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STATE TRADE & EXPORT PROGRAM (STEP) - Yr 2
2013 International Market Access Grant Application
Program Application
Applicant Information:
Company Name:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Tel: Fax:
Contact Name:
Contact Title:
Direct Email:
Direct Tel: Cell #: (Optional)
Date submitted:
STEP Grant Eligibility Requirements:
Qualify as a Small Business according to SBA's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS);
For a complete listing of industry specific small business definitions go to: NAICS Definitions
Industry Classification Code: Average annual receipts:
Or Average annual employment:
Submit a "Self Representation as an Eligible Small Business Concern" Form:
A copy of the form can be found at: Self Representation Form
Submit a completed “Export Assessment Questionnaire” and score 66% or higher;
A copy of the questionnaire can be found at: Export Assessment Questionnaire
Submit a copy of the company's Strategic Plan for Exporting; or a signed "Summary of International Trade
Activity" form; A copy of the form can be found on the 2nd tab of this file (below).
Submit a "Debarment Certification Form" to certify that the applicant is not on the U.S. Excluded Parties
List System; A copy of the form can be found at: Debarment Certification Form
STEP Grant Application History:
Have never submitted an application for STEP Grant funds
Submitted a STEP grant application in 2012 Application was approved
Application was denied
Withdrew application
Didn't complete application process
Please check any/all IMAG activities COMPLETED in 2012:
Domestic Trade Show
International Trade Show
Governor's Trade Mission to China
Gold Key Service (GKS)
International Partner Search (IPS)
International Company Profile (ICP)
Commercial News USA (CNUSA)
International Market Access Grant Programs:
All international travel must comply with "Fly America Act" - see tab below.
Itemized Budget Request required for any/all programs for which you are applying - see tab below.
SBA logo required on printed material and/or signage for events supported by STEP funds.
Check any/all programs for which you are applying:
A. Export Focused Trade Activities
Domestic Trade Show
Location: Attendee Exhibit
International Trade Show
Location: Attendee Exhibit
International Trade Conference
Location: Attendee Presenter
International Trade Mission
Location:
Maximum reimbursement = $2,000 domestic; $5,000 international.
50% company "match" of maximum reimbursement amount required for previous grant recipients from 2012.
Expenses include eligible expenses incurred for 1-2 persons from your US facility.
Educational Forum - Domestic Attendee Presenter
Location:
Educational Forum - International Attendee Presenter
Location:
Limited to 1 Educational Forum per year per company; Maximum reimbursement = $2,000 domestic; $5,000 international.
Other International Trade Activities Meet potential buyer
(requiring international travel) Single company promotional event
Other
Limited to 1 travel activity per year per company; maximum reimbursement = $5,000.
In-bound trade event Purpose: Host potential buyer/foreign delegation
In-bound trade event Purpose: Host training seminar/demonstrations
In-bound trade event Purpose: Factory inspection(s)
In-bound trade event Purpose: Other:
Maximum reimbursement = $5,000 per year per company; multiple events allowed.
(Eligible expenses for in-bound events limited to translation/interpreter services, logistics and hotel expenses).
Approval is limited to three (3) of the Export Focused Trade Activities listed above.
B. USDOC Business Matchmaking Programs: (see descriptions in tab below)
Gold Key Service Location(s):
International Partner Search Location(s):
International Company Profile Company(ies):
Commercial News USA Ad
Other USDOC program(s)
50% company "match" of maximum reimbursement amount required for previous grant recipients from 2012.
Locations and/or company of interest must be determined at time of application as noted above.
Approval is limited to three (3) of the USDOC Business Matchmaking Programs listed above.
C. International Advertising
Venue or name of publication:
Regional focus of publication:
Date of ad publication:
Maximum reimbursement = $2,000; 25% company "match" of maximum reimbursement amount required to qualify.
D. 3rd Party Product Testing related to international standards & requirements
Safety, quality, labeling and/or technical conformity testing requirement
Certification/international registration requirement
Other
Maximum reimbursement = $10,000; 50% company "match" of maximum reimbursement amount required to qualify.
