STEP Export Voucher Program

The following activities are eligible expenses for the STEP Export Voucher grant program. Applications should focus on activities that support the same goal. For example, a trade show in Japan may require trade show fees, an international flight, shipping of samples, and translating a website into Japanese. Awards are granted based on committee review of your export voucher application.

• Design of print and digital marketing materials for exclusive use in a foreign market (such as ads in a foreign industry magazine or Facebook/Google ads specifically targeting foreign markets).
• Search engine optimization (SEO) work exclusive to an international foreign market.
• Translation of marketing matierals, including print, audio and video.
• International e-commerce fees.
• Services of the U.S. Commercial Service.
• International shipment of product samples to support a foreign trade show (excluding custom’s fees/foreign duties).
• Compliance testing of an existing product for entry into an export market.
• Costs associated with international IP protection limited to USPTO PCT transmittal, filing fees, search fees, Hague International Design App transmittal fees, Trademark Madrid Protocol fees.
• International business travel for up to two company representatives. (Other restrictions apply, see FAQ section).
• International trade show or trade mission fees (virtual or in-person).
• Foreign market sales trips.
• EXIM Credit Insurance fees and private credit insurance fees.
• Attorney fees to review international distributor agreements.

Questions about Commerce’s Export Voucher Program? Here are some answers to the questions we receive most often.

How many vouchers can I receive?

Companies can qualify for three STEP vouchers per federal fiscal year (Oct to September) and up to $10,000.

If a company’s application for a voucher is denied, can they re-apply for a different event or activity in the same year?

Yes.

Can a company apply for an export voucher after they have already attended an event or activity?

Applications for an export voucher will only be considered for events or activities taking place in the future.

Can an export voucher be used for more than one sales trip or trade show?

No.

Can one trip with multiple stops qualify for an export voucher?

Yes, as long as the destinations are within the same general region of the world. The export voucher cannot be used to fund “around the world” tickets.

If I was awarded a voucher for a specific event, can I use that award for another event if our plans change?

No. The voucher must be relinquished and you must submit another application for the new event.

Can a distributor who plans to purchase goods for export receive a voucher?

Vouchers may be approved for these companies if at least 51% of the product’s value-added (including R&D) is from the U.S.

How do I know if I’m an SBA defined small business?

You can go to the WA Department of Revenue website to look up your NAICS code. Then you can look up your NAICS code in the SBA table to determine if you are an SBA defined small business.

What is a Statewide Vendor Number (SWV#) and why do I need one?

The state of Washington requires vendors (which include Export Voucher recipients) to have a Statewide Vendor Number (SWV#) before they can be paid by any state agency. If the Department of Commerce approves your Export Voucher application, this is how you will receive your reimbursement.

What is a cash match?

In compliance with SBA’s regulations, a voucher cannot cover more than 75 percent of a company’s expenses for an event. Therefore, a company must demonstrate that they have paid the amount covered by the voucher, and an additional 25 percent which will not be reimbursed.

What conditions must be met for my airfare to be reimbursed?

You must fly basic economy and be in compliance with the requirements as described on the Fly America Act website. If not flying a U.S. carrier, it must comply with the four Open Skies Agreements, also described on their website. When you return from your trip, you must submit your boarding passes and the email confirmation from the airline stating your itinerary and confirmation of payment. Specifically, these conditions must be met:

• Companies must retain ALL boarding passes for each leg of a traveler’s journey. Failure to retain passes will result in the exclusion of the expense
• Only basic economy class (premium economy is not economy) fares are eligible for reimbursement. Travelers may upgrade after booking economy and economy fare.
• Travelers must comply with the Fly America Act by booking routes using a US carrier. Codeshare flights are allowable if booked via a US carrier’s website and tickets are issued using the US carrier’s flight code.
• Companies must submit an email confirmation from the airline stating the itinerary and confirmation of payment to the STEP Program Manager.
• Airfare purchased with frequent flyer miles is ineligible for reimbursement.

When can I expect to be reimbursed after my trip?

All necessary documents must be submitted 30 days after the last travel date. Once everything is submitted, you can expect to see your reimbursement in about three weeks.

What other financing options besides the Export Voucher program are available to help Washington small businesses?

Companies that meet the criteria for an Export Voucher may also be eligible for other Department of Commerce initiatives. These services leverage federal, state and private funding to increase small business access to capital that helps grow businesses and create new jobs.