Grant Details

West Virginia STEP (State Trade Expansion Program)

Division:
Department of Economic Development, International Development

Entity Eligible to Apply for Grant:
Small Businesses interested in entering or expanding in the global marketplace

Type of Grant:
Non-Competitive

Since 2015, The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has been awarded nearly 1.4 million dollars in STEP funding which has been distributed to over 80 West Virginia Small Businesses to offset the cost of export promotion activities such as participation in foreign trade missions and trade shows, market sales trips, subscriptions to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, translation of materials into foreign languages, design of international marketing materials and online marketing targeting more than 65 different countries around the world resulting in over $43 million dollars in new export sales reported to date.

Any small business in West Virginia, regardless of their level of export development experience is invited to learn about the West Virginia STEP program.

The West Virginia STEP consists of $300,000 in funding available from October 1, 2022 to September 29, 2024.

During the West Virginia STEP funding period applicants may receive up to $15,000. Reimbursements are limited to 75% of the amount spent in compliance with STEP reimbursement limits for certain qualifying activities. Applications must be approved prior to commencement of the proposed export activity and expenses must be incurred during the funding period to be eligible for reimbursement.

Find detailed information here on eligible business requirements and all eligible expenses that may be reimbursed under the West Virginia STEP


Guidelines

Applications must be approved prior to commencement of the proposed export activity and expenses must be incurred during the funding period to be eligible for reimbursement. The maximum award per funding period is $15,000 per STEP client toward a single or multiple eligible export promotion activities.

The funding period is October 1, 2022- September 29, 2024.  

Additional Guidelines 

How to Apply

​​Application​ Process

The West Virginia STEP application process consists of two steps: STEP Client Registration and STEP Event Application​

  • Apply online
  • ​Applications will be accepted for qualifying events taking place between October 1, 2022 and September 29, 2024.
  • Only expenses incurred during October 1, 2022 to September 29, 2024 are valid for reimbursement.
  • Preferably, applications will need to be submitted at least 3 weeks before the proposed activity begins.
  • Applications must be approved before the proposed activity begins.
  • Certain expenses incurred prior to the execution of the proposed export event may be added to the application for consideration. For example, booking exhibiting space at a trade show or airfare in advance.
  • Fees to secure exhibiting space paid up to a year prior to the start of the funding period will be accepted.
  • Applications will be reviewed by the Export Promotion Program of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. A notice of decision will be sent by email within 1-3 weeks.
  • The submission of an application does not guarantee a reimbursement award.
  • Funds will be administered on a first come, first serve basis, based on available funds and the quality of the applications.
  • Reimbursements may be approved for a lesser amount than requested in the application, based on the strength of the application and number of applicants.
  • The terms and conditions of the West Virginia STEP Program are subject to change without notice.​


Dates to Remember

Posted Date
10/01/2022

Due Date
09/29/2024

Important Contacts

Manager, International Trade

Enybe Diaz
304-558-2234
enybe.diaz@wv.gov
West Virginia Department of Economic Development 
Export Promotion Program
1900 Kanawha Blvd East
Bldg 3, Suite 600
Charleston, WV  25305

Manager, International Trade

Caitlin Ashley-Lizarraga
304-558-2234
Caitlin.Lizarraga@wv.gov
West Virginia Department of Economic Development 
Export Promotion Program
1900 Kanawha Blvd East
Bldg 3, Suite 600
Charleston, WV  25305