In our mission to support ND businesses expanding their businesses internationally, the North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) is proud to be the recipient of state and federal grants to assist with exports. We have three opportunities that are available now to assist you in expanding your business globally. Check out the following overview of our grant programs to see how we can best support your expansion.
STEP ND
The Small Business Administration funds the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) ND Program, which supports expanding small businesses into new international markets or new products into existing markets. STEP ND is designed to channel resources to ND companies to strengthen their export plans and increase ND’s presence in the global economy. Whether your company is currently exporting or new-to-export, assistance is available.
Accepting Applications: Rolling applications are open now.
Applicant Eligibility: ND Businesses that qualify under SBA’s guidelines for small businesses.
Funding Availability: STEP ND assists with up to 75% of eligible costs for up to $5000 per activity. Each company is eligible for two activities through Sept 2023. If funding remains, more companies may have the opportunity to apply for additional opportunities under this award.
Types of Activities:
- Foreign trade missions
- Foreign trade shows
- Domestic trade shows with an international presence
- Foreign market sales trips
- Subscription to services of the US Commercial Services
- RAISE Program
- Website translation to a foreign language
- Design and translation of international marketing materials
- Shipping of sample materials/products internationally to trade shows/sales trips
Deadlines: All reimbursement materials must be provided within 30 days after the activity takes place. Activities must be completed before Sept 28, 2024.
Specialty Crop Block Grant
NDTO’s Specialty Crop Program is a reimbursement program providing funding to eligible businesses participating in NDTO-led trade missions with a specialty crop focus, additional funds for other activities, including individual international sales trips to meet with buyers, are subject to the availability of funds.
The ND Specialty Crop Program was made possible by the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through a grant. The program intends to increase the global market visibility and competitiveness of the North Dakota specialty crop sector. Specialty crops included in this program are peas, beans, lentils, confectionary sunflowers, and more.
Accepting Applications: Rolling applications are open now.
Applicant Eligibility: ND Businesses that sell qualifying specialty crops.
Funding Availability: The Specialty Crop Program can assist with up to 75% of eligible costs for up to $5000 for individual-focused sales trips.
Types of Activities:
- Foreign trade missions
- Foreign market sales trips
Deadlines: All reimbursement materials must be provided within 30 days after the activity takes place. Activities must be completed before Sept 30, 2024.
NDTO’s ExportND Program
This program is exclusively for NDTO members who have exhausted their current programming above and are still looking for more export opportunities.
The ExportND program seeks to assist NDTO member companies in expanding internationally and supporting their expansion into new markets. This program intends to supplement state and federal funding for companies seeking additional export opportunities. There is a significant cost burden in new market expansion, and the ExportND program is here to offset some of those costs as a supporter of international business throughout ND. The ExportND is self-funded by NDTO and serves as a member benefit.
Accepting Applications: Accepting applications from June 1, 2023- June 16, 2023.
Applicant Eligibility: NDTO Member companies
Funding Availability: Each company is able to submit up to $5000 for multiple exporting activities under one application.
Types of Activities:
- Foreign trade missions
- Foreign trade shows
- Domestic trade shows with an international presence
- Foreign market sales trips
- Subscription to services of the US Commercial Services
- RAISE Program
- Website translation to a foreign language
- Design and translation of international marketing materials
- Shipping of sample materials/products internationally to trade shows/sales trips
Deadlines: Activities must be completed before June 30, 2024.
With so many opportunities, we hope to see more ND companies pushing their boundaries and expanding their businesses to new heights. As always, the NDTO and our team of experts are happy to help ease some of the challenges along the way. For program specifics on eligibility, funding amounts, qualifications and applications, see https://ndto.com/grants/ or contact amanda@ndto.com