The U.S. Small Business Administration has made $750,000 available to Hawaii businesses through its State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program.

The funds are part of $17.4 million awarded to 40 states and Puerto Rico to support small business efforts to increase exporting activities.

Exports are key to America’s economic growth, said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, in a statement. 

“Unlocking trade opportunities for small businesses is key to continued growth and expansion,” she said, adding that the SBA’s STEP program makes local resources available to help small businesses tap global markets.

The $750,000 amount allotted for Hawaii was equalled only by the award for Michigan. Puerto Rico and all other states received smaller awards.

The 2015 funding will enable states to help small businesses with export-related activities including participation in foreign trade missions, international market sales trips, marketing campaign design and more.