[Hidden-tech] Fwd: STEP Grants

[Rich Roth]

For those of you for whom export/import might apply, check this:
and reply to Michael J Graney directly (Please mention you saw it on HT)

Rich/webmaster

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	STEP Grants
Date: 	Wed, 5 Dec 2012 16:27:57 +0000
From: 	Mike Graney <m.graney at westernmassedc.com>
To: 	Allan Blair <a.blair at westernmassedc.com>, "mike.vedovelli at state.ma.us" 
<mike.vedovelli at state.ma.us>, Dawn Creighton <dcreighton at aimnet.org>



The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment ("MOITI") and the Mass 
Export Center have announced that Massachusetts has received a $720,000 State Trade and 
Export Promotion ("STEP") grant from the US Small Business Administration ("SBA") to 
assist Massachusetts companies that want to begin exporting or increase their current 
export activities. Information about thebelow program is . Here is a link to a page 
additional information and the online application -- 
http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/moiti/exporting/step-program/ -- There is a FAQ 
section on that page with more information and numerous links to individuals and agencies 
that can help you improve your export capability. Applications are being accepted now. 
Companies that qualify as "Small Businesses" under the SBA definition are eligible and can 
apply for up to $10,000. I am happy to assist any firm that wants to find out more about 
the program, but feel free to contact MOITI, the Export Center, MOBD, AIM, the USCS or any 
of the other agencies that are involved if you have a direct connection.

I encourage you to consider this program.  The EDC can provide assistance to your 
international business activities, so please do not hesitate to contact me.

Michael J Graney

Senior VP of Business Development

EDC of Western Massachusetts

+1 (413) 755-1300

m.graney at westernmassedc.com <mailto:m.graney at westernmassedc.com>

www.WesternMassEDC.com <http://www.WesternMassEDC.com>

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-graney/4/151/325/


*Massachusetts STEP Grant Program

*

The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment ("MOITI"), in collaboration 
with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network ("MSBDC") and the 
Massachusetts Export Center, is pleased to announce the Massachusetts State Trade and 
Export Promotion Grant Program ("STEP Program"). MOITI, through a grant from the United 
States Small Business Administration ("SBA"), will provide grants to eligible 
Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods 
and services.

Grants under the STEP Program will be capped at $10,000 per business to reimburse for 
costs associated with projects, activities or services undertaken during the period 
September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2013. Each grant recipient will be required to provide 
a match to cover at least 25% of the total approved cost for any project, activity or 
service (the "Match").

The STEP Program is intended to help offset international business development and related 
marketing costs for small businesses. Grant proceeds may be used for specific 
international business development and marketing costs, including but not limited to: (1) 
foreign trade show and conference participation; (2) MOITI and/or U.S. Department of 
Commerce ("DOC") sponsored trade missions;
(3) use of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Gold Key service and other DOC services; (4) 
foreign business-to-business matchmaking services; (5) translation and product 
localization-related services, including compliance with foreign regulatory requirements; 
and, (6) targeted advertising in overseas industry trade publications. Grant proceeds will 
not cover certain activities, including but not limited to: routine business operation and 
infrastructure-related expenses, attendance at domestic trade shows and conferences, 
travel expenses, and staffing related costs.

Following completion and submission of the Readiness Assessment & Application 
("Application"), MOITI and the Massachusetts Export Center shall review all applications. 
MOITI will notify eligible applicants in writing of entry into the STEP Consultation 
Period. During the STEP Consultation Period, MOITI and the Massachusetts Export Center 
will consult with the applicant and review the applicant's international business 
marketing plan and the applicant's specific request for reimbursement. In awarding grants, 
MOITI and the Massachusetts Export Center will consider the following: likelihood that the 
project/initiative will lead to new or increased export sales of goods and services; 
likelihood that the project/initiative will lead to job creation in Massachusetts; and, 
the applicant's demonstrated commitment to increasing export sales of its good or services.

*Application Periods:*MOITI will accept submissions for consideration during the following 
two application periods: (1) November 30, 2012 - February 28, 2013; and, (2) March 1, 2013 -
May 30, 2013. Applicants not accepted in the first application period may reapply in the 
second period.

*Eligibility:*To qualify for STEP program funding, companies or firms must be profitable 
and meet the U.S. Small Business Administration definition of small business as provided 
in the Code of Federal Regulations, 13 C.F.R. Part 121. Click here 
<http://www.sba.gov/content/what-sbas-definition-small-business-concern>for further 
information on SBA's definition of a small business concern.

*Required for application:*Companies wishing to apply for STEP funding must submit an 
online application and the proposed project, service or activity for which funding is 
being requested must occur between September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2013.

*Required for disbursement of grant proceeds: *In order to receive reimbursement, a 
company must present proof of payment for the related project, activity or service, 
including but not limited to, a copy of paid invoice(s), and trade show/conference badge 
where applicable.





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Rich Roth
Webmaster/Steering Committee Member
Hidden-tech http://www.hidden-tech.net
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