E. Translation Services
Design and/or translate company website
Translation and/or printing of company profiles, catalogs, product literature, packaging, labels or manuals.
Maximum reimbursement = $5,000; 25% company "match" of maximum reimbursement amount required to qualify.
Funding Request:
Amount requested:
A. Export Focused Trade Activities
Domestic Trade Show Max. of $2,000 per event
Domestic Trade Conference Max. of $2,000 per event
International Trade Show Max. of $5,000 per event
Country: Country:
International Trade Conference: Max. of $5,000 per event
Country: Sponsor:
International Trade Mission Max. of $5,000 per event
Country: Sponsor:
Educational Forum - Domestic Max. of $2,000 per event
Attend Present
OR
Location:
Educational Forum - International Max. of $5,000 per event
Attend Present
Location:
Other International Trade Activities Max. of $5,000 per event
(requiring international travel)
Meet potential buyer
Single company promotional event
Travel in conjunction with GKS
Other
Location:
In-bound trade event Max. of $5,000/year
Host buyer/delegation
Host training seminar
Other
B. USDOC Business Matchmaking Programs:
Gold Key Service (GKS) GKS @ $700 each
Country: Country:
International Partner Search (IPS) IPS @ $550 each
Country: Country:
International Company Profile (ICP) ICP @ $600 each
Company: Company:
Commercial News USA (CNUSA) Max. of $1,500/ad
C. International Advertising
International Advertising Max. of $2,000 (25% match required)
Venue or name of publication:
D. 3rd Party Product Testing related to international standards & requirements
3rd Party Product Testing Max. of $10,000 (50% match required)
Safety, quality, labeling and/or technical conformity testing
Certification/international registration requirement
Other
E. Translation Services
Translation Services Max. of $5,000 (25% match required)
Design and/or translate company website
Translation of company profiles, catalogs, product literature,
packaging, labeling and/or user manuals, etc.
Printing of translated materials.
Total funding requested: $0.00
Maximum total STEP Grant Stipends allowed per company per year: $15,000.00
(3rd Party Product Testing not included)
Applications & supporting documents need to be submitted within 30 days prior to the IMAG activity to ensure ample
time for review & approval before the event (60 days prior to the IMAG activity if international travel is required).
STATE TRADE & EXPORT PROGRAM (STEP) - Yr 2
2013 Summary of International Trade Activity
Company Contact Information:
Company Name:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Tel: Fax:
Contact Name:
Contact Title:
Direct Email:
Direct Tel: Cell #: (Optional)
Company website:
Company Background:
How long has your company been in business?
Year established:
Check ALL that apply:
Woman-owned Minority-owned
Veteran-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
A DBE is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more individuals who are
both socially and economically disadvantaged (for reasons other than woman-owned, minority-owned or veteran-
owned) and who control the management and daily business operations of the company.
What are your company's principal products or services?
How is your company organized? Number of employees:
Sole Proprietorship 1 - 19
Limited Liability Company 20 - 49
Corporation 50 - 99
Joint Venture 100 - 249
Franchise 250 - 499
> 500
Other
What is your average annual sales?
< $1 million $11-25 million
$1-5 million $26-99 million
$6-10 million > $100 million
Export Assessment:
Are you selling your product(s) profitably in the US? Yes
No
If no, please explain:
Indicate your level of export experience: Not exporting, but am interested
New-to-export company
Moderate exporting company
Veteran exporting company
Why is your company interested in starting to export or increasing your current level of exporting?
Increase sales volume/profits Expand to new international markets
Maximize current mfg. capacity Keep up with competition
Diversify risk Satisfy customer demand from abroad
Level out cyclical demand for products
Approximately what percentage of your Has this percentage been increasing or decreasing
company's total sales are from exports? annually?
