Texas is the top exporting state in the country, and a range of government programs exist to help Texas businesses sell their products and services internationally. From reimbursement grants for trade show expenses to export credit insurance and trade counseling, these programs reduce the risk and cost of entering foreign markets. This guide walks through the key programs step by step.
Step 1: Get Export-Ready
Before pursuing export assistance programs, make sure your business has the fundamentals in place:
- Product or service readiness: Your product or service should be proven in the domestic market before you expand internationally.
- Export plan: Develop a basic export plan identifying target markets, pricing strategy, distribution channels, and regulatory requirements. SBDCs and SCORE can help with this at no cost.
- Legal and regulatory compliance: Understand export regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ITAR (for defense-related products), and any country-specific restrictions.
- SAM.gov registration: Required for some federal export programs.
Step 2: Connect with Free Export Counseling
U.S. Commercial Service (Texas Offices)
The U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Department of Commerce, has offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, and other Texas cities. Commercial Service trade specialists provide:
- Free initial export counseling
- Market research and country-specific intelligence
- Trade lead distribution
- Introductions to potential foreign buyers and partners
- Trade event and mission support
SBDCs with Export Expertise
Several Texas SBDCs have dedicated international trade counselors who provide free export counseling, market research, and assistance with export documentation and compliance.
Step 3: Apply for STEP Grants
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides grants to reimburse small businesses for costs associated with entering or expanding into international markets. STEP is funded by the SBA and administered through the state of Texas.
Eligible expenses typically include:
- International trade show participation fees and booth costs
- Trade mission travel expenses
- Export marketing materials and website localization
- Export compliance training
- Design of international marketing campaigns
- Subscription to trade lead services
STEP grants are reimbursement-based — you spend the money first and then submit for reimbursement. Grant amounts and application periods vary by funding cycle. Detailed export grants guide.
Step 4: Explore Export Financing
EXIM Bank Programs
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) provides financial products to support U.S. exports:
- Export credit insurance: Protects against foreign buyer non-payment due to commercial or political risks. This allows you to offer competitive payment terms to foreign buyers while mitigating your risk.
- Working capital loan guarantees: EXIM guarantees working capital loans from commercial lenders, enabling your business to finance export production costs.
- Buyer financing: EXIM can provide financing directly to foreign buyers purchasing U.S. goods and services, making it easier for your customers to buy from you.
SBA Export Loans
The SBA offers three export-specific loan programs:
- Export Express: Streamlined loan or line of credit up to $500,000 for export development activities.
- Export Working Capital: Up to $5 million to finance export orders and receivables.
- International Trade Loans: Up to $5 million for businesses entering or expanding in export markets. Government loan programs.
Step 5: Participate in Trade Events
U.S. Commercial Service Programs
- Gold Key Service: The Commercial Service arranges meetings with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, and distributors in your target market. Available in most major countries.
- International Partner Search: The Commercial Service identifies potential partners in a target market and provides a list of interested contacts.
- Certified Trade Missions: Organized trade missions led by government officials, providing structured introductions to foreign markets.
- International Buyer Program: Major U.S. trade shows are designated as International Buyer Program events, where the Commercial Service recruits foreign buyers to attend.
Step 6: Address Compliance
Export compliance is critical and non-negotiable:
- Determine your product's Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) to understand any licensing requirements
- Screen all parties to transactions against denied parties lists
- Understand country-specific sanctions and embargoes
- Maintain proper export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the U.S. Commercial Service can provide compliance guidance. Some STEP funds can be used for export compliance training.
Find All Available Programs
Export programs are one category within a broader landscape of government support. Our screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and identifies which ones may match. Start your free screening →