10/10/2023

Ohio Receives $400,000 to Support Small Business Export Growth

SBA names ODD as a 2023 state trade expansion program awardee

The U.S. Small Business Administration just announced Ohio will receive $400,000 through the SBA's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant program to support small business export growth statewide. Ohio's allocation is a portion of the $20 million in funding awarded to state international trade agencies throughout the country via a competitive application process.

Locally, the Ohio Department of Development (ODD) will administer these funds to help provide small businesses with the information and tools they need to succeed in export-related activities. Exporting activities include participating in foreign trade missions, market sales trips, designing international marketing campaigns, participating in export tradeshow exhibits and attending training workshops, as well as other important means of engagement.

"Ohio has a reputation around the world for excellence in products and workmanship, and we're excited to continue to support Ohio's small business export initiatives through the SBA STEP grant," said Lydia Mihalik, the ODD's director. "This program has benefited so many Ohio businesses by assisting them to expand their reach and sustain success through exports, like Hartzell Hardwoods, which was recently awarded the SBA Great Lakes Region Exporter of the Year."

Please select this link to read the complete press release from the state of Ohio.