NM STEP GRANT

The NM STEP GRANT NMEDD-FY26 application period is open

Companies interested in applying need to read the information included in this webpage, watch the videos and submit their application by following the button at the end.

January 19, 2026 - February 02, 2026

If you are interested, you must submit your application within the following dates:

GRANTS, NOT LOANS, FOR NM COMPANIES

The New Mexico State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, funded this FY26 by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NM EDD), is a reimbursement grant program that helps New Mexico companies gain or grow international sales. This cycle will be through an application period where interested companies must submit their application. Eligible companies may request up to $7,500.

For over a decade, the NM STEP Grant has assisted the efforts of small businesses to begin exporting or expand into new markets by reimbursing the cost of eligible activities. By supporting export-ready and post-revenue companies’ international business development, the NM STEP Grant contributes to the increase in the number of exports, value of exports, and number of jobs.

The New Mexico Trade Alliance is proud to be the State of New Mexico’s administering partner for the NM STEP Grant.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In order to be eligible for the NM STEP Grant, a company must meet all of the requirements listed.

STEP GRANT ACTIVITIES

Companies may use NM STEP Grant funds for the following eligible activities. Awards are dependent on availability of funds.

NOTICE: Per the SBA guidelines, conferences are not eligible activities for the NM STEP Grant program. Travel expenses are also NOT eligible.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Companies interested in NM STEP Grant funds are encouraged to read all the information contained in this website and watch both videos included below before applying.

The grant process is as follows:

Submit your application

Click the button at the bottom of this page to be redirected to the NM EDD application portal and submit your application.

Only complete and correct applications submitted through that portal will be considered for an award.

Get Approved

If your application is approved by NM EDD, you will receive an email with a grant agreement.

You must sign and send the document back to NM EDD before starting your activity.

Start/Pay for Activity

Once you have received the grant agreement and sent it to NM EDD you may start and pay for your activity.

NOTE: Even though NM STEP is a reimbursement program, it will not fund retroactive activities.

Reimbursement

Once the activity has been completed, send the required documents (proof of payment, invoice issued to NM EDD, and proof of completion) to NM EDD for processing.

Your reimbursement will be via check in the mail within 30 days or ACH deposit.

TUTORIAL VIDEOS

To learn more about the NM STEP Grant and the application process, please watch both videos in this section, as they might cover questions you might have.

For any other questions, please reach out to the NM STEP Grant Team at STEP@nmtradealliance.org.

STEP Grant Overview

Overview about the STEP Grant, changes, requirements, and application process

Salesforce App Tutorial

Walkthrough of the Salesforce app with key points to consider during your application.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Once you have reviewed all the information in this webpage and watched both videos in the previous section, start your application process by clicking the button below.

Submit application

Clicking the button will redirect you to the NM EDD application portal where you can login with your existing credentials if you have used the platform before or create your login credentials.

NOTE: Only the applications that have been submitted through the NM EDD portal and that are complete will be considered for the award.

For additional support you can contact us by email:

STEP@nmtradealliance.org