Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP)
ETAP provides financial assistance to eligible Iowa firms wishing to enter new markets outside the United States. Reimbursement of up to 75% of an Iowa company's eligible direct expenses in attending a trade show/mission taking place outside of the United States, up to $4,000 for trade shows and $3,000 for trade missions per pre-approved event, up to three times per fiscal year is available.
Eligible Expenses
- Booth space rental
- Booth construction at show site
- Booth equipment and/or furniture rental
- Booth utility costs
- Freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from show
- Interpreter fees at show site
- Participation fees for trade missions sponsored by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Per diem (meals/lodging) for one employee for the duration of the event (Per diem rates calculated at 50% of the U.S. Dept. of State Standardized Regulations)
ETAP Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to participate in ETAP, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Employ fewer than 500 individuals
- At least 75% of applicant's employees must be employed in Iowa
- Applicant must exhibit in a trade show/mission products or services having been manufactured, processed, value-added, grown or raised in Iowa
- At least one full-time employee or sales agent must participate in the event
NOTE: "Applicant" refers to the company name used for the Federal Tax I.D. number. If a division of a company wishes to apply for funding, the Federal Tax I.D. number must be different than the parent company's. Otherwise, the company will need to apply in the parent company name and all criteria must be met based on the parent company.
Parameters
- A business may receive ETAP funds for no more than three events per state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
- A business may receive ETAP funds for no more than two participations for the same trade show, and funding cannot be received in consecutive fiscal years.
- A business may receive ETAP funds for participation in a trade show held in a specific country only once per state fiscal year.
Application/Reimbursement Process
Submit your application as soon as possible — funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Applications should be received 30 days in advance of the event.
- Submit application.
- Upon approval, receive, sign and return contract.
- Receive claim voucher and final report forms.
- After trade show/program, complete claim voucher and final report forms, attach receipts for reimbursable expenses. DO NOT submit airfare, hotel or meal receipts. Invoices are NOT considered receipts. Mail to appropriate staff within 60 days of event or by July 15, whichever is sooner.
- Await receipt of reimbursement check (Maximum amount: $4,000 for trade shows and $3,000 for trade missions. Generally received three to four weeks after submission of reimbursement request).
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