The New Jersey Business Action Center received $847,000 in federal funding to help support new-to-exporting ventures in small and mid-sized business communities through NJSTEP, according to a recent announcement.

The NJBAC said the resources will go toward the New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program.

NJSTEP  is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It provides financial awards on a first-come, first-served competitive basis to New Jersey-headquartered entities that want to expand sales and customer bases with exports.

The NJBAC’s Office of Export Promotion administers NJSTEP. Since its launch 13 years ago, the initiative has assisted hundreds of businesses across the state and led to millions in export sales around the world, according to NJBAC. During the two-year grant cycle between 2023 and 2025, the program helped produce over $49 million in revenue and more than 1,975 jobs in New Jersey.

NJBAC Executive Director Melanie Willoughby remarked, “Selling into global markets is not only for large or established firms. We are encouraging New Jersey companies to apply for a NJSTEP grant to support their exporting activities and grow New Jersey jobs.”

Housed within the New Jersey Department of State, NJBAC is a business advocacy office that helps entrepreneurs navigate government, find resources and access growth opportunities.

How to apply to NJSTEP

The application portal for the NJSTEP program opened July 1. According to a spokesperson, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Sept. 1, 2027.

To learn more, visit the organization’s website or call 1-800-JERSEY-7.

More help for small businesses:

• EDGE program expands to support South Jersey small businesses (updated)
• Newark Alliance launches small business support pilot
• DoorDash to host free small business workshop in Hoboken