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Read. Follow. Verify.Proposed Changes to the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Record date · June 24, 2026
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What This Bill Does
This amendment proposes updates to the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which helps small businesses enter international markets. It introduces stricter deadlines for grant applications, streamlines reporting requirements, and mandates new performance tracking for the Small Business Administration.
This amendment changes how states apply for and manage federal export grants, potentially affecting the speed and transparency of funding for small businesses seeking to sell products abroad between 2027 and 2031.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Small business owners
Small businesses seeking export assistance face new eligibility requirements, such as the one-year operation rule for trade missions, and will be subject to new performance tracking.
State governments
States managing STEP grants must adhere to new application timelines, reporting templates, and budget revision approval processes.
Small Business Administration
The agency is tasked with implementing new reporting, survey, and oversight requirements for the STEP program.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the State Trade Expansion Program?
How does this amendment change the application process?
Can states change their budget plans after receiving a grant?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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