Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP)

Participating in international trade shows and trade missions are among the most effective ways for companies to enter into new international markets or expand their visibility in existing markets. Trade shows offer the opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest and evaluate the competition. A trade mission can be a very efficient and cost effective means to meet potential distributors and buyers. Licensing agreements and joint ventures have also resulted from trade missions.

Receive Financial Assistance

The State of Iowa offers financial assistance to Iowa companies who wish to take advantage of international trade shows and trade missions to enter new markets. Through the Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP), the Iowa International Office of the Iowa Department of Economic Development will reimburse up to 75% of a company's eligible direct expenses, up to $2,500 per pre-approved event (up to 3 times per fiscal year).

Eligible expenditures may include:
  1. Booth space rental
  2. Booth construction at show site
  3. Booth equipment and/or furniture rental
  4. Booth utility costs
  5. Freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from show
  6. Interpreter fees at show site
  7. 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
  8. 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:
  1. Employ fewer than 500 individuals
  2. At least 75% of applicant's total number of employees must be employed within Iowa
  3. Exhibit products or services or samples of Iowa manufactured, processed or value-added products or agricultural commodities in conjunction with a foreign trade show or trade mission
    4. Have at least one full-time employee or sales agent 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.

Utilization of the ETAP funds shall be limited to the following:
  1. Three events per state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
  2. Participation in the same trade show not allowed in consecutive fiscal years
  3. Participation in the same trade show a maximum of two times
  4. One trade show in a specific country per state fiscal year

Apply Now

Applications for the Export Trade Assistance Program must be submitted well in advance of the event to allow ample time for application review and contract preparation. A minimum of 30 days should be allowed. Successful applicants will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis to the extent funds are available. Our on-line application is available (note: the completed application and documentation must be submitted by mail or fax) or contact the ETAP Manager to receive an application by fax or mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far in advance do I need to apply?
A minimum of 30 days should allowed, prior to an event occurring in the current fiscal year.

2. When are funds available?
ETAP funds are available at the beginning of the state's fiscal year and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until the appropriate amount of funds are depleted.

3. When is the state's fiscal year?
July 1 through June 30

4. Can the show take place anywhere in the world?
ETAP funds are for shows or missions occurring outside of the United States.

5. What are the steps in the process for receiving funding?
First, you must apply (attaching documentation to your application). If approved, you will receive a contract to sign and return. Around the time of the event, you will receive two forms, a Claim Voucher and a Final Report. After the event, you will need to complete these forms and attach receipts for expenses which are eligible for reimbursement and mail to the appropriate staff. After receipt of these forms, the reimbursement will be calculated and a check processed.

6. What do I need before I can apply?
You will need the show information and a copy of payment (partial or full) to the organizer to attach to the application.

7. What copies of paid receipts need to be submitted for reimbursement?
You will need proof of full payment for the booth or the participation fee, copies of paid receipts for booth construction or utility costs, interpreter (missions: only if not included in participation fee), and shipping charges. These expenses are calculated at 75% for reimbursement (up to $2,500 total reimbursement). You do NOT need to submit airfare, hotel or meal receipts. (Note: Invoices will not be considered receipts.)

8. Is airfare covered under ETAP?
No.

9. Is printing or translation of brochures covered under ETAP?
No.

10. How are hotel and meals calculated?
The rate is then calculated by the number of days in the show/mission plus a travel day at the beginning and the end. This amount is then reimbursed by 50% (up to the $2,500 total reimbursement).

11. How soon do I need to submit my reimbursement form and receipts?
After you return from your event, you should have received a reimbursement form and Final Report form to be completed. These forms need to be completed within 60 days of the event or by July 15 whichever is sooner.

12. How soon after submitting my paid receipts will I receive the reimbursement?
Typically, about 3 weeks after we receive your completed forms and receipts you will receive a check.