0% Increasing
< 5% Decreasing
5-10%
11-25%
26-50%
> 50%
Not applicable - not currently exporting
What method of exporting does your company use?
Agents/distributors
Sales representatives
Direct sales to end users
Use of export management company/consultant
Not applicable - not currently exporting
How are/would your products be shipped internationally? Land
Air
Ocean
Describe any difficulties or barriers you have encountered in exporting your product(s) (if applicable):
List the top 3 markets your company exports to or plans to target:
1.
2.
3.
Check all that are true:
Upper management is committed to expanding/increasing sales into international markets;
We have a solid market share in the US domestic market for our product(s);
We have reviewed export statistics regarding the sale & destination of our products abroad;
We have determined the weight/volume of the product is reasonable given freight costs;
We have researched packaging and/or ingredient changes that may be needed to export;
We have researched US rules & regulations regarding the export of our product(s);
We are willing to modify our product(s) to meet market conditions or foreign regulations;
We have or will translate promotional material into target languages as needed.
Are you aware of contacts in these areas? (Check for yes)
US Department of Commerce (USDOC)
US Small Business Administration (US SBA)
US Exim Bank
Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Office of Intl Trade & Investment
Nebraska Center Tokyo
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
GROW Nebraska (GROW)
Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP)
International Banker
Freight Forwarder
Customs House Broker
Transportation/freight Company (land, air, ocean)
International Attorney
International Accounting
Export Compliance
If you intend to use this form as your Strategic Export Plan requirement, please sign and date:
Signature Date
"FLY AMERICA ACT"
Guidelines for International Travel Paid for by the US Government
This information is taken from the Fly America Act (49 U.S.C. 40118) and it's implementing
regulations (41 C.F.R. 301-3.6)
USE OF UNITED STATES AIR FLAG CARRIERS
I. Definitions
1. The Fly America Act. The "Fly America Act" refers to the provisions enacted by section 5 of
the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 1974 (pub. L. 93-624,
Jan. 3, 1975), 49 U.S.C. App. 1517, as amended by section 21 of the International Air
Transportation Competition Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-192, Feb. 15, 1980). 94 Stat. 43.
2. U.S. Flag Air Carrier. The term "U.S. flag air carrier" means an air carrier holding a
certificate under section 401 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1371).
Foreign air carriers operating under permits are excluded.
3. United States. For purposes of the Fly America Act, "United States" means the 50 states,
the District of Columbia, and the territories and possessions of the United States (49 U.S.C.
4. Gateway Airport in the United States. A "gateway airport in the United States" means the
last airport in the United States from which the traveler's flight departs, or the first airport in
the United States at which the traveler's flight arrives.
5. Gateway Airport Abroad. "A gateway airport abroad" means the airport abroad from which
the traveler last embarks enroute to the United States or at which the traveler first debarks
incident to travel from the United States.
II. General Requirements of the Fly America Act
The Fly America Act, 49 U.S.C. App. 1517, as implemented in the Comptroller General's
guidelines, Decision B-138942, March 31, 1981, requires Federal employees and their
dependents, consultants, contractors, grantees, and others performing United States
Government financed foreign air travel to travel by U.S. flag air carriers:
1. Unless travel by foreign air carrier is a matter of necessity as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of
2. When U.S. flag air carrier service is available within the guidelines in paragraphs (b)(4)(5)
III. Necessity for Use of Foreign Air Carrier Service
Use of foreign air carrier service may be deemed necessary if a U.S. flag air carrier otherwise
available cannot provide the air transportation needed, or use of U.S. flag air carrier service will
not accomplish the agency's mission.
