International Trade Center

STEP and GLA Programs are Officially Launched

On November 3, 2011, the ITC at SIUE hosted a free informational seminar for small and medium-sized businesses interested in expanding their export opportunities.  The seminar provided businesses with information about Illinois' newest $1.26 million State Trade & Export Promotion Program (STEP), offered through the State of Illinois Office of Trade and Investment (OTI).  The STEP Program provides funding for participation in OTI sponsored overseas trade shows or individual company travel to meet with potential foreign buyers and/or distributors.  Grant support includes reimbursement of between 50 and 75 percent of overseas travel expenses if a company is approved as a STEP recipient.

The STEP program, funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration, supports Governor Pat Quinn's goal of doubling Illinois exports by year-end 2014, and provides assistance to Illinois businesses to export their products and services worldwide.

During this event, the Gateway to Latin America (GLA) program was also announced, offering additional funds to small and medium-sized businesses in southern Illinois with specific export needs in Central and South America. 

For complete details regarding the STEP Program, please go to: http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/exports/Pages/STEP.aspx or contact the International Trade Center at 618.650.3851 or via e-mail at International-Trade-Center@siue.edu. 

---------Application Instructions---------

Click Here for an application.  If you have an electronic signature on file, please fill in all necessary fields and click "Submit" to send via Outlook or similar email application.  Otherwise, save the completed PDF to your computer, then attach and send in an email to International-Trade-Center@siue.edu.

If you do not have an electronic signature, please fill in all necessary fields and print the application.  After signing the paper version, please mail or fax to the ITC.