From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – In the last four years, more than 100 Oklahoma small businesses have received grant money worth millions of dollars to expand exporting abilities.
Recently the U.S. Small Business Administration announced another $290,000 in grant funding has been awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce through the State Trade Expansion Program. Oklahoma is one of 43 awardees selected.
“With 95% of the world’s consumers based outside of the United States, our small businesses need access to markets abroad to grow and create good jobs in America,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Through SBA’s STEP funding to states, small businesses can get grants to export to new markets and grow their revenues through marketing, trade missions and more.”
Exporting activities that are eligible for grant funding include participating in foreign trade missions and market sales trips, designing international marketing campaigns, participating in export trade show exhibits, and attending training workshops. Oklahoma companies can begin applying immediately.
For more information on the STEP grant available through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, visit www. okcommerce.gov/step.