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Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET)
Industry-Specific · Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) · VA
Virginia Leaders in Export Trade, or VALET, is a two-year program run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership that helps established Virginia companies grow international sales through professional services and export-expense reimbursements of up to about $30,000, with roughly 30 companies accepted each year.
Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) is a two-year international business acceleration program run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Rather than providing a lump-sum cash grant, VALET pairs participating Virginia companies with private-sector professional services and offers reimbursement of export-related expenses, reported to be up to approximately $30,000 per participant.
The program is aimed at established Virginia businesses that already have an exportable product or service and are ready to grow their international sales. VEDP accepts up to 30 companies per year into the program, making it a competitive, selective offering rather than an open-ended fund. According to program materials, participants have reported an average 78% increase in international sales after going through the program, suggesting the combination of hands-on services and expense reimbursement is intended to meaningfully support export growth rather than simply offset costs.
For a small business owner in Virginia considering exporting or expanding existing export activity, VALET could be relevant because it blends funding support with structured business assistance over a two-year period, rather than being a one-time payment. Because this is a state-level, industry-specific program with a limited number of annual slots, timing and eligibility can vary between rounds.
Given the details available, business owners should confirm the current award structure, whether a new round is open, and specific eligibility requirements directly at the official Export Virginia website before applying, since program terms can be updated year to year.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is VALET a grant or a loan?
It is described as a grant-type program, but funding comes mainly as professional services plus reimbursement of export expenses rather than a lump-sum cash payment.
Do I have to repay the funding?
Based on the available information, this is not a loan, so repayment is not indicated, but confirm at the official source.
Who is eligible?
Established Virginia companies with an exportable product or service that are ready to expand international sales.
How many companies are accepted?
Up to 30 companies are accepted into the program per year.
How much funding can I get?
The program offers services plus reimbursement of export-related expenses of up to approximately $30,000; it is not a general cash grant.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing says to check current rounds; confirm at the official source for exact dates.
Where do I apply?
Applications and program information are available at https://www.exportvirginia.org/service/programs-and-grants.
Who runs this program?
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) runs VALET.
Is this available outside Virginia?
No, this program is limited to eligible companies in Virginia.
How long does the program last?
VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program.
Is the funding taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source.
What results have past participants seen?
Participants report an average 78% increase in international sales, according to program summaries.
Does this apply to any industry?
It's listed as industry-specific, targeted at companies with exportable products or services rather than all industries.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.