TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of State’s Business Action Center has announced today that it has been awarded $847,000 in federal funds for the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to support new-to-exporting businesses in small and mid-sized business communities.

The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) received funding for New Jersey STEP (NJSTEP) to provide financial awards to the companies on a first come, first served competitive basis. The program is funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

“International retail is an important part of the business plan or goal 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,” says New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who oversees the NJBAC as Secretary of State.

The new award, which begins July 1, 2026, will mark 13 consecutive years of funding. Previous awards have led to millions of dollars in export sales around the world. The STEP 12 Grant (2024 – 2026), set to close in September 2026, has so far generated over $4 million in actual sales and created over 170 jobs. Additionally, the STEP 11 Grant (2023 – 2025) has produced over $49 million in actual sales and created or retained 1,975 jobs.

“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,” said New Jersey Business Action Center Executive Director Melanie Willoughby.

The NJSTEP is administered by the NJBAC’s Office of Export Promotion, both housed within the New Jersey Department of State. The application portal for the NJSTEP program opens July 1, 2026. To learn more, visit the organization’s website at nj.gov/state/bac or call 1-800-JERSEY-7.

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About the New Jersey Business Action Center
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), housed within the New Jersey Department of State and operating under the leadership of Executive Director Melanie Willoughby, is a business-first resource that offers no-cost, confidential assistance to help businesses grow. The team helps companies of all sizes save time and money by getting answers from government agencies, directing businesses to appropriate officials and contacts, and facilitating meetings and follow-ups from regulatory agencies. For additional information, call 1-800-JERSEY-7, or visit nj.gov/state/bac or visit business.nj.gov to use the LiveCHAT.