West Virginia STEP (State Trade Expansion Program)

West Virginia STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) is sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) / West Virginia Division of Economic Development. This program provides grant assistance to small businesses in West Virginia looking to enter or expand in the global marketplace.

West Virginia STEP Information - West Virginia Division of Economic Development Website West Virginia STEP Information West Virginia STEP Reimbursements Reimbursements will be awarded to eligible small businesses to offset some of the costs of developing new export expansion projects.

This includes businesses that have never exported their products, businesses that have exported on a limited basis, or more experienced exporters seeking to continue to expand to new international markets. During the West Virginia STEP funding period applicants may receive up to $15,000 which can be distributed in one or more export promotion activities.

For each qualifying export promotion activity, small businesses may apply to obtain 75% of eligible associated expenses. The West Virginia STEP funding period is October 1, 2024 – September 29, 2026. Eligible export activities under the West Virginia STEP include: Trade Missions and Trade Shows sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Economic Development Subscriptions and travel expenses to participate in West Virginia trade events.

Individual Foreign Market Visits Subscriptions and travel expenses for international sales trips scheduled directly by the applicant organization, participation in export trade events and international trade shows organized by reputable organizations, and international sales trips scheduled through the U.S. Commercial Service. Translation of websites into foreign languages, website localization services and search engine optimization.

Also included is design and development of websites with international focus, oversight and maintenance and monitoring fees for search engine optimization, online market listing fees, E-commerce platform fees, including hosting and/or maintenance fees and expenses to set up websites to accept international payments. Fee-based Export Services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service Click here for more information.

If required for an existing product to enter a new market to include CE Marking. International Trade Exhibitions For trade show fees, design and construction of booth display, travel expenses and shipping of samples. For international trade shows held in the U.S., applicants must submit a short statement outlining their company strategy to achieve export sales at the trade show.

If approved, applicants must provide a list of international leads contacted during the trade show. For shipping samples, marketing materials and exhibiting displays. Design of Marketing Media Participation in Export Training Workshops Export Research Tool Subscriptions Procurement of Consultancy Services This activity is only allowable after consultation with the U.S. Commercial Service to avoid duplication of services.

Credit Insurance Premiums offered through EXIM or the private sector. Economy-class airfare in accordance with the Fly America Act – Flights must be booked through U.S. carriers. Cabin and seating upgrades are not eligible for reimbursement.

If upgrading, applicants must turn in main cabin pricing for the same travel itinerary on the same date of purchase. Lodging and meals – Maximum rates are limited to U.S. Department of State Guidelines . Ground transportation – Including taxis, train tickets, Uber, car rental, mileage, airport parking, private drivers.

IMPORTANT – Reimbursements are limited to two (2) travelers directly employed by the applicant organization per qualifying export promotion activity. Expenses related to entertaining current or prospective clients or government officials New product development or alteration of existing products Cellphones and cellphone charges Applications must be approved prior to the commencement of the proposed export activity.

Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed export activity will support a new international market entry or a new market expansion project such as a new product launch, selling to a new geographical area within a country, or catering to a new industry sector. Qualifying export activities must be completed by September 29, 2026.

Small Business Eligibility Criteria An eligible small business must meet the following criteria in order to be considered to receive a WV STEP funding: Is organized or incorporated in the United States Complies with The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards Has been in business for no less than one (1) year Has access to sufficient resources to bear the cost associated with trade, including the costs of packing, shipping, freight forwarding, and customs brokers Has a finished product or qualifying service with at least 51% U.S. content Is not barred from receiving federal funds Is located in West Virginia and registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State Is in good standing with the West Virginia State Department of Tax and Revenue Agrees to complete one post-event survey, and one program closeout survey during the first year, and a yearly performance survey for the next two years Ready to apply?

Please review the General STEP Guidelines beforehand. Federal Funding Disclosure Note* This program is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).

The total cost of the program is $433,333, of which $325,000 (75%) is financed with federal funds provided by SBA and $108,333 (25%) is financed through non-federal funding provided by the State of West Virginia. The West Virginia STEP application process consists of two steps: STEP Client Registration and STEP Event Application Step 1: STEP Client Registration.

New and returning STEP clients must complete the STEP Client Registration once per funding year. The current funding year is October 1, 2024 – September 29, 2026. Step 2: STEP Event Application.

This application must be submitted for each proposed eligible export activity during the course of the funding year. In order to serve a larger number of West Virginia businesses, repeat applications may be denied or put on a waitlist.