Florida SBDC has ended its administration of the Small Business Administration's State Trade Expansion Program grant, effective October 1, 2026, while continuing to offer international trade advising. For South Florida owners planning overseas sales, the immediate task is to check which assistance will pay for a proposed activity before committing money.
The network's STEP notice says its trade consultants will continue helping businesses navigate foreign markets, supply chains and international growth. The announcement concerns Florida SBDC's administration of this grant. It does not announce the termination of the federal STEP program nationwide or name a successor administrator for Florida.
What changed in the funding picture
STEP operates through awards to states and territories that support small businesses entering or expanding in international markets. The U.S. Department of Commerce's program explanation describes assistance for activities such as overseas trade shows, trade missions, export services and international marketing. Covered services and support amounts vary by state.
Florida SBDC's previous service list explicitly covered October 2024 through September 2026. It included support for approved trade-event travel, translation, website localization and export planning. Those dates matter when an owner encounters a saved brochure or an old search result: the document describes a funding period that has ended.
The new notice does not explain the treatment of individual pending reimbursements or previously approved activities. Owners with an existing file should ask their assigned consultant for the status of that specific approval, any remaining documentation requirements and the applicable submission deadline. The announcement alone cannot establish whether a particular claim remains payable.
Export planning is still available
Florida SBDC's international trade services page continues to list help with market research, licensing questions, destination-country product requirements and export marketing plans for qualified businesses. These services can help an owner evaluate a market before spending on travel, translated materials or a distributor search.
The current page prices a customized Export Marketing Plan at $5,000, with a $4,500 scholarship for qualifying companies and a $500 business contribution. SelectFlorida's plan page independently lists the same split: SelectFlorida pays $4,500 and the recipient pays Florida SBDC $500.
That is a specific subsidized service with an application and qualification process. It should be budgeted separately from general consulting. Applicants are evaluated by an SBDC trade specialist in conjunction with SelectFlorida, and approved companies pay their contribution after signing a letter of engagement.
Check support before booking the activity
A useful starting point is a short, itemized export budget. Separate the market research, event registration, airfare, sample shipping, translation and follow-up costs. For each item, identify the proposed funding source, what the company must pay and what approval is still missing.
If a reimbursement is part of the plan, request written confirmation of the eligible activity and expense dates before relying on it. Ask who reviews the claim and when payment could arrive. A business still needs enough cash to cover an upfront bill even when an expense is approved for later reimbursement.
Owners who have already spent money should keep approvals, invoices, proof of payment and correspondence together while resolving the status of their files. Avoid assuming that a continuing advisory relationship automatically renews an older grant approval.
SelectFlorida also maintains a separate trade-grant program. Its published qualifications include Florida business registration, at least two years in business in the state and a licensed commercial location. Home-based businesses and virtual offices do not qualify under the general criteria. Other employment, revenue and grant-specific conditions apply, so an alternative program may fit a different set of companies.
Where South Florida owners can start
The Florida SBDC regional directory directs Miami-Dade and Monroe County businesses to Florida SBDC at FIU, at 305-779-9230. Broward and Palm Beach County businesses are served by Florida SBDC at FAU, at 954-235-8605.
For an initial conversation, bring the target country, product or service, proposed activity dates and any prior funding approval. That gives the adviser a concrete project to assess and helps separate market-planning questions from unresolved funding questions.
Sources
Florida SBDC STEP notice; Commerce Department STEP overview; prior Florida SBDC service list; international trade services; SelectFlorida export plans; SelectFlorida trade grants; regional SBDC directory.
Key Facts for Owners and Search
What ended on October 1, 2026?
Florida SBDC's administration of the SBA STEP grant ended on that date.
Did the announcement end STEP nationwide?
No. The notice addresses Florida SBDC's administration and does not announce a nationwide federal program termination.
Is international trade advising still available?
Yes. Florida SBDC says its international trade consultants continue providing advisory services.
What does an Export Marketing Plan cost?
Current program pages list a $500 contribution for qualifying companies, with SelectFlorida covering $4,500. Approval is required.
What should an owner with a pending reimbursement do?
Contact the assigned consultant about the specific approval, required documents and deadline. The notice does not resolve individual claims.
