Comparison of Export Development Financial Assistance Programs: STEP and MDCP

In 2011, the Small Business Administration started the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) initiative to help states to help small businesses to export. STEP objectives are aligned closely with those of the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP). Because entities eligible for STEP financial assistance awards are also eligible for MDCP awards, we have provided a comparison table below.

Main objective Eligible partners Total annual funding available for awards Project duration ceiling Percent share federal/ partner Award ceiling                       STEP Exports State export agencies.   $30,000,000 12 months 75 / 25 $3,000,000     MDCP Exports State export agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, World Trade Centers, Small Business Development Centers, economic development entities, other non-profit industry groups. $2,000,000 36 months 33 / 67 $300,000