STEP Grant Documentation Support
Lightweight documentation support to help eligible U.S. companies prepare,
execute, and report Korea-focused activities under the STEP Grant.
Overview
The SBA STEP Grant can reimburse a significant portion of eligible export-development activities, but the application and post-activity reporting process can be confusing, especially when the work involves Korea-based suppliers, market research, translation, or cross-border coordination.
GI’s STEP Documentation Support module is not a legal, financial, or official grant-consulting service. Instead, it is a practical, execution-focused administrative support option that helps U.S. companies structure and document Korea-related activities in formats commonly expected by STEP programs.
GI prepares STEP-ready summaries, evidence files, and activity documentation so clients can complete their online submission more efficiently after the project is finished.
Deliverables
You will receive STEP-focused documentation support
to structure quotes, evidence, and submission-ready outputs:
01 Activity Structuring & Alignment (Korea-Focused)
- Clarification of which planned activities are commonly STEP-eligible
- Mapping GI service components (research, outreach, translation, events, etc.) to recognizable STEP activity categories
- High-level guidance on expected evidence requirements
02 Quote & Invoice Formatting
- STEP-friendly quotation formats (itemized by activity type)
- Post-activity invoices aligned with typical STEP breakdowns
- Guidance on required proof-of-payment items (provided by client)
03 Evidence File Preparation
- Summary of work performed: meetings, outreach, supplier lists, deliverables
- Organized file structure with date-referenced outputs
- Non-sensitive screenshots, photos, call logs, or communication snippets (if applicable)
04
Final Activity Summary
(Client Submission Document)
- Concise summary describing completed Korea-related activities
- Clear linkage to the client’s export objectives and target markets
- Prepared in a format suitable for inclusion in the client’s STEP submission portal
05 Support for Client Communication with STEP Office
- Draft clarification emails for the client to send
- Explanatory notes describing activity content or deliverables (factual, non-legal)
- GI does not directly contact the STEP office unless specifically requested
Benefits
GI’s STEP documentation support helps U.S. SMEs:
Reduced administrative workload for U.S. SMEs using GI services
Better alignment between Korea-focused work and STEP documentation expectations
Higher clarity and consistency when communicating with state STEP administrators
Faster preparation of grant-ready evidence packages after project completion
Process
The workflow follows a predictable and transparent sequence:
STEP 1
Scope & State Review
Client shares their state STEP guidelines; GI reviews at a high level.
STEP 2
Activity Planning
Align Supplier Discovery, Market Research, Trade Show, or Translation activities with recognizable STEP categories.
STEP 3
Execution with Parallel Documentation
GI performs contracted services while tracking key deliverables and evidence.
STEP 4
Final Documentation Package
Delivery of quotes, invoices, and evidence summaries in STEP-ready format for client submission.
FAQ
Q Are there any eligibility requirements or state-specific rules we should check before using STEP?
A Yes. At the federal level, all STEP-funded exports must contain at least 51% U.S. content, as required by the SBA. This rule applies nationwide. In addition, each state sets its own eligible activity categories, reimbursement rates, and documentation requirements. Clients should review their state’s specific guidelines, and GI can adjust documentation accordingly.
Q Do you guarantee STEP approval or reimbursement?
A No. All decisions are made solely by the client’s state STEP office, and GI does not guarantee approval or reimbursement. However, when you use GI’s Korea-focused market-entry services, such as partner outreach, market research, trade show support, or technical documentation, the core activity evidence required by most STEP programs is naturally generated as part of the project. GI then organizes this evidence into STEP-ready formats to support your submission.
Q Can GI help us prepare the evidence required by our state’s STEP office?
A Yes. As part of our Korea-focused export-development services, GI provides the activity-level documentation typically required for STEP submissions, including summaries, deliverable logs, screenshots, and participation records. Clients provide payment proof directly, and GI supplies the activity-related evidence in clear, STEP-ready formats.
Contact Us
Need support with Korea market entry and STEP eligibility?
