New Jersey Secures $847K Grant to Boost Small Business Exports

The New Jersey Department of State’s Business Action Center has announced that it will receive an $847,000 federal grant through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), effective July 1, 2026. This funding is specifically designed to assist small and mid-sized businesses that are new to exporting, marking a sustained commitment to fostering export activities in New Jersey. This initiative aims not just to facilitate the entry of local enterprises into global markets, but also to continue a trend of increased state export sales and job creation that has been building over the past decade.

Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who oversees the New Jersey Business Action Center as the Secretary of State, emphasized the significance of this grant by stating, "International retail is an important part of the business plan for many small businesses. As a logistics and distribution hub, New Jersey offers businesses a distinct advantage in accessing global markets. With this grant, the New Jersey Business Action Center's Office of Export Promotion will help New Jersey businesses realize foreign sales opportunities."

Historically, the STEP program has demonstrated substantial success, with previous rounds of funding generating millions in export sales and creating thousands of jobs. For example, the ongoing STEP 12 Grant (2024 – 2026), which is set to conclude in September 2026, has produced over $4 million in actual sales and contributed to the creation of more than 170 jobs. Equally impressive were results from the STEP 11 Grant (2023 – 2025), which reported over $49 million in sales and supported nearly 1,975 jobs. These statistics underscore the transformative impact of federal funding on local economies, particularly in stimulating export growth.

The implications for procurement professionals are clear. The availability of federal funds aimed at export promotion will likely increase demand for various consulting, training, and export-related services. Companies that specialize in areas such as export assistance and international trade consulting should actively consider partnership or subcontracting opportunities with the Business Action Center. Notably, the application portal for the NJSTEP program opens on July 1, 2026, making it essential for enterprises interested in this funding to prepare in advance.

Moreover, the New Jersey Business Action Center's efforts extend beyond simple funding allocations; the center offers no-cost, confidential assistance to help businesses navigate the complexities of government processes, ensuring they can capitalize on these opportunities effectively. With an established contact line (1-800-JERSEY-7) available for inquiries and application support, the Business Action Center is facilitating direct engagement with the program, opening the door for many businesses to expand their horizons internationally.

The NJBAC operates under the oversight of Executive Director Melanie Willoughby, who voiced enthusiasm about the potential for small businesses to benefit from this program's resources. She noted, "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." The emphasis on inclusivity within the export space demonstrates New Jersey's commitment to helping a wider array of businesses participate in the global economy, emphasizing that even small firms can engage effectively in international trade.