After completing the application(s), send the following items to: stepnd@ndto.com. Or via mail:
North Dakota Trade Office
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Applications are reviewed based on the program guidelines and if accepted, approval is given based on the quality of the application and the overall funding available.
NDTO allocates funds to approved companies on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all funding is allocated, the application process is over (unless allocated funds are under-utilized by awarded companies and turned back to NDTO). Allocations are determined based on a variety of factors:
a. Amount of total funding available
b. Quality of a company’s application, including expected increases in export sales and/or retained or new jobs
c. Number of activities and previous funding allocations to the company
d. Markets to be entered
First-time applicants may be limited in the number of accepted applications within the program’s first quarter. Applicants may receive less than the full amount requested. NDTO reserves the right to accept or reject any application, or to limit allocations to any applicant.
Participating companies may need to make changes to their plans after the activity/project has been approved. Changes to existing approvals are accomplished through amendments. Amendments can be made anytime during the program year. Contact NDTO in advance with any questions. Amendments can be used to change/add the following:
Companies wishing to change the activity/project type must resubmit an Activity Application to NDTO as a new activity.
This checklist will help you before, during, and after the activity.
a. Cash Receipt
For cash expenses less than $1,000, a signed receipt which must be marked “paid” and show a zero balance. For cash expenses exceeding $1,000, a letter from the vendor stating the invoice has been paid in full.
b. Check
A cleared, bank-encoded, canceled version of the check, or a copy of the front and back of the check accompanied by a copy of the bank statement showing the check withdrawal as a line item or posted.
c. Credit Card Statement
A credit card statement showing the name of the participating company, the vendor, and the charge as a line item are required. We do not need proof of payment to the credit card company.
d. Wire Transfer Confirmation
We must see the wire transfer confirmation or the bank statement showing the posted transaction. The request alone is not sufficient.
e. Credit/Debit Memo
A copy of the credit/debit memo, a copy of the account statement or product invoice showing the deduction taken, and copies of invoices for products shipped to the vendor and the corresponding credit memo that equals or exceeds the amount of the credit/debit memo.
Companies will only be reimbursed for travel to exhibit at international trade shows, for foreign market sales trips, or to participate in approved trade missions. If you are traveling on a trade mission, please contact NDTO to verify eligibility under the program. Please note: Travel expenses are eligible for a maximum of two US-based company employees. Travel expenses are not eligible for importers/distributors, consultants, interns, or interpreters. This checklist will help you before, during, and after your trip.
Email of the completed Request for Reimbursement and supporting documentation to NDTO. All reimbursement claims should be submitted to NDTO within 30 days of the completion of the promotional activity. You must provide NDTO with supporting documentation for each reimbursement claim. All reimbursements require the submission of three items:
Keep copies of all reimbursement request materials, including original copies of vendor invoices. Upon review, NDTO may request original documentation. Please note: You are required to maintain your STEP ND files for a minimum of 3 years following the end of the program year. Files are subject to audit by the SBA. Once your reimbursement claim has been reviewed, and you have been notified of any additional documentation that is needed, you have 15 days to provide the documents, or your reimbursement claim may be denied.
All invoices submitted for reimbursement must contain detailed information in English or translated into English:
For foreign currency exchange rate conversions please use www.oanda.com, and put in the date or date range).
The activities listed below require specific documentation in order to qualify for reimbursement.