Free help and money to start exporting

Exporting is one of the few areas where the government genuinely hands small businesses money and expert help to grow — because exports are good for the whole economy. There are grants that reimburse your costs to reach foreign markets, free trade specialists, and loans built for exporters. If you're serious about selling abroad, this support can cover much of the early cost and risk.

Do this

1. Look at STEP grants (State Trade Expansion Program) — they reimburse small businesses for the costs of entering export markets.
2. Use the free experts: the U.S. Commercial Service and your SBDC's international-trade advisors cost you nothing.
3. Know the loan options: SBA export loans and EXIM financing exist specifically to fund export orders and protect you.
4. Check what you qualify for in Bizer's Capital tool (/capital → Grants), then apply where you genuinely fit.

The export support system

Exports get more free help + money than almost any other kind of growth:

MONEY • STEP grants — reimburse costs of entering foreign markets (trade shows, translation, travel, marketing). Run through your state; check eligibility. • SBA export loans — Export Working Capital & Export Express fund orders. • EXIM Bank — export credit insurance + financing so you get paid.

FREE EXPERTISE • U.S. Commercial Service (trade.gov) — trade specialists + buyer matchmaking. • SBDC international-trade advisors — free counseling, market research. • SCORE mentors who've exported before.

Start by seeing what you qualify for in Bizer's Capital tool (/capital → Grants), then let a trade advisor help you apply. This is support built to say yes — use it.