Small Business Grants in West Virginia
West Virginia offers approximately 10 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the West Virginia Division of Economic Development and the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA).
In This Article
Which West Virginia grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
West Virginia Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to West Virginia small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
WV STEP Export Grant Program
West Virginia Division of Economic Development
Up to $15,000
Deadline Sep 29, 2026Provides grant assistance to small businesses looking to enter or expand in the global marketplace. Funding can offset export promotion activities such as trade shows, market sales trips, translation services, and international marketing materials.
Status check, The program is active with a funding period ending September 29, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be approved before export activity begins.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Vantage Ventures Accelerator Program
West Virginia University, John Chambers College of Business and Economics
$10,000 - $100,000
RollingA 13-week startup accelerator offering $10,000 in non-dilutive technical assistance funding upon entry, with top performers eligible to pitch for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment. At least one founder must reside in West Virginia or attend a WV university.
Status check, Program admits new cohorts twice per year in September and January. Rolling applications accepted. Provides up to $10,000 in technical assistance funding, with top graduates eligible for up to $100,000 in pre-seed funding.
Last verified, Jul 14, 2026
YesWV Ready Sites Program
West Virginia Division of Economic Development
Up to $75,000 per site
RollingProvides grants to local and regional economic development authorities to prepare business-ready sites for private investment. Funds cover engineering, environmental, and infrastructure planning costs. More than $2 million has been disbursed across 23 counties.
Status check, The program is active with recent 2025-2026 grant awards by Governor Morrisey. No specific application deadline is publicly posted. Program targets counties and regions, not small businesses directly. Rolling intake confirmed by ongoing awards.
Last verified, Jul 16, 2026
Economic Opportunity Tax Credit
West Virginia State Tax Department
$3,000 per new job for 5 years
RollingSmall businesses creating fewer than 10 new full-time jobs can receive a $3,000 credit per job annually for five years. Jobs must pay at least $35,700 per year and include employer-provided health insurance. Larger businesses creating 10 or more jobs may qualify for credits up to 10% of qualified investment.
Status check, The Economic Opportunity Tax Credit under WV Code Article 13Q is active, not repealed or paused. No fixed application deadline exists; credit is claimed via tax filings. The Tax Department continues publishing active guidance referencing SS11-13Q-22.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
High Wage Growth Tax Credit
West Virginia Division of Economic Development
Up to $5,000,000 annually (program-wide)
RollingProvides income tax credits for companies creating at least 10 high-paying jobs with health benefits. Eligible employers must create jobs paying at least 2.25 times the state median salary. Awards are based on job creation, wages, and economic impact.
Status check, The program is active with no fixed calendar deadline. Applications are rolling, required prior to the taxable year for which credit is sought. The $5M annual cap and eligibility rules remain in force with no indication of pause or discontinuation.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Show of Hands Crowdfunding Grant
Wheeling Heritage
$3,000 - $5,000
Deadline Aug 7, 2020A community crowdfunding event in Wheeling where local entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a live audience. The audience votes, and the winner receives at least $3,000 plus door donations. The program has awarded over $159,000 to date.
Status check, Page shows a specific past event from September 23, 2020 with application deadline of August 7, 2020. No current event or rolling deadline information is displayed.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 13, 2026
WVEDA Direct Lending Program
West Virginia Economic Development Authority
$50,000 - $15,000,000
RollingOffers fixed-asset financing for manufacturing, distribution, and technology-based businesses. This is a loan program, not a grant. The borrower must inject at least 10% equity into the project. WVEDA's Board of Directors reviews applications monthly.
Status check, The program is active and accepting applications on a rolling basis. The 15th of each month is the cutoff for the following Board meeting, but no fixed program end date exists. No pauses or closures noted.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most West Virginia grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most West Virginia grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in West Virginia.
Women-owned Business Grants
Women entrepreneurs in West Virginia can access the national Amber Grant from WomensNet, which awards $10,000 monthly with a chance at an additional $25,000 year-end grant. The WV SBDC also provides coaching and funding navigation for women-owned businesses.
- ›Amber Grant for Women
- ›WV Small Business Development Center
Rural Business Grants
Most of West Virginia qualifies as rural, making many businesses eligible for USDA Rural Business Development Grants and the state's YesWV Ready Sites Program. Local economic development authorities in rural counties can also access site readiness funding.
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- ›YesWV Ready Sites Program
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Technology startups based in West Virginia can apply to the Vantage Ventures Accelerator at WVU for up to $100,000 in funding. The state also offers a High Technology Manufacturing Tax Credit for qualifying businesses that create at least 20 new jobs.
- ›Vantage Ventures Accelerator Program
- ›High Technology Manufacturing Tax Credit
Veteran-owned Business Grants
West Virginia offers a Military Incentive Credit that encourages businesses to hire veterans, including credits for disabled veterans and National Guard members. Veterans can also access SBA resources through the West Virginia District Office in Clarksburg.
- ›Military Incentive Credit
- ›SBA West Virginia District Office
Tips for Applying in West Virginia
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business through the One Stop Business Portal (business4.wv.gov) to file important forms, complete annual reporting, and manage registrations with the WV Secretary of State and State Tax Department.
- 2Contact a WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) coach before applying for any grant. The SBDC provides free one-on-one coaching to help you prepare applications and financial projections. Call the Ask Me Line at (888) WVA-SBDC.
- 3Prepare a detailed business plan with financial statements, proof of good standing, and a clear description of how grant funds will be used. Most West Virginia programs require these documents.
- 4For WVEDA programs, submit your completed application by the 15th of the month to be placed on the next Board of Directors meeting agenda. The Board meets on the third Thursday of each month.
- 5Explore the WV grants portal at grants.wv.gov to find all current state grant opportunities in one centralized location.
State Economic Development Agency
West Virginia Division of Economic Development
The West Virginia Division of Economic Development oversees the state's business incentive programs, site readiness grants, export assistance, and small business development resources.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in West Virginia can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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