How much does the West Virginia State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) pay?
West Virginia Division of Economic Development, Office of International Development
$15,000 per funding period
Up to $15,000 per business, paid back after you spend. Reimbursement is limited to 75% of the amount spent, and the export activity must be approved before it starts.
West Virginia STEP provides reimbursement grants to help small businesses enter or expand in global markets. The funding period is shown in the Deadline row above, with a maximum reimbursement of $15,000 per STEP client for qualifying export promotion activities such as international trade shows, foreign sales trips, and market research. Eligible businesses must be located in West Virginia, registered with the Secretary of State, and in good standing with the State Tax Department.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $0 – $15,000
- Realistic amount
- $5,000–$15,000 depending on approved export activity
- Deadline
- Funding period October 1, 2026 – September 29, 2027; applications must be approved before the export activity begins
- Status
- active
- States
- WV
Who qualifies
- Organized or incorporated in the United States and organized for profit
- Meets U.S. SBA size standards for the applicable NAICS code
- Has been in business for at least one year
- Has access to sufficient resources to bear trade-related costs (packing, shipping, freight forwarding, customs brokers)
- Finished product or qualifying service with at least 51% U.S. content
- Located in West Virginia and registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State
- In good standing with the West Virginia State Department of Tax and Revenue
- Not barred from receiving federal funds
- Agrees to complete post-event and yearly performance surveys
Who is not eligible
- Businesses not located or registered in West Virginia
- Companies not meeting SBA size standards
- Businesses with less than one year of operation
- Companies barred from receiving federal funds
- Businesses whose products/services do not meet 51% U.S. content
Common questions about West Virginia STEP
Who can get West Virginia STEP money?
Any small business in West Virginia, whatever its export experience. You do not need to have exported before. The list above adds the basics: at least a year in business, registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State, in good standing on state taxes, and a product or service with at least 51% U.S. content. The business must also fit SBA size standards for its industry, so check that before you spend time on an application.
What does STEP pay for?
Costs of selling abroad, such as foreign trade missions and trade shows. The list above includes booth fees, travel for up to two employees, market research, translation of marketing materials and export training. SBA describes the wider program as covering export training, international marketing campaigns, website globalization and trade show exhibits. It does not cover costs incurred before approval.
Does STEP pay up front?
No. It reimburses you after you pay. You front the cost of the trip or booth, then submit receipts and proof of payment. Reimbursement is limited to 75% of the amount spent, up to the $15,000 cap per business, so you carry the rest yourself. Plan for the cash to leave your account first, and see How to apply below for the steps.
Is STEP a grant or a loan?
A grant, so nothing is repaid. SBA funds STEP as grants to states, and West Virginia passes the money to local exporters. A loan such as the SBA Export Express loan works the other way: it covers working capital but must be repaid.
What if the funding period is closed or the money runs out?
Check the Deadline row above, then look at other West Virginia funding. STEP is a fixed pool: the state describes its current allocation as $325,000 across the whole funding period. Only costs incurred within the funding period qualify. If you miss it, the West Virginia small business grants guide lists other programs, and our free match shows which ones fit your business.
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- International trade-show booth fees and exhibit space
- Foreign travel (airfare, lodging, per diem) for up to two employees
- Customized market research and international partner search
- Translation and localization of marketing materials
- Export training and certification
- Domestic trade shows with international buyer presence
Ineligible expenses
- Local travel within 50 miles
- Alcoholic beverages
- Entertainment costs
- First-class airfare upgrades
- Costs incurred before approval or outside the funding period
How to apply
-
1
Complete STEP Client Registration
Submit the once-per-cycle STEP Client Registration form to the West Virginia Division of Economic Development. Required for all first-time applicants in the current funding period.
~30 min
-
2
Submit a STEP Event Application
For each proposed export activity, complete the STEP Event Application at least three weeks before the activity begins. Include a detailed itinerary and budget.
~1.5 hrs
-
3
Receive approval before incurring costs
Wait for email approval from the Export Promotion Program before booking travel or incurring expenses.
-
4
Execute the approved activity
Participate in the trade show, business trip, or market-research activity. Keep all receipts, itineraries, and proof of payment.
-
5
Submit reimbursement documentation
Email the post-event survey and itemized receipts with proof of payment to the STEP contact at the West Virginia Division of Economic Development within 30 days of the activity.
~1 hrs
Submit your Event Application at least three weeks early and register as a state vendor with a W-9 on file; reimbursements come out of a fixed pool, so file early.
Deadline & timing
Applications are accepted within the funding period shown in the Deadline row above. Only expenses incurred within the funding period are reimbursable.
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Required documents
- STEP Client Registration form
- STEP Event Application form
- Detailed export activity itinerary and budget
- Itemized receipts and proof of payment
- W-9 form for vendor registration
- Post-event survey
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Last updated October 30, 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.