U.S. Virgin Islands State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

To assist small businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands with increasing their revenues and the sales of their products by expanding their export-related activities into foreign markets, Wayne L. Biggs, Jr., chief executive officer of the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA), announces that the U.S. Small Business Administration (U.S. SBA) has approved the U.S. Virgin Islands’ application for a $168,000 grant that allows the Territory to participate in the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to support export growth among small businesses in the USVI.

In past grant cycles for STEP, export activities have allowed Virgin Islands' manufacturers and artisans to travel to Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, Italy, to the largest tradeshows in the U.S. and to several Caribbean islands to meet with potential buyers and expand their business beyond the territory.

The goal of STEP is to help increase exporting activities of small-business owners and introduce current small-business exporters to new foreign buyers.

USVI STEP will include 

  • foreign trade missions
  • foreign market sales trips 
  • services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and 
  • trade show exhibits

The USVIEDA is currently seeking applicants for USVI STEP.

To learn more, call 340-714-1700, ext. 262, or ext. 256.

In addition to completing the USVI STEP Application through the link below, a Self Representation Form must also be completed as part of the application process.

​​​​​​Apply Now

 

 

"Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration."