Small Business Grants in West Virginia (WV)

Securing a small business grant in West Virginia involves several steps and opportunities. Here are some of the most relevant resources and programs for small businesses in the state:

West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC)
The WV SBDC provides tools, training, and connections for successfully starting and growing a small business. While not a direct grant provider, the WV SBDC offers valuable resources and support for small businesses in the state. The center provides assistance with business planning, financing, licensing, and other essential aspects of starting and growing a small business. By connecting small businesses to a wide range of state and federal resources, the WV SBDC can help entrepreneurs find and secure funding opportunities.

West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA)
WVEDA works to develop and advance the business prosperity and economic welfare of the State of West Virginia. This service includes providing development assistance in the form of tax credits and financing. This development assistance can reduce startup and operating costs and provide for enhanced economic development.

Amber Grant for Women
This grant is specifically for women business owners in West Virginia. The Amber Grant for Women makes the usually tough grant process much easier. They award three $10,000 Amber Grants each month. If you win one of the monthly grants, you’ll be automatically eligible for one of their three year-end Amber Grants ($25,000). That means you could get $35,000 for your small business idea in a year.

West Virginia STEP Program
West Virginia offers grant assistance to small businesses looking to enter or expand in the global marketplace through the Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). 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.

Local Economic Development Grant (LED)
The West Virginia Legislature appropriates funds for the Local Economic Development Grant (LED) to enhance the capacity of local economic development. Grants are awarded to county or regional economic development corporations or authorities that commit to following the guidelines and meet the grant program requirements.

West Virginia CARES Act Small Business Grant Program
This program provides West Virginia’s small businesses with much-needed financial support.

West Virginia’s Business Development Incentives
West Virginia provides aggressive development assistance in the form of tax credits and financing programs that can reduce startup and operating costs and promote and expand West Virginia’s economy.

Federal Small Business Grants Available in West Virginia
Federal small business grants in West Virginia may also offer grants to businesses, particularly those that contribute to the community’s economic development or create jobs. Examples of federal small business grants in West Virginia include the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

Rural Business Development Grants in West Virginia
These grants are available for businesses operating in rural areas of the state.

Each grant program has its own eligibility criteria and application process. It’s important to thoroughly review these before applying to ensure your business qualifies.