WEST VIRGINIA STEP - Event Application

STEP Event Application

Instructions
Please try to answer every question on this application. You will have the opportunity to clarify or add special notes at the bottom of this form. If you have any questions, please contact:

Enybe Diaz
West Virginia STEP Director
Enybe.Diaz@wv.gov
304-352-3957

Caitlin Ashley-Lizarraga
Manager, International Trade
Caitlin.Lizarraga@wv.gov
304-558-2234

Company Name: *

Proposed Export Activity Description

Start Date:

End Date:

Event website if applicable:

Location (list all applicable cities and countries):

Export target country or countries for this activity

Have you received any funding from any other source for this event/activity? If yes, please provide details.

Sales Projections

Which of the following best describes your sales projection over the next three to five years in the target country or countries, as a result of your participation in this export activity?

a. Under $10,000 b. $10,000- $49,999 c. $50,000- $99,999 d. $100,000-$199,000 e. $200,000 - $499,999 f. $500,000 - $999,999 g. $1,000,000-$2,000,000 h. $2,000,000 or more

Use the space below to describe any other anticipated results and your company’s follow-up plan after the completion of the proposed export activity.

Reimbursement Criteria

Special reimbursement criteria and amount limits per STEP client per funding year apply to certain eligible expenses.

Airfare: Reimbursement is limited to Economy-class in accordance with the Fly America Act only. In general, this means that flights must be booked through U.S. carriers. Cabin and seating upgrades are not eligible for reimbursement. If upgrading, applicants must turn in main cabin pricing for the same travel itinerary on the date of purchase.

Lodging and Meals: Reimbursement is limited to the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. General Services Administration per diem rates for the cities you plan to visit. For more information, please click here.)

Travelers: Travel expenses are limited to two people directly employed with the applicant organization. If the proposed export activity includes travelers, use the space to list their names and titles.

Domestic Trade Show Criteria: If the proposed export activity includes exhibiting at a trade show taking place in the U.S., use the space below to submit a short statement outlining the company strategy to achieve export sales at the trade show. For the reimbursement process, a list of international leads generated at the show will be required.

Payments: Invoices must include detailed expense description and must be accompanied by proof of payment such as a credit card, bank, or a zero-balance statement.

For further information on travel criteria and the approval and reimbursement process visit here

Expense Calculation

Complete each box based on your estimation of total costs for each applicable activity.

Airfare (Baggage fees can be included):

Lodging:

Meals and Incidentals:

Ground Transportation: (Examples include but are not limited to taxis, parking, car rental and mileage. Local travel costs [50-mile radius] are not eligible for reimbursement)

Trade Show Expenses (Examples include registration fees, booth fees, equipment rental, utilities, and trade show marketing expenses):

Registration Fees (Examples include but are not limited registration fees for foreign trade missions and export services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce):

Shipping Fees (Examples include but are not limited to shipping of samples, trade show displays and marketing materials. Cost of product is not eligible. Limited to $4,000):

Translations and Interpretation Services: (Examples include but are not limited to translations of marketing materials, technical manuals, product labels, websites, audiovisual materials, and interpretation services for trade shows/meetings)

Design of Marketing Media (Examples include but are not limited to trade event/industry publications, online/digital advertising, marketing materials, billboards, newspapers, and magazines. Trade show giveaways and printing costs are not eligible. Limited to $8,000):

Website Fees (Examples include but are not limited to website creation/update, website translations, search engine optimization, webstore set up and mobile app integration. Limited to $10,000):

Compliance Testing, if required for an existing product to enter a new market

Export Research Tool Subscriptions (Limited to $2,000):

Participation in Export Training Workshops:

Procurement of Consultancy Services (This activity is only allowable after consultation with the U.S. Commercial Service to avoid duplication of services):

Please list any additional expenses not listed above. Please include expense description.

Total of all expenses

Reimbursement request (75% of estimated expenses limited to $15,000 per STEP client per funding year):

Additional notes regarding this application

Does your company agree to complete one post-event survey, and one program closeout survey during the first year, and a yearly performance survey for the next two years?

Yes No

The West Virginia STEP is funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This cooperative agreement requires the State of West Virginia to report all sales and job creation results derived of your participation on the funded activity.

By electronically signing below, you certify that the information on this application is correct and that you have reviewed and agree to adhere to all of the West Virginia STEP guidelines, eligibility requirements, reimbursement criteria and reporting policies. All information provided is kept confidential and reported only in aggregate form. I further understand that the completion of this application does not guarantee approval for any expense reimbursements.

First Name *

Last Name *

Title

Email address *

Preferred Contact Telephone Number *

Date *

Month Day Year