Davids Announces Federal Funding to Help Kansas Small Businesses Expand Their Global Reach

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded $200,000 to the Kansas Department of Commerce's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). This funding will help Kansas small businesses begin to export goods and help existing exporters expand. Since the program's inception in 2012, more than 200 Kansas small businesses have participated and achieved over $44 million in export sales.

"You've heard me say it before - entrepreneurship is baked into the DNA of the Kansas Third District," said Davids. "We make a lot of great things here at home and I am always looking for ways to help Kansas small businesses grow and reach a wider audience. The Kansas STEP program has a history of success, and I am proud to support their mission."

"Helping small businesses grow, hire, and succeed has always been one of my administration's top priorities," said Governor Laura Kelly. "This grant will accelerate our work, expanding our state's reach into markets around the world."

"SBA's State Trade Expansion Program has an extensive record helping small businesses grow their revenue by reaching beyond their borders to new markets and customers," said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. "Scaling these awards to meet growing opportunity and demand will help ensure that America's 33 million small businesses and innovative startups are positioned to succeed with the resources and support they need to seize opportunities abroad, grow through trade and compete in this increasingly global economy."

The 2022 STEP awards help local entrepreneurs enter and thrive in the global marketplace by providing small businesses with the information and tools they need to succeed in export-related activities. These activities include:

• Participating in foreign trade missions and market sales trips
• Designing international marketing campaigns
• Participating in export trade show exhibits
• Attending training workshops

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of STEP funding, which continues to support export growth and international expansion among small businesses. To date, the national program has awarded over $215 million in grants that directly support small businesses going global. The program remains in high demand with a combined request of over $39 million in funds this year alone.

Small businesses in Kansas looking to apply for STEP funding can find more information on the qualifications requirements and application period here.