%	Direct corporate checking/card payment required on every invoice; founder personal cards rejected.	NY Grant & FTZ Guide →
Florida SelectFlorida Trade Grants	Up to $15,000 Track-specific ceilings	75%	Requires $250,000+ prior-year gross sales, 3–500 staff, and mandatory PR/testimonial consent.	FL Grant & FTZ Guide →

July 2026 U.S. Commercial Service Fee Schedule

U.S. Embassy matchmaking fees are 100% eligible for STEP reimbursement across WA, CA, TX, NY, and FL when pre-approved before paying Trade.gov:

Gold Key Service ($3,250 SME): 4–6 pre-screened in-country distributor or buyer meetings hosted by U.S. Embassy specialists (~$812 net cost after 75% STEP match).
International Partner Search ($2,500; $3,300 w/ virtual intros): Remote vetting shortlist of qualified overseas partners without international travel.
Full International Company Profile ($2,000): Embassy background, credit, and reputation due diligence on a prospective foreign partner.

Universal Federal SBA STEP Guardrails

≥ 51% U.S. Content Floor: Calculated across U.S. manufactured parts, U.S. agricultural commodities, or U.S.-performed software/engineering labor.
Fly America Act Compliance: Any subsidized international airfare must be ticketed on U.S.-flag carrier flight codes (or qualifying Open Skies rules where allowed).
Non-Overlapping Stacking: Food & Ag exporters can stack regional USDA FundMatch (50% up to $300k) alongside State STEP only on separate, non-duplicated vendor invoices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do State STEP export grants pay upfront cash or reimburse after spending?

State STEP grants are strictly post-activity reimbursements. Your company must first obtain written grant pre-approval, pay 100% of eligible vendor invoices up front from a corporate account, complete the trade activity, and submit proof of payment—typically receiving ACH reimbursement 45 to 75 days after claim audit.

Can SaaS software, AgTech systems, and U.S. engineering firms qualify for STEP grants?

Yes, in most states. As long as your exportable software, connected hardware, or U.S.-performed engineering/technical service meets the SBA small business size standard and contains at least 51% U.S. content (measured by U.S. development or billed labor value), overseas trade shows, Gold Key matchmaking, and localization generally qualify—check state-specific sector rules such as SelectFlorida's designated service list.

What happens if we pay a trade show booth deposit before receiving our signed STEP award?

Retroactive expenses are automatically disqualified nationwide. Any booth deposit, airfare, website localization retainer, or U.S. Commercial Service invoice paid even 24 hours before your state STEP grant agreement is formally executed is ineligible for reimbursement.

How do I register a SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) for STEP without getting spam calls?

During your free SAM.gov entity registration or renewal, uncheck "Allow Public Display" on the Entity Core Data screen. State grant reviewers can still verify your active UEI internally via government login while blocking commercial list-scrapers from harvesting your phone number and address.

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