RollingIllinois (statewide)
Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP)
From Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- Amount
- Up to $10,00050% of costs up to $10,000 (compliance, website localization, credit insurance). 25% to 75% travel up to $10,000
- Deadline
- RollingNo closing date
- Where
- Illinois (statewide)
- Match needed
- Pays you back
- Effort
- MediumA form plus a few documents.
The link goes to dceo.illinois.gov.
Illinois small firms (under 500 employees) operating 1+ year with at least $250,000 gross revenue (exceptions possible) and at least 51% US / 25% Illinois content. Rolling. No closing date
Who can apply
- Illinois small firms (under 500 employees) operating 1+ year with at least $250,000 gross revenue (exceptions possible) and at least 51% US / 25% Illinois content
Exporters and manufacturing
Can a small business win this?
First-come, first-served, but the $250k revenue floor excludes many micro-businesses.
Before you apply
Website localization (50% up to $10k) is the easiest option for an e-commerce seller. contact your SBDC International Trade Center first.
Checked on dceo.illinois.gov, Oct 18 (opens in a new tab)
This is a summary. The official page has the final word.
Similar grants
- Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF): Up to $150,000
- Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation (CCSA): No cap listed
- Renew the Avenue Business Grants (facade, interior, social media): Up to $5,000
Common questions
How much is Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP)?
Up to $10,000. The full line is: 50% of costs up to $10,000 (compliance, website localization, credit insurance). 25% to 75% travel up to $10,000. Highest figure stored: $10,000.
When can I apply for Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP)?
Applications are rolling. The page we checked has no single closing date.
Who can apply for Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP)?
Illinois small firms (under 500 employees) operating 1+ year with at least $250,000 gross revenue (exceptions possible) and at least 51% US / 25% Illinois content.
Does Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) require matching funds?
Yes. You need to put in some of your own money or another match.
Where was Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) checked?
Checked on 2026-10-18 at https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/export/istepprogram.html. The official page wins if we disagree.
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