IV. Availability of U.S. Flag Carrier Services
1. General. U.S. flag air carrier service is available even though: Comparable or a different
kind of service can be provided at less cost by a foreign air carrier; Foreign air carrier service
is preferred by or is more convenient for the agency or traveler; or, Service by a foreign air
carrier can be paid for in excess foreign currency, unless U.S. flag air carriers decline to
accept excess foreign currencies for transportation payable only out of these monies. (See
2. Scheduling Principals. In determining availability of U.S. flag air carrier service, the
following scheduling principals should be followed unless their application results in the last or
first leg of travel to and from the United States being performed by foreign air carrier: U.S.
flag air carrier service available at point of origin should be used to destination or, in the
absence of direct or through service, to the furthest interchange point on a usually traveled
route; Where an origin or interchange point is not served by U.S. flag air carrier, foreign air
carrier service should be used only to the nearest interchange point on a usually traveled
route to connect with U.S. flag carrier service; or, Where a U.S. flag air carrier involuntarily re-
routes the traveler via a foreign air carrier, the foreign air carrier may be used notwithstanding
V. Guidelines for Determining Unavailability of U.S. Flag Air Carrier Service
1. Travel to and from the United States: Passenger service by a U.S. flag air carrier will not
be considered available when the travel is between a gateway airport in the United States
and a gateway airport abroad and the gateway airport abroad is: The traveler's origin or
destination airport, and the use of U.S. flag air carrier service would extend the time in a
travel status, including delay at origin and accelerated arrival at destination, by at least 24
2. Travel Between Two Points Outside the United States: For travel between two points
outside the United States, U.S. flag air carrier service will not be considered to be reasonably
available: If travel by foreign air carrier would eliminate two or more aircraft changes enroute;
Where one of the two points abroad is the gateway airport en route to or from the United
States, if the use of the U.S. flag air carrier would extend the time in travel status by at least 6
hours more than travel by a foreign air carrier, including accelerated arrival at the overseas
destination or delayed departure from the overseas origin, as well as the gateway airport or
other interchange point abroad; or, Where the travel is not part of a trip to or from the United
States, if the use of a U.S. flag air carrier would extend the time in travel status by at least 6
3. Short Distance Travel: For all short distance travel, regardless of origin and destination,
U.S. flag air carrier service will not be considered available when the elapsed travel time on a
scheduled flight from origin to destination airport by foreign air carrier is 3 hours or less and
service by U.S. flag air carrier would involve twice the travel time.
4. Travel Finances Solely with Excess Foreign Currencies: U.S. flag air carriers render
themselves unavailable by declining to accept payment in foreign currencies for
transportation services required by certain programs or activities of the Government which,
under legislative authority, are financed solely with excess foreign currencies which may not
notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(I)(C) of this section, foreign flag air carriers
that will accept the required foreign currency may be used to the extent necessary to
accomplish the mission of the particular program or activity. The statement of justification
required under paragraph (c)(3) of this section must indicate that the transportation service
needed can be paid for only in excess foreign currencies and that otherwise available U.S.
USE OF FOREIGN FLAG AIR CARRIERS
I. Authorization or Approval: Expenditures for commercial foreign air transportation on foreign
air carrier(s) will be disallowed unless there is attached to the appropriate voucher a
certificate or memorandum adequately explaining why service by U.S. flag air carrier(s) is not
available, or why it was necessary to use a foreign air carrier. Use of foreign flag air carriers
may be authorized or approved only when U.S. flag air carrier service is not available as
determined under the guidelines in paragraph (b) of this section, or when foreign air carriers
are used under the reciprocal terms of an appropriate bilateral or multilateral agreement as
II. Air Transport Agreements: Nothing in the guidelines in paragraph(b) of this section shall
preclude and no penalty shall attend the use of a foreign air carrier which provides
transportation under an air transport agreement between the United States and a foreign
government, the terms of which are consistent with the international aviation goals set forth at
III. Justification Statement: A statement executed by the traveler or agency justifying the use
of a foreign flag air carrier for any part of foreign travel must be entered on or attached to the
travel voucher, transportation request, or any other payment document. Each request for a
change in route or schedule which involves the use of a foreign flag air carrier must be
