Assisting small businesses to expand into new markets
The Iowa Economic Development Authority's (IEDA) International Trade Office (ITO), in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), offers financial assistance to support specific export marketing efforts to increase the number of Iowa small business exporters and exports.
- Market Trade Assistance Program (MTAP)
- Website translation, search engine optimization and localization
- Design and translation of brochure or social media platform
- Compliance Testing of existing product for entry into an export market
- Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP)
- Exhibit in trade shows outside the U.S. or participate in an IEDA trade mission
- Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP)
- Exhibit in trade shows, with proven significant international attendees, taking place within the U.S.
- ExporTech™ Trade Assistance Program (ETECH)
Eligibility
- For-profit company operating in Iowa to process, manufacture, add value to product and/or distribute a product or provide an exportable service
- Meet SBA “Eligible Small Business Concern” size guidelines sba.gov/size
- Provide certification demonstrating company is not debarred from federal funding
- Be new to exporting, focusing on a new international market or have a new product to promote to the international market
- Review full list of eligibility and qualified expenses on the Financial Assistance Fact Sheet
How to Apply
- Review and follow detailed application instructions and required documentation found in the International Financial Assistance Fact Sheet
- Applications must be received by the IEDA at least 45 days in advance of an event
- Program availability subject to annual funding allocation
Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration.