Texas STEP Grant Support
How the Texas State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Works
Understanding the Reimbursement Process
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), administered by the Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, provides eligible Texas small businesses with an opportunity to apply for reimbursement of certain approved export development expenses.
Unlike many grant programs, STEP does not pay service providers directly.
Instead, the program generally operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning eligible businesses first pay for approved professional services and then submit the required documentation for consideration under the program.
Optimize 360 has designed its engagement process to help participating companies maintain organized documentation throughout the project, making the reimbursement process more efficient.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
The Typical Reimbursement Process
Important Program Characteristics
Reimbursement — Not Direct Payment
The STEP program is generally structured as a reimbursement program.
This means participating companies are responsible for paying approved professional service providers directly before seeking reimbursement from the State.
Optimize 360 is compensated exclusively by its client companies and does not receive STEP funds directly.
Documentation Matters
Successful reimbursement requests depend heavily on complete and organized documentation.
Throughout each engagement, Optimize 360 provides documentation supporting the professional services delivered, including:
- Professional invoices
- Payment receipts
- Milestone completion records
- Service descriptions
- Supporting engagement documentation
- Mission-related deliverables
Each participating company remains responsible for maintaining its own financial records and submitting the documentation required by the Texas STEP program.
Milestone-Based Engagement Process
Rather than requiring a single payment, Optimize 360 utilizes a milestone-based engagement process that aligns payments with project progress.
Why We Use a Milestone Structure
Every milestone represents the completion of professional consulting services already performed.
This creates a clear record of project progress while ensuring that participating companies receive defined deliverables throughout the engagement.
Rather than paying for an undefined future service, clients receive measurable work products at each stage of the project.
Optimize 360's Role
Optimize 360 provides professional international business development services, including:
- Export readiness consulting
- Market research
- Opportunity analysis
- Business matchmaking
- Executive mission coordination
- Strategic partner introductions
- Post-mission business development support
Optimize 360 is not a government agency and does not administer or approve STEP grants.
Participant Responsibilities
Each participating company is responsible for:
- Determining its eligibility for STEP.
- Submitting its own STEP application.
- Paying all professional consulting fees.
- Maintaining financial documentation.
- Arranging airfare and accommodations.
- Paying travel-related expenses.
- Complying with all applicable grant requirements.
Important Notice
Texas STEP Reimbursement Disclaimer
Eligibility for reimbursement, funding availability, reimbursement percentages, documentation requirements, and final approval decisions are determined solely by the Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism under the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
Optimize 360 cannot guarantee reimbursement, grant approval, or funding.
All reimbursement requests remain subject to Texas STEP approval, available funding, and applicable program requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does STEP pay Optimize 360 directly?
No. Optimize 360 is engaged and compensated directly by participating companies. STEP generally operates on a reimbursement basis.
Does participation guarantee reimbursement?
No. Reimbursement decisions are made solely by the Texas STEP program after reviewing each company's application and supporting documentation.
Will Optimize 360 prepare my STEP application?
Optimize 360 provides documentation relating to its professional services. Each participating company remains responsible for its own grant application unless separate application assistance has been agreed upon.
Why must I pay before seeking reimbursement?
The STEP program generally reimburses eligible expenses after approved services have been paid for and documented. Applicants should consult current program guidance to understand the applicable reimbursement requirements.