accompanied by a statement justifying such use. The following is a guide for preparing the
IV. Employee Liability for Disallowed Expenditures: Where the travel is by indirect route or the
traveler otherwise fails to use available U.S. flag air carrier service, the amount to be
disallowed against the traveler is based on the loss of revenues suffered by U.S. flag air
carriers as determined under the following formula set forth and more fully explained in 56
Sum of certificated carrier segment mileage authorized (¸) Sum of all segment mileage
authorized (x) Fare payable by Government Minus (-) Sum or certificated carrier segment
mileage, traveled (¸) Sum of all segment mileage, traveled (x) Through fare paid
CODE SHARING
On September 25, 1991 the Comptroller General released a decision regarding the Code
Sharing of flights by U.S. and foreign flag carriers utilizing the equipment of the foreign flag
carrier. This is announced in Comp. Gen. File B-240956. The decision is as follows:
The question in this case, presented by the Department of State, is whether a U.S. flag air
carrier's arrangement to provide passenger service in international air transportation on the
aircraft of a foreign air carrier under a "code-share" arrangement with the foreign air carrier
would meet the requirements of the Fly America Act, 49 U.S.C. App. 1517 (1988). Since it
appears that such service generally would be considered to be service by a U.S. air carrier in
international air transportation rather than by a foreign air carrier, that service should also be
USDOC Business Matchmaking Programs:
GOLD KEY SERVICES (GKS): For companies planning to travel abroad.
To help businesses save time, money, and get the most out of overseas business trips, the US Commercial Service helps US small- and medium-sized businesses find
the right business partners in their targeted export markets. The USDOC will arrange one-on-one appointments with pre-screened agents, buyers, distributors, sales
representatives, association and government contacts, licensing or joint venture partners, and other key players.
By working with USDOC in-country trade specialists, you will get customized market and industry briefings and research; appointments with prospective trade partners in
key industry sectors; guidance on appropriate follow-up strategies; travel assistance; interpreter services; and logistical support.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNER SEARCH (IPS): For companies witih no plans to travel abroad.
Secure the best international partners to grow your sales. US small- and medium-sized businesses can save time and money by leveraging the US Commercial Services
International Partner Search (IPS) to find pre-qualified global partners that are interested in your products and services.
Through IPS, you can obtain a report of up to five qualified overseas agents, distributors, manufacturers, representatives, joint venture partners, licensees, franchises, or
strategic partners. You will get high-quality market information on the sales potential of your products and services; complete contact information on key officers;
intelligence on company size, sales, years in business and number of employees; and a statement from each potential partner on the marketability of your products or
services.
INTERNATIONAL COMPANY PROFILES (ICP): For background check on potential business partner.
Enlist the US commercial Service to generate a customized International Company Profile (ICP) on your potential business partners. Researched and prepared by the
USDOC's international trade specialists and commercial officers, ICPs enable US small- and medium-sized businesses to more effectively evaluate overseas companies.
Through the ICP, you will get detailed answers to your questions about the specific overseas competitor companies in which you are interested, credit ratings, profit and
loss numbers, key officers, and our opinion of the overall viability of the firms in a particular market.
COMMERCIAL NEWS USA (CNUSA): International advertising opportunity.
Commercial News USA is the official United States Department of Commerce showcase for American-made products and services.
The catalog-style magazine is designed to help American companies promote products and services to buyers in more than 178 countries--at a fraction of the cost of other
advertising options. Each issue reaches an estimated 250,000 readers worldwide in print and 23,000 per month online.
Commercial News USA is distributed bi-monthly to readers outside the United States. The magazine, which is free, is mailed directly to qualified recipients and distributed
by US and Foreign Commercial Service personnel at US embassies and consulates worldwide.
Whether you seek representation, distribution, direct sales, licensing or joint-venture partners, commercial News USA will deliver your message directly to potential
customers in export markets worldwide. Just one listing can product a substantial return on your investment.
How do USDOC Matchmaking Programs Work?
Notes on US Commercial Service Matchmaking Programs
Thank you for your interest in working with the US Commercial Service. Our worldwide network of trade professionals can connect you to the right
business partners and prospects. Here’s an overview of how our matchmaking services like the Gold Key and International Partner Search work.
