{"id":132631,"date":"2026-09-02T11:07:07","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=132631"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:05:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:05:42","slug":"indiana-receives-sba-grant-for-small-businesses-to-increase-product-sales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/09\/02\/indiana-receives-sba-grant-for-small-businesses-to-increase-product-sales\/","title":{"rendered":"Indiana receives SBA grant for small businesses to increase product sales"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Today, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the state has secured $765,000 in competitive grant funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help Indiana small businesses increase and expand their product sales.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

News release from Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s office:<\/p>\n

Gov. Braun Helps Small Businesses Grow Sales, Export Products with New Funding<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indianapolis, Indiana (September 2, 2026) \u2014 Indiana Governor Mike Braun today announced the state has secured $765,000 in competitive grant funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help Indiana small businesses increase and expand their product sales. The funding will support the Indiana State Trade Expansion Program (IN-STEP), which helps small businesses develop and expand export-related activities, opening up new international markets for Hoosier-made goods around the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndiana\u2019s small businesses are the engine of the Hoosier economy, and we are committed to supporting their continued growth and success,\u201d said Gov. Braun. \u201cIndiana offers comprehensive support for aspiring and current entrepreneurs and small businesses, and IN-STEP is yet another tool we can provide to help Hoosiers identify new customers, increase sales and succeed in a global economy.\u201d<\/p>\n

IN-STEP is designed to help Indiana small businesses identify, market and sell their products or services around the world. Through the program, eligible companies can receive financial assistance towards the execution of eligible trade expansion activities, such as participating in international trade missions, trade shows and export educational programs, as well as other export services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This grant funding is currently available to Indiana companies to support eligible trade activity executed between June 30, 2026, and the end of 2026.<\/p>\n

Since the program\u2019s launch more than five years ago, IN-STEP has provided nearly $1.75 million to over 100 Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses with 260 international trade expansion projects across six continents. These businesses have reported export sales of $40.2 million as a result of grant-support activities, generating an approximate return on investment of $23.40 for every federal grant dollar invested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is simple: help Indiana businesses grow as fast as possible,\u201d said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. \u201cFor our small businesses, growth shouldn\u2019t stop at the state line or the nation\u2019s border. IN-STEP gives Hoosier companies another tool to reach new customers, compete in new markets and increase sales, strengthening their businesses and creating more opportunity here at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Applications<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses are encouraged to apply for international trade assistance through IN-STEP. Visit iedc.in.gov\/program\/in-step<\/a> to learn more about IN-STEP eligible activities and expenses as well as the application process.<\/p>\n

To be eligible for IN-STEP funding, companies must 1) apply for an eligible IN-STEP activity, 2) identify at least one target international market, and 3) provide a detailed scope and budget.<\/p>\n

Additionally, all companies must meet the following minimum requirements:<\/p>\n