How can US exporters access government export assistance?
Updated: 2026-10-16
Short answer
U.S. exporters can begin with the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration and U.S. Commercial Service, the Small Business Administration (SBA), state export offices, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). Depending on eligibility, support can include market research, overseas partner searches, trade missions, STEP grants, working capital guarantees, and export credit insurance.
Contact the U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service helps eligible U.S. companies explore foreign markets and connect with prospective overseas business partners. Depending on the service and market, assistance can include export counseling, market intelligence, partner searches, international business introductions, and support around selected trade events. Some tailored services have fees and eligibility criteria, so confirm current costs and requirements with the relevant office before enrolling.
Explore the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
STEP is an SBA program delivered through participating U.S. states and territories. It can help eligible small businesses offset approved expenses associated with entering or expanding in international markets. Depending on the state's program, eligible activities may include international trade-show participation, trade missions, export services, and international marketing. Coverage, award amounts, application windows, and reimbursement procedures vary by state, and businesses should contact their state or territory STEP representative to check current availability.
Use Government Trade Missions and Export Events
The Department of Commerce publishes export events, training sessions, and trade mission opportunities. Trade missions can help companies meet prospective distributors, representatives, and commercial partners through organized activities and, in some cases, pre-arranged meetings. Choose events by target market and industry, and review eligibility, registration dates, fees, travel costs, and the type of buyer access included. See https://www.trade.gov/attend-event and https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions.
Explore SBA Export Financing and EXIM Support
The SBA offers export-related finance options through participating lenders for eligible small businesses. EXIM, the U.S. export credit agency, offers products such as working capital loan guarantees and export credit insurance to help eligible U.S. exporters fulfill orders and manage foreign buyer non-payment risk. These programs have specific eligibility and transaction requirements; they are financing and risk-management tools rather than automatic grants or guarantees of sales.
Prepare Before Applying for Assistance
Prepare your company profile, product information, target-market research, production capacity, export plan, and an estimate of the assistance or funding required. For financing, be ready to provide financial information, export orders or contracts, buyer details, and cash-flow projections if requested. Confirm the current application status and eligibility directly with the relevant agency. Official resources include https://www.trade.gov/services-current-exporters, https://www.sba.gov/, and https://www.exim.gov/community/small-businesses-exporters.