Source:  NCDA&CS, 1/29/15

The North Carolina Passport to Export Program is designed to assist small businesses in North Carolina with exporting and expanding business in overseas markets through the U.S. Small Business Association’s STEP (State Trade and Export Promotion) Program. The program is focused exclusively on small businesses and will give special consideration to women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses as well as businesses located in rural North Carolina. 

Under the program, eligible North Carolina small businesses can be reimbursed up to $2,000 for expenses of coach-class airfare and lodging affiliated with approved international trade shows/trade missions. (A company can be approved for no more than $2,000 in a 12-month period.)

A company must apply to the NC Passport to Export STEP Program and be approved prior to attending any international trade event. Additionally, the program is not designed to reimburse companies for services attained or attendance at trade events prior to approval of a NC STEP application.

Information on eligibility and applications can be found here.