Global Growth Grants for Small Businesses.
It is December 9, 2025, and the world is smaller than ever. E-commerce has erased borders, yet many small business owners leave money on the table by only selling to customers in their own zip code. To combat this, federal and state governments are actively funding grants to help you export.
These are often the most underutilized grants in the ecosystem. Business owners assume “exporting” means shipping giant containers on cargo ships. In reality, if you sell a software subscription to a guy in London or a handmade scarf to a woman in Tokyo, you are an exporter.
If you are searching for STEP grants for small business 2026 or export funding for startups, you are tapping into a pool of money designed specifically to help you find new customers overseas. These grants cover marketing, travel, and compliance costs that would otherwise come out of your pocket.
Here are five specific “Global Growth” grant programs active right now.
1. The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
Deadline: Varies by State (Rolling/Quarterly)
This is the holy grail of export funding. Funded by the SBA but administered locally by your state, the STEP grant reimburses you for costs related to international expansion.
What it covers:
- Website localization (translating your site into Spanish, French, etc.)
- Digital marketing fees for international ad campaigns.
- Booth fees for international trade shows.
- Compliance testing fees (like getting a CE mark for Europe).
Strategy: Contact your state’s “Economic Development” office immediately. STEP funds are often “first-come, first-served” based on the fiscal year. Since we are approaching 2026, new pools of money are often released in January.
2. FedEx Small Business Grant (International Bonus)
Deadline: Spring 2026 (Preparation starts now)
We’ve mentioned FedEx before, but it bears repeating for exporters. FedEx often includes specific “International Trade” bonuses or categories within their larger grant contest.
They love stories of businesses that are “born global”—startups that sell internationally from Day 1.
Strategy: In your application video, show your product being packed for a destination like Germany or Brazil. Talk about the complexity of logistics. FedEx wants to fund businesses that will use their shipping services, so highlighting your global volume is a winning tactic.
3. The ExporTech™ Program (Grant-Subsidized Training)
Deadline: Varies by local MEP Center
ExporTech is a national program that helps companies develop a strategic export plan. While there is a cost to attend, many local Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP) offer grants or scholarships to cover the tuition.
This is “smart money.” You get funding to attend a workshop where experts help you vet international markets and find partners.
Strategy: This is best for manufacturers. If you make a physical product in the US, finding your local MEP center and asking about ExporTech subsidies is a high-ROI move.
4. USDA Market Access Program (MAP) Branded Program
Deadline: Typically Early 2026
If you produce food, fiber, or wood products, the USDA wants to help you sell them abroad. The “Branded Program” provides 50% cost-reimbursement for marketing your brand in foreign markets.
This is huge for small food brands. If you want to sample your hot sauce at a food show in Paris, this grant pays for half the cost.
Strategy: You apply through a “trade association” (like the Organic Trade Association or Food Export USA). Search for the association that fits your product and apply for their MAP funds.
5. https://www.google.com/search?q=Alibaba.com “Manifest” Grant Series
Deadline: Rolling / Periodic
https://www.google.com/search?q=Alibaba.com often runs grant contests to encourage B2B trade. They focus heavily on “digitizing” the supply chain and helping US businesses sell wholesale to the world.
These grants are often cash prizes ($10,000+) combined with advertising credits on their platform.
Strategy: Focus on “B2B Innovation.” Show how you are using digital tools to connect with wholesale buyers globally. They want to see savvy e-commerce strategies.
The “Global” Application Mindset
To win export grants, you need to prove you are “Export Ready.”
Show Intent.
Don’t just say “I want to sell abroad.” Say “I have analyzed website traffic and 15% of my visitors are from Canada, so I want to use this grant to launch a dedicated Canadian shipping strategy.” Data proves intent.
Focus on “Made in USA.”
Most of these grants (especially STEP and MAP) are taxpayer-funded. Their goal is to support the US economy. Emphasize that your product is made locally, creates local jobs, and brings foreign money back into your local community.
Get the Quote First.
For grants like STEP, you often need a quote before you apply. If you want $3,000 for website translation, get a quote from a translation agency now. Submitting the quote with the application makes you look prepared and professional. https://job.gterahub.com/grants-for-entreprenuers/