Montana receives grant to accelerate international business growth

From U.S. Small Business Administration

HELENA — The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the State of Montana has received a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant of $754,532.

The grant funds will be administered to Montana small businesses ready to accelerate the growth of international sales. Since 2011, the state has received $4.19 million through STEP.

“Montana small businesses are producing products that are beneficial for people and businesses around the world,” said Brent Donnelly, SBA district director for Montana. “These STEP funds will accentuate business’ abilities to strengthen our local economies while broadening the footprint of their goods and services around the globe. The Montana Department of Commerce has been an outstanding partner of the SBA as we continue pursuing every avenue to cultivate entrepreneurship and business ownership in our state.”

“Montana’s entrepreneurs produce and sell some of the finest products in the world,” said Scott Osterman, Montana Department of Commerce director. “With this STEP grant, the Department of Commerce stands ready to assist small business as they gain access to foreign markets and expand their exports. We thank the SBA for their confidence in Montana and our export programs, and we look forward to continued success for Montana businesses looking to market their products to the world.”

The STEP grant, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, will be used to bolster processes of businesses that export and increase the value of Montana Small business products. The funds will offer support for foreign trade missions, a subscription to U.S. Department of Commerce services, payment of website fees, design of marketing media, costs surrounding trade show exhibition, and export training workshops. The funds are expected to contribute approximately $10.75 million in total export sales.