West Virginia STEP
General 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, 2024- September 29, 2026.
Export Expense Activities Eligible for
Reimbursement under the West Virginia STEP
- Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development
- Subscriptions and travel expenses for international sales trips scheduled directly by the
applicant organization
- Participation in export trade events organized by reputable organizations
- Participation in Export Training Workshops
- International sales trips scheduled through the U.S. Commercial Service
- Design and construction of booth display
- Travel expenses and shipping of samples and marketing materials
- Please visit U.S. Commercial Service for more information
- If required for an existing product to enter an export market
- Translation of websites into foreign languages
- Design and development of websites with international focus, like setting up international
payment acceptance, etc.
- Online marketing and E-commerce platform fees
- Brochures, posters, magazines, billboards, etc.
- Social media platforms
- Digital ad placements and translation of marketing media, including audio and video
Application Process
The West Virginia STEP application process consists of two steps: STEP Client Registration and STEP Event Application. The Export Promotion Program of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development will notify the applicants if they have been approved for funding via email within 1-3 weeks from the date of the application.
| Step 1: | STEP Client Registration |
| New and returning STEP clients must complete the STEP Client Registration once per funding period. The current funding period is October 1, 2024 – September 29, 2026. |
| Step 2: | eVendor Agreement |
| For the current cycle (October 1, 2024 – September 29, 2026), all reimbursements will be processed via Direct Transfer. Companies must adhere to the provided instructions and submit their applications to the Auditor’s Office prior to the completion of the qualifying event/service. |
| Step 3: | STEP Event Application |
| This application must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to each proposed eligible export activity. Each application must demonstrate the support of a new international market entry or expansion project. |
| Step 4: | Post Event Survey |
| Companies must complete this form within 15 days after the completion of the event in order to initiate the reimbursement process. All collected information is confidential. |
| Step 5: | Reimbursement |
| Companies must submit the required Expense Documentation within 30 days after the completion of the event. Please review Reimbursement Instructions prior to submission. It will take up to 3 weeks for the final reimbursement to be issued via direct deposit. |
Please note: |
➔ | The submission of an application does not guarantee a reimbursement award. |
| ➔ | Applications must be approved before the proposed activity begins. | |
| ➔ | Repeat applications may be denied or put on a waitlist. | |
| ➔ | Applications are processed on the first come first serve basis. | |
| ➔ | Reimbursements may be approved for a lesser amount than requested in the application, based on the strength of the application and number of applicants. | |
| ➔ | If reimbursement request is not submitted within 30 days of the completion of the event, funding will be reallocated to other applicants. |
The terms and conditions of the West Virginia STEP Program are subject to change without notice.
Exported To a New Country This Year?
Apply for the Governor’s Export Award Here
For program, application process or eligibility questions please contact one of our team specialists:
Jesus Velasco Espin
Manager, International Trade
(304) 558-2234
jesus.velasco@wv.gov
Hanna Kruhlova
Manager, International Trade
(304) 558-2234
hanna.kruhlova@wv.gov
