active State Grant

Oklahoma export grants for small businesses: the STEP Fund

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Up to $28,500 per funding period

See if you qualify — free Visit official program ↗

Researched for this program: 6 rejection traps · 6 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓

The short version

Oklahoma reimburses a share of a small business’s pre-approved export costs, up to $28,500 per funding period, for trade shows, trade missions and export training.

Oklahoma export grants for small businesses come through the Oklahoma STEP Fund, which reimburses approved international export development activities — trade shows, trade missions, e-commerce website translation, and export compliance training. Funded by a federal SBA grant and administered by Oklahoma Commerce, companies can receive up to $28,500 per funding period (STEP 13, approved activities through September 29, 2027). Oklahoma Commerce is accepting applications now; each event carries its own deadline. Best suited for Oklahoma SMBs actively selling or preparing to sell in international markets.

Funding type: Grant
Level: State
Amount range: Up to $28,500 per funding period
Realistic amount: A single trade show award is capped at $8,800 (international show) or $5,600 (domestic show), covering booth, build-out and up to 2 registrants. Companies doing multiple activities per funding period can reach the $28,500 cap.
Deadline: Oklahoma Commerce is accepting STEP applications; STEP 13 activities run until September 29, 2027 and individual events carry their own deadlines.
Status: active
States: OK
Payment model: reimbursement

Who qualifies

For-profit business physically located in Oklahoma
In operation for at least 1 year
Meets SBA small business size standards (13 C.F.R. Part 121)
Products or services must contain at least 51% U.S. content
Must be 'export ready' — company or product/service with export potential
Must be incorporated or organized in the United States
Must be in good standing with Oklahoma Secretary of State and Tax Commission
Must obtain pre-approval from Oklahoma Commerce BEFORE incurring any eligible expenses

Hard requirements

Must be incorporated
Location restriction: Oklahoma — business must be physically based in Oklahoma

What it covers

Eligible expenses

International or domestic trade show participation (minimum 20% international attendees) — booth cost, exhibit build-out, registration for up to 2 company representatives
Oklahoma Commerce-led trade missions — airfare, ground transportation, and lodging
Export compliance webinars and training courses
E-commerce website translation and localization services for up to 2 foreign languages/countries
Export documentation assistance (pre-approved)

Ineligible expenses

Activities not pre-approved by Oklahoma Commerce
Domestic trade shows without at least 20% international attendance
Travel expenses for non-Commerce-led missions
Expenses incurred before receiving pre-approval
Marketing or advertising costs not directly tied to export development
Products/services with less than 51% U.S. content

How to apply

1

Confirm current STEP funding at okcommerce.gov

Check the Oklahoma STEP Fund page (okcommerce.gov) to confirm the current STEP 13 period, the activities it covers and each event's deadline.
2

Register as vendor at vendors.ok.gov

Register your business through the Oklahoma Supplier Portal (vendors.ok.gov) — required for all state payments including STEP reimbursements. Complete this step before applying so you're ready to claim reimbursement.
3

Complete the STEP application and obtain pre-approval

Apply online with Oklahoma Commerce, specifying the export activity you plan to undertake (trade show, mission, e-commerce translation, or export training). Pre-approval MUST be obtained before spending any money on the activity.
4

Conduct the approved export activity

Participate in the approved trade show, trade mission, or export training event. Keep all receipts and documentation. Submit quarterly reports to Oklahoma Commerce documenting leads, negotiations, and sales.
5

Submit reimbursement request

After the activity, submit expense documentation to Oklahoma Commerce for reimbursement. Approved expenses are reimbursed via the state vendor payment system.

Insider tip

Pre-approval is mandatory — never spend first. Register at vendors.ok.gov now so you can move fast when you apply. The $28,500 cap applies per funding period.

Deadline & timing

Oklahoma Commerce is accepting STEP 13 applications now (activities run through September 29, 2027). Activity deadlines vary by category — pre-approval must be obtained before incurring any export expenses. Companies should register as vendors at vendors.ok.gov in advance so they can apply immediately.

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