Texas is the largest exporting state in the country, consistently leading the nation in total export value. With major ports, a 1,200-mile border with Mexico, and a diversified economy spanning energy, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, Texas businesses are naturally positioned for international trade.
Whether you are already exporting or considering entering international markets for the first time, there are several Texas export assistance programs designed to help small and mid-size businesses compete globally. This guide covers the key programs available in 2026.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The State Trade Expansion Program is one of the most accessible export assistance programs for Texas small businesses. STEP is an SBA-funded program administered through the Texas Governor's Office that reimburses eligible costs related to international trade activities.
Eligible expenses under STEP include:
- International trade show participation fees and travel
- Foreign trade missions
- Export training and workshops
- International marketing materials and website localization
- Export compliance and regulatory consulting
- Market research for specific foreign markets
- Design of international marketing campaigns
STEP awards are typically structured as reimbursement grants, meaning you pay expenses upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement. Award amounts have historically ranged from a few thousand dollars to $15,000 or more per business, depending on the state's allocation and the number of applicants. The program is competitively awarded and application windows open periodically throughout the year.
To qualify, your business must meet SBA size standards, be in business for at least one year, and have an EIN. Priority is often given to businesses that are new to exporting or entering new markets.
Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
EXIM Bank provides financing products that help Texas businesses export their goods and services. While EXIM does not provide grants, its programs reduce the financial risk of exporting and make it easier for small businesses to offer competitive payment terms to foreign buyers.
Export Credit Insurance
EXIM's export credit insurance protects Texas exporters against the risk of foreign buyer nonpayment. If your foreign customer does not pay, EXIM covers up to 95% of the commercial losses and up to 100% of political risk losses. This allows you to extend competitive credit terms to international customers without taking on excessive risk. Small businesses can access a simplified application process through EXIM's Express insurance program.
Working Capital Guarantee
EXIM's Working Capital Guarantee helps Texas exporters access pre-export financing from commercial lenders. EXIM guarantees up to 90% of a loan from a participating lender, enabling businesses to obtain working capital to produce goods or services for export orders. This is particularly valuable for businesses that have received export orders but need capital to fulfill them.
Direct Loans to Foreign Buyers
EXIM can provide direct loans or loan guarantees to foreign buyers purchasing U.S. goods and services. This makes your products more attractive to international customers by offering competitive financing, while you receive payment from EXIM at or shortly after shipment.
Gold Key Matching Service
The U.S. Commercial Service's Gold Key Matching Service connects Texas businesses with pre-screened international buyers, agents, distributors, and partners. When you participate in a Gold Key program, Commercial Service staff at U.S. embassies and consulates in your target market identify and schedule meetings with potential business partners on your behalf.
Gold Key services include market intelligence on your target country, identification of potential partners based on your specific product or service, pre-arranged business appointments, post-meeting follow-up and debriefing, and background checks on prospective partners. Fees are modest — typically a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per engagement — and the service is available in over 75 countries.
Trade Missions
Trade missions are organized group visits to foreign markets, typically coordinated by the U.S. Commercial Service, the Texas Governor's Office, or industry organizations. Trade missions provide:
- Pre-arranged meetings with qualified buyers, distributors, and government officials in the target market
- Briefings on market conditions, regulations, and business practices
- Networking with other Texas exporters and trade professionals
- Introductions to local business resources and potential partners
Trade missions are particularly valuable for businesses new to a market. STEP grants can often be used to cover trade mission participation costs.
Texas-Mexico Trade Programs
Given Texas's 1,200-mile border with Mexico, several programs specifically support Texas-Mexico trade:
- Border trade zones: Texas border communities operate foreign trade zones and trade facilitation programs that can reduce duties and streamline cross-border commerce.
- U.S. Commercial Service Mexico: The Commercial Service operates offices throughout Mexico and provides market intelligence, Gold Key services, and trade counseling for Texas businesses exporting to Mexico.
- USMCA provisions: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement includes provisions that benefit small businesses, including simplified customs procedures and digital trade protections. The SBA and International Trade Administration provide guidance on leveraging USMCA benefits.
SBA Export Programs
Beyond STEP, the SBA offers several programs specifically for exporters:
- SBA Export Express: Loans up to $500,000 with a streamlined application process for businesses that need financing for export-related activities. Full guide to government-backed loans in Texas.
- SBA Export Working Capital: Loans up to $5 million to finance the production of goods or services for export.
- SBA International Trade Loans: Long-term financing up to $5 million for businesses that are expanding into export markets or have been adversely affected by import competition.
Export Assistance Resources in Texas
Several organizations provide free or low-cost export counseling and support to Texas businesses:
- U.S. Export Assistance Centers: Located in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, and other Texas cities, these centers provide free counseling on export strategy, market selection, and program access.
- Texas International Trade Centers: Part of the SBDC network, these centers provide specialized export counseling and training for Texas small businesses.
- World Trade Centers: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio have World Trade Centers that provide trade facilitation services, networking, and educational programs.
- District Export Councils: Volunteer organizations of experienced exporters who mentor businesses new to international trade.
Getting Started with Exporting
- Contact your nearest Export Assistance Center: Schedule a free consultation to discuss your export potential and identify relevant programs.
- Develop an export plan: Work with an SBDC International Trade Center to create a market entry strategy for your target countries.
- Apply for STEP funding: Use STEP grants to offset the costs of your first trade show, trade mission, or market research project.
- Explore EXIM insurance: Protect yourself against buyer nonpayment before extending credit terms to international customers.
- Use Gold Key for market entry: When entering a new country, the Gold Key service can identify qualified partners and set up meetings for you.
Bottom Line
Texas export assistance programs provide comprehensive support from market research and trade show funding through STEP to risk mitigation through EXIM and partner identification through Gold Key. The state's geographic advantages, trade infrastructure, and strong federal program presence make Texas one of the best states for small business exporters.
Not sure which programs may fit your business? Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →