International Financial Assistance
The state of Iowa, funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers financial assistance to Iowa companies entering new international markets or expanding their visibility in existing markets.
An eligible Iowa company must meet the criteria set forth by the SBA as a “Small Business Concern.” Additional information regarding the requirements of SBA can be found at www.sba.gov/size.
STEP Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP)
Through ETAP, the International Trade Office will reimburse up to 75 percent of an Iowa company’s eligible direct expenses to exhibit at a qualified trade show/mission taking place outside the United States, up to $4,000 per pre-approved event. Companies can access these funds up to three times for events October 31, 2011, to September 30, 2012.
Download the ETAP fact sheet. [PDF: 82k]
Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP)
DTAP provides financial assistance to eligible Iowa firms wishing to begin exporting, look at new markets or have new products to export. Reimbursement up to 75% of an Iowa company’s eligible direct expenses in exhibiting at a trade show with an international buyers program of the U.S. Department of Commerce or the Food Export Association of the Midwest, or a nationally recognized trade show, promoted internationally, with a demonstrated past significant international buyer attendance (pre-approval required), up to $3,000 per pre-approved event, up to two times in a funding period.
Download the DTAP fact sheet. [PDF: 85k]
Product Trade Assistance Program (PTAP)
PTAP provides financial assistance to eligible Iowa firms wishing to enter or expand in new markets outside the United States. Reimbursement of up to 50% of an Iowa company’s eligible direct expense of third party technical services needed to make necessary modifications to their product or processes to meet foreign standards, certification or regulatory requirements for export, up to $5,000, per company.
Download the PTAP fact sheet. [PDF: 83k]
Application — Instructions & Process
Submit your application as soon as possible — funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Applications should be received AT LEAST 30 days in advance of an event. If PTAP, within 30 days of executing an agreement with a Service Provider.
- Register with iowagrants.gov
Instructions for registering through iowagrants.gov [PDF: 894k]
- Submit application with all required supporting documentation
Instructions for applying for funding through iowagrants.gov [PDF: 2.6MB]
- Upon approval, receive, sign and return an original signed contract.
Instructions for an approved application [PDF: 675K]
- After the event/project, complete forms and upload any necessary supporting document or receipts for reimbursable expenses. DO NOT submit airfare, hotel or meal receipts.
Instructions for requesting your reimbursement/claim [PDF: 1.9MB]
- Receive reimbursement check, typically within 6-8 weeks of submitting completed claim.
Food Export Association of the Midwest USA is a non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Midwestern region of the United States. In conjunction with its member states, the organization provides a wide range of services to facilitate trade between local food companies and importers around the world.
Services include export promotion, customized export assistance and a cost-share funding program. Additional information about these and other Food Export Association services can be accessed at www.foodexport.org.
To Learn More:
Phone: 515.725.3139
international@iowa.gov
