SBA Awards $100K to Tennessee Export Initiative at Belmont University to Support Small Business Export Growth 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 22, 2024) —The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Tennessee Export Initiative at Belmont University will receive a $100,000 grant to support export growth among small businesses through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). This award is part of $20 million in STEP grants awarded nationally in 2024, bringing the total funds awarded since the program’s inception to $255 million. The Tennessee Export Initiative, supported by Belmont University’s Thomas W. Beasley Center for Free Enterprise, will use this grant to foster international trade opportunities for Tennessee businesses.STEP, created by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, aims to help small businesses enter and expand into international markets. This program allows eligible Tennessee small businesses to apply for up to $7,000 in reimbursement for export activities during the project year (Oct. 2024-Sept. 2025). The SBA funds this grant, with matching support from the Tennessee District Export Council, a nonprofit organization of international business executives, promotes export opportunities for Tennessee companies and facilitates communication between the business community and the U.S. Commercial Service.“This is an exciting opportunity both for small businesses throughout the state of Tennessee and for Belmont University. These grants have the potential to propel...