The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the state of Utah $743,000 through its State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will administer the grant to help boost the state’s export economy by empowering businesses to reach new international markets.
“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with World Trade Center Utah through a $743,000 STEP grant award,” said Marla Trollan, U.S. Small Business Administration, Utah District Director. “Our collaboration has proven invaluable in helping small businesses navigate the complexities of exporting, and this additional funding will build on that work by creating more opportunities for growth and success. Together, the SBA Utah District Office and World Trade Center Utah remain committed to helping local businesses compete and thrive in international markets.”
STEP funding can be used in various activities, including attending international trade shows and missions, designing marketing materials for foreign audiences, accessing U.S. Department of Commerce services, covering travel expenses for global sales trips, and participating in export training workshops.
More than 18,000 U.S. small businesses have benefited from SBA STEP grant funding since its inception. Each dollar awarded has resulted in approximately $43 in export sales generated. This grant program plays a crucial role for Utah businesses, enabling them to enter new markets, boost export sales, and enhance their global visibility in over 100 countries.
“Breaking into a new market takes more than a great product — it takes relationships, market knowledge, and the resources to act on opportunity,” said WTC Utah CEO Jonathan Freedman. “We’ve seen firsthand the impact the STEP grant has on Utah’s small businesses, whether that’s meeting with new customers, exhibiting at international trade shows, translating marketing materials, or entering new markets. Time and again, those investments have generated meaningful returns. At a time when many businesses are navigating uncertainty, we’re excited to see this funding return so more Utah companies have the resources to grow globally.”
Brigham City-based HyPerComp Engineering utilized STEP funds to participate in JEC World 2025, an international composites trade show in Paris. “Successful entry and increased brand recognition in these strategic markets will enhance our global competitiveness, create new opportunities for innovation and product development, and help position HyPerComp Engineering as a leader in advanced COPV technology internationally,” said Lex Siddoway, chief marketing officer.“ These international trade activities and the support provided through the STEP Grant are expected to have a significant and lasting positive impact on HyPerComp Engineering.”
Utah retailer Nomatic used STEP funds to connect with a major buyer and potential customers in Australia. “The STEP grant allowed us to close a huge opportunity that we’ve been struggling to make happen,” said Lucas Maughan, director of international revenue. “We left the visit with contracts signed and several commitments from individual store owners to bring in our products. The new business added should generate upwards of $600,000 in annual revenue each year.”
The SBA’s STEP grant continues to be a driving force in helping Utah companies overcome the challenges of exporting, enabling them to reach new customers, increase sales, and contribute to the state’s vibrant global trade economy.
Utah companies have leveraged these funds to participate in trade missions and shows across continents, including Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, Oceana, and various other regions. WTC Utah not only offers financial support through STEP but also provides guidance and resources to help Utah’s small businesses navigate the complexities of international trade and succeed abroad.
The grant application is now open to Utah companies. Visit wtcutah.com/grants to learn more. For inquiries regarding eligibility or accepted activities, contact Christine Rafiekian at [email protected].
