West Virginia STEP (State Trade Expansion Program)

Guidelines

A pplications 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.​

• 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, 2022 - September 29, 2024