California STEP – Market Development Program (MDP)
Overview:
The California STEP MDP Program is designed to help support STEP eligible California small businesses to pursue export opportunities through participation in an overseas trade show, trade mission or other “in-market” export promotion activity. It is intended to support companies who already have products and services ready to export and need an additional incentive to go abroad and engage customers directly.
Conditions:
California STEP-MDP funds are limited to a maximum of $2,500 per company per year, with the following parameters:
- All International travel and per diem expenses are on the company’s own account; California STEP-MDF funds are not available for travel related costs.
- California STEP-MDF funds can be requested to offset the costs of exhibition space and trade show attendance, matchmaking services and other export promotion services not to exceed $2,500.
All requests are subject to availability of funds and are on a first come first served basis. MDP funds may be used for California STEP approved activities; U.S. Department of Commerce certified trade shows, official missions and Gold Key Service. Each application for MDP funds will be reviewed and measured against the projected outcomes under our STEP grant deliverables.
Approved applications will receive a direct notification within 30 business days.
Only MDP activities that are approved in advance and follow all procedures will be eligible for reimbursement
California STEP reserves the right to revoke this opportunity at any time without prior notice
California STEP reserves the right to limit access to this program for companies that have already participated in a STEP activity in the current fiscal year.
Registration – Selection – Reimbursement Process:
1) REGISTER. Applicants must submit a California STEP registration citd.org/registration, including completion and uploading of SBA Small Business Self Certification Form, and must meet all other requirements.
2) If you have participated in a previous STEP activity (any year) you must have completed an “Export Verification Form” to be eligible https://citd.org/register/exporter-success-and-verification-form/
3) CONTACT CITD/STEP PARTNER – see list at citd.org, notify of your interest to access STEP MDP funds
4) SUBMIT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Submit an executive summary* in one page detailing the export opportunity and its potential impacts on your firm. The executive summary should include:
a) the customer market segment and demand drivers for your particular product/service;
b) the market potential and an estimate of the expected export sales resulting from this set of activities for the next 12 months;
c) the competitive landscape and relative positioning of your firm and products;
d) the channel partners sought, and;
e) the promotional activities to be undertaken (this is what the California STEP-MDP funds would help pay for).
*If you need assistance with your Executive Summary, you can work with a CITD business advisor at citd.org
5) ESTABLISH YOUR COMPANY AS A VENDOR – you must be established as a vendor in order to receive a purchase order
6) RECEIVE PURCHASE ORDER – CITD/STEP partner will issue purchase order for specific amount to your company
7) SUBMIT ELIGIBLE RECEIPTS FOR CLAIM AGAINST MDP FUNDS – following the STEP MDP activity, submit an invoice on your company letterhead with the receipts showing actual expenses, and proof of payment, and copy of notification from California STEP that your MDP project has been approved.
