Virginia International Trade Show Assistance Program (STEP)

The Virginia International Trade Show Assistance Program, run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) International Trade Division, helps Virginia small businesses cover costs of exhibiting at qualifying international trade shows. The program is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration's State Trade & Export Promotion (STEP) initiative, which channels federal export-promotion dollars to states to help small companies grow overseas sales.

Under this program, eligible Virginia businesses can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per qualifying international trade show. These shows may be held overseas or be internationally focused domestic events. The goal is to reduce the financial barrier of exhibiting abroad — booth fees, related exhibiting costs — so smaller companies can test new export markets without bearing the full expense themselves.

This is a grant-style reimbursement, not a loan, and is aimed specifically at businesses that already have an exportable product or service and meet SBA size standards for a small business. Because it's tied to specific trade show events and SBA-funded STEP rounds, availability and exact terms can shift year to year, so applicants should check VEDP's international trade page for the current round status, deadlines, and any updated award caps.

For a Virginia-based small business owner looking to expand into international markets, this program can meaningfully offset the cost of testing a new market at a trade show, without giving up equity or taking on debt. As with any government-funded reimbursement program, exact figures, open application windows, and documentation requirements should be confirmed directly at the official VEDP source before making exhibiting commitments.