NM STEP GRANT

ATTENTION: 100% UTILIZATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDS. INTERESTED COMPANIES MAY APPLY TO BE PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST.

GRANTS, NOT LOANS, FOR NM COMPANIES

The New Mexico State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is a reimbursement grant program that helps New Mexico companies gain or grow international sales. In October of 2022, the SBA awarded the New Mexico Economic Development Department $250,000 for the 2022 NM STEP Grant. Eligible companies may request up to $7,500 per annual grant cycle.

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 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 NMTA 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. Activities have different funding limits. To learn more about how NM STEP Grant funds may be used, please contact the NMTA. Awards are dependant on availability of funds.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Companies interested in NM STEP Grant funds are encouraged to first schedule a consultation to learn more about the program, discuss current business activity, determine export readiness, brainstorm eligible STEP Activities, and learn about other New Mexico export resources.

NM STEP Grant FY22 Application forms will become available to companies Monday October 17, 2022 after a company consultation meeting is held.

Company Consultation

One-on-one meeting with the STEP team to learn more about the program, evaluate your company's export readiness, and discuss next steps.

To schedule a consultation, please fill out the Information Request Form below.

Determine activity and collect vendor quotes

Select your STEP activity of choice and retrieve quotes from vendors to determine your fund request.

Complete STEP Application Forms

With the help of the STEP team, complete additional application forms and register as a vendor with the State of New Mexico.

Submit to NMEDD for Final Review

STEP team submits application packet to NMEDD for final evaluation. If your request is approved, NMEDD will issue your company a purchase order and you may begin your STEP activity.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about the NM STEP Grant or request a consultation, please fill out the following form. You may also view more STEP grant information by visiting the State of New Mexico's Office of International Trade website.

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