The Delaware Department of State has received a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the fifth year in a row. The award this year totals $268,096 and will go toward assisting small companies develop overseas markets.

Export Delaware, a division of the Delaware Department of State, will match the SBA grant with $89,365 in funds toward increasing exports and generating jobs in the state. So far, 96 small businesses in Delaware have participated, driving $48 million in new export sales and creating 27 new jobs.

"The STEP Grant funds from the SBA have proven instrumental to Delaware entrepreneurs in yielding new international business. This program is a direct source of new growth for our state's economy," said Delaware Secretary of State Jeff Bullock.

Generally the money sill support pre-approved export expenses, including international travel, trade show activities, translation services, and international marketing.

"We are thrilled to continue to support Delaware's small businesses as they begin to export and grow through increased international sales. We expect to build upon the success of this tremendous SBA program in 2020 and the years to come," said Beth Pomper, head of Export Delaware.

This year, Export Delaware is offering business trips to Israel, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines.