John H. Chafee Center for International Business
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02917
BELC, North Wing
(401) 232-6407
John H. Chafee Center for International Business
The John H. Chafee Center for International Business is Rhode Island’s designated agency for world trade and export activities. For over 40 years, the center has been committed to growing Rhode Island’s local economy through a global reach.
Through partnerships with Rhode Island Commerce, the Small Business Administration, local government, and trade organizations, the Chafee Center encourages global business expansion, retention, and attraction. It administrates the SBA’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP Grant), providing access to funding for small businesses.
The Chafee Center’s other programs include international trade missions and shows, strategic consulting, market research, and broad-based events. The center works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide customized business consulting services to Rhode Island-based enterprises.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a national export initiative that makes matching-fund awards to states to assist small businesses in entering and expanding into international markets. Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and administered by their Office of Manufacturing & Trade, the program's objectives are to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export and to increase the value of exports by small businesses.
STEP Guidelines:
STEP Application:
STEP Activity Forms:
Request for Reimbursement form
Please download and complete all STEP forms using Adobe Reader.
Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328, Rhode Island’s total STEP 12 program cost is $200,000 of which 75% is Federal Share of $150,000 and Non-Federal Share of $50,000.
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a national export initiative that makes matching-fund awards to states to assist small businesses in entering and expanding into international markets. Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and administered by their Office of Manufacturing & Trade, the program's objectives are to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export and to increase the value of exports by small businesses.
STEP Guidelines:
STEP Application:
STEP Activity Forms:
Request for Reimbursement form
Please download and complete all STEP forms using Adobe Reader.
Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328, Rhode Island’s total STEP 12 program cost is $200,000 of which 75% is Federal Share of $150,000 and Non-Federal Share of $50,000.
Food Export Program
Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) is a nonprofit organization created in 1973 as a cooperative effort between 10 Northeastern state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Export’s goal is to provide a wide range of services to facilitate trade between Northeastern food suppliers and importers around the world.
With the Branded Program, you may double your budget with 50% cost reimbursement on:
- International website development
- Foreign market-compliant packaging and labels
- Advertising and public relations
- In-store promotions and product demonstrations
- Fees for exhibiting at select overseas and domestic trade shows
- Marketing and point-of-sale materials
- Freight costs for product samples
For more information, please call Jason Kelly at (401) 232-6406 or email jkelly@bryant.edu.
Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) is a nonprofit organization created in 1973 as a cooperative effort between 10 Northeastern state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Export’s goal is to provide a wide range of services to facilitate trade between Northeastern food suppliers and importers around the world.
With the Branded Program, you may double your budget with 50% cost reimbursement on:
- International website development
- Foreign market-compliant packaging and labels
- Advertising and public relations
- In-store promotions and product demonstrations
- Fees for exhibiting at select overseas and domestic trade shows
- Marketing and point-of-sale materials
- Freight costs for product samples
For more information, please call Jason Kelly at (401) 232-6406 or email jkelly@bryant.edu.