STEP Improvement Act of 2023

The STEP Improvement Act of 2023 updates the Small Business Administration's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which provides grants to states to help small businesses expand exports. It requires the SBA to publish clear application guidelines by March 31 each year, set fixed deadlines for submissions (June 1-May 31), and explain award amounts to applicants. The bill also mandates annual surveys of grantee states to collect feedback, detailed annual reports with disaggregated data on business outcomes (e.g., by women-owned or rural businesses), and streamlined processes for budget revisions. These changes aim to increase transparency, improve program effectiveness, and extend funding authorization through 2028.