ActiveOpenState

Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion Program.

ISTEP combines technical help with partial reimbursement for approved export-development activities by qualifying Illinois small businesses.

Offered byDCEO Office of Trade and Investmentverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Eligible companies work with an Illinois trade specialist or International Trade Center before applying. Assistance is first come, first served and covers specified export activities rather than general operating costs.

Best for: Established Illinois small businesses preparing to enter or grow in foreign markets.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Qualifying Illinois small businesses with an Illinois headquarters or substantial facility, at least one year of operations, and eligible U.S. and Illinois content

Eligible uses

  • Approved trade missions
  • Individual foreign-market sales missions
  • Product compliance
  • Website localization
  • Export credit insurance

Uses excluded by the source

  • Costs supported by another export-promotion grant for the same activity

Application

How to start.

  1. Contact an Illinois SBDC International Trade Center or DCEO trade specialist.
  2. Confirm company, product-content, revenue, and activity eligibility.
  3. Submit the official web application before incurring costs that require prior approval.

Timing: Assistance is first come, first served while funds are available.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • Applicants must meet all current company and product-content requirements.
  • Activities require program approval and documentation.

The same export cost cannot also receive another local, state, or federal export-promotion grant.

Evidence

Official sources.

  • ISTEP ProgramIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity · accessed 2026-07-10