1. Information about your company and products: by filling out our questionnaire you will provide the key information about your product’s
unique selling features and your goals in the countries we are contacting. Please note that this questionnaire is different and separate from the IMAG
application documents.
2. Initial feedback: Our Commercial Specialists in the country (countries) we contact will read through your questionnaire responses, visit your web
site and get back to us with their initial thoughts on the product(s)’ potential there.
3. Conference call with in-country Commercial Specialists: We’ll set up a conference call where you can speak directly to the person who will be
doing the research for your company. This gives both sides a chance to ask questions, ensure the goals are understood and finalize the scope of work.
Timing is also a key part of this call – our specialists are under a heavy service workload so there may be a waiting period before they can begin work.
We make sure that the timing works for you also before we finalize the service and take payment.
4. Participation Agreement: We will create a Participation Agreement that outlines the scope of work for you to review. It will be delivered via e-
mail and include a link for online payment of the service. Once the service is paid for, we can generate a receipt that you will use for reimbursement
with the Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development IMAG program.
A few notes and best practices learned from last year’s IMAG program:
Develop a list of “top 5” countries of interest –with various schedules and workloads, your top market choice may not be available at first or the market
feedback might be negative. If we have several countries to reach out to, chances are higher we’ll be able to get those services booked during 2013.
Start early – even if you don’t plan to travel to a country for several months, it’s never too early to start working with our Commercial Specialists. More
time is always better. It sometimes takes weeks to get things going – finding the right specialist, giving them time for review and scheduling a call that
works for everyone. It might take 2 weeks to get something started but it might also take 2 months before the project is finalized and longer before it
is completed.
Patience is a virtue! Our worldwide staff is amazing but stretched very thin. The grant money program is wonderful, but companies from all 50 states
are utilizing it and the volume of requests has increased dramatically. This, of course, takes place in a time of shrinking government budgets. This is
not mentioned to seek sympathy, just to manage your expectations .
STATE TRADE & EXPORT PROGRAM (STEP) - Yr 2
2013 International Market Access Grant Application
Itemized Budget Request
Answer all applicable questions.
TRADE ACTIVITY:
Type of activity: Trade Show Trade Conference Trade Mission
Educational Forum Other Intl Trade Activity In-Bound Trade Event
Gold Key Service Intl Partner Search Intl Company Profile
CNUSA Intl Advertising 3rd Party Product Testing
Translation Services
Name of event:
Dates (DD/MM/YY) From To
Location:
Purpose of activity:
Confirmation of event registration required when applicable.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Airfare/Airline:
Note: International travel must comply with "Fly America" Act
Ground transportation: Train:
Taxi:
Car rental:
Gas charges:
Mileage: IRS Mileage Rate 0.555 $0.00
Lodging:
Total Travel Expense $0.00
SHIPPING FEES FOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS:
Shipping fees: Printed materials:
Equipment:
Total Shipping Fees $0.00
TRANSLATION SERVICES:
Web design
Name of contractor:
Web translation
Name of translator/company:
Translation of materials
Name of translator/company:
Printing of translated materials
Name of printing company:
Other
Total Translation Services: $ -
OTHER EVENT EXPENSES:
USDOC Business Matchmaking Program fees:
Gold Key Service (GKS) @ $700 each
Intl Partner Search (IPS) @ $550 each
Intl Company Profile (ICP) @ $600
Commercial News USA (CNUSA) @ $1,500 each
Other USDOC program:
3rd Party Product Testing:
Testing fees
Certification fees
Registration fee
Booth reservation fee
Booth construction
Electrical fees
Internet fees
Equipment rental
Setup charges
Printing charges
Interpreter Fees Rate per Hour Number of Hours
0.00
Other miscellaneous expenses (nec):
Total Other Event Expenses: $ -
TOTAL FUNDS REQUESTED: $0.00
