WEST VIRGINIA STEP - Export Promotion Reimbursement Application

Export Promotion Reimbursement 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:

Jesus Velasco
Manager, International Trade
Jesus.Velasco@wv.gov
304-558-2234

Company Name*

D&B D-U-N-S Number (if your company has one)

Application Objective

My objective for the proposed export promotion activity on this application is:

Select one.*

To start exporting (No export experience, “accidental” or “occasional” exporter, or have not exported in more than 24 months)Market expansion (currently exporting to one or more markets, expanding into a new country market or expanding into a new region, or new population target segment, or new product line within an existing market)

Export Experience
Which of the following best describes your company’s export experience?

Select one.*

Level 0- Company has never made an export sale but has a product or service that has been
successfully sold in the domestic market and has sufficient production capacity to commit to the
export market.Level 1- Company has exported sporadically through its website or other sources. Company
has or is preparing an export development strategy; taking in consideration exporting may require
product modification, special product certifications, and designation of financial resources to promote
and coordinate international sales. Company has adequate knowledge of the exporting process
but may benefit from additional assistance regarding market entry strategies, export finance and
payment mechanisms and legal considerations.Level 2- Company has sold internationally on multiple occasions and may have presence in one
to three countries. Company is seeking to continue to develop its export strategy to expand
to new international markets. Company may have limited experience participating in international
trade events and may continue to benefit from additional assistance regarding market entry
strategies, export finance, payment mechanisms and legal considerations.Level 3- Company has a presence in more than three countries and is actively participating in
international marketing events every year. Company is seeking to continue to develop its export
strategy and expand to new international markets and may have a deep understanding of the
exporting process, trade finance, trade logistics and legal considerations. Company may have
a sales division designated to exporting.

Use the space below to provide additional information regarding your company’s level of export experience.

Program Criteria

Applicants must self-represent as an Eligible Small Business Concern in order to be considered eligible for the West Virginia STEP Program. Select the link below to complete the self-representation form.

Self-Representation as an Eligible Small Business Concern Form

Upload your completed and signed certification by clicking below.

Choose file

Upload a File

Applicants must not be barred from receiving federal funds to be eligible for the West Virginia STEP Program.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

Upload your completed and signed certification by clicking below.

Choose file

Upload a File

Proposed Export Activity Description

Describe the export activity regarding this application. Please include event dates and location. If available provide event website.

Export target country or countries for this activity

How have you determined the market potential for your product/service there?

Explain how this export activity supports a new export expansion project. (New market entry, new product launch, new industry sector, new geographical area, etc.)

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?

Use the space below if you need to add notes regarding sales projections.

Company and Products

Complete the following U.S. Commercial Service Company Questionnaire to provide more information about your company and products and your export strategy supporting the selected trade event. Select the link below to begin questionnaire. Complete, save and upload the document.

U. S. Commercial Services Company Questionnaire

Upload your completed and signed certification by clicking below.

Choose file

Upload a File

NAICS Number

Click here for additional information on NAICS.

Industry Sectors (Check all that apply)

What year was your company established?

Do any of the following designations describe the ownership of your company?

Woman-ownedMinority ownedVeteran or service-disabled veteran ownedRural

Is your company headquartered in WV?

YesNo

If you are not headquartered in WV please list headquarters name, address and website

Number of full-time employees

Number of part-time employees

Expense Calculation

The following expenses are considered reimbursable in accordance with the West Virginia STEP program guidelines. Complete each box based on your estimation of total costs for each applicable activity.

All travel expenses are limited to two people directly employed with the applicant organization.

Airfare- 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 and Incidentals rates- Use the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. General Services Administration per diems rates for the cities you plan to visit. Meals and Incidentals per diems are calculated at 75% for the first and last days of travel. Use the city where you find yourself at 12 am for the previous day’s per diem. If you are on a plane, use the city of destination.

For foreign per diem rates by location visit: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

For domestic per diem rates by location visit: https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877

Local travel costs (50 mile radius) are not eligible for reimbursement

Number of travelers

12

Traveler 1 name and title

Traveler 2 name and title

Travel start date

Travel end date

Destination countries

Destination cities

Number of hotel nights

Airfare

Lodging

Meals and Incidentals

Notes:

Registration Fees

Expense Description

Interpreter Fee

Website / Marketing Translation

Expense Description

Marketing Materials (Trade show give aways and printing costs are not eligible)

Expense Description

Website Development / Digital Marketing

Expense Description

Ground Transportation

Expense Description

Shipping of samples, trade show displays or marketing materials (product samples cost is not eligible)

Expense Description

Compliance Testing. If required for an existing product to enter a new market.

Expense Description

Please list additional expenses not shown 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

How did you learn about the West Virginia STEP program?

Help the Export Promotion Program of the West Virginia Development Office select the best markets for future trade events by answering the following questions:

What other countries are you interested in pursuing?

What trade shows in foreign countries would you like to participate as an exhibitor? Please provide name of trade show and country of location

The West Virginia STEP program 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 planned trade event. Recipients of the West Virginia STEP are required to answer a post-event survey, and a program close-out survey during the first year, and two long term performance surveys the next two years following the trade event.

By electronically signing below, you certify that the information on this application is correct and that you agree to adhere to all of the West Virginia STEP program guidelines 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*

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) would like to give eligible small business concerns the opportunity to expand your knowledge and resources of other programs that are offered by the agency. Please check the appropriate box if you would like for your company’s name and contact information to be shared with other programs offered by SBA. Your choice to participate or not, will not change the status of your participation with STEP. SBA’s aim is strictly to share information about other opportunities with you.*

YesNo

Date*

MonthDayYear