The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced Indiana as the recipient of a $495,000 State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant, supporting the state’s efforts to develop and expand export-related activities among small businesses and open up new markets for Hoosier-made goods around the world. The STEP program, which is administered by the SBA’s Office of International Trade, is designed to increase the number of small businesses that export goods and to increase the value of exports from small businesses. Since its initial launch, the STEP program has awarded approximately $157 million in grants to U.S. small businesses. Under the program, eligible small businesses may apply with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for reimbursements of export-related activities like participating in international trade missions, foreign trade shows and export educational programs, as well as other export services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The IEDC will match the federal grant with $165,000, increasing the total funding available to Indiana small businesses to $660,000 . According to a press release, more information about the state’s STEP program and how Indiana small businesses can apply will be available in the coming months.