GetFundedUSA › Grants › R&D / Tech › West Virginia Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund (SBIR/STTR State Match)
West Virginia Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund (SBIR/STTR State Match)
R&D / Tech · West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) / WV Department of Commerce · WV
The West Virginia Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund is a state grant program from the WV SBDC and WV Department of Commerce that provides matching funds—up to $2,500 for Phase 0, $100,000 for Phase I, and $200,000 for Phase II—to West Virginia small businesses pursuing federal SBIR or STTR research awards.
The West Virginia Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund is a state-level grant program run by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) in partnership with the WV Department of Commerce. It offers cash matching grants to West Virginia technology small businesses that are pursuing or have received federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) or STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) awards.
The program is structured around the federal SBIR/STTR phases. Phase 0 proposal grants of up to $2,500 per year are available year-round to help businesses cover costs of preparing federal SBIR/STTR applications. Phase I matching grants of up to $100,000 and Phase II matching grants of up to $200,000 are available on set annual application windows for businesses that have already secured federal Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR funding.
This matters to a small-business owner in West Virginia's tech and R&D sectors because federal SBIR/STTR awards often require or benefit from state matching funds, and this program is designed to fill that gap, potentially increasing the total non-dilutive funding available for research and commercialization work. Because the funding instrument is a grant, it generally does not need to be repaid, unlike a loan.
Deadlines vary by round, and the note in the source data flags that amounts, open rounds, and eligibility should be confirmed at the official state site since programs like this can change year to year. Businesses interested in applying should verify current details directly with the WV SBDC before submitting a proposal.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant (cash matching funds), not a loan, according to the funding instrument listed.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, grants generally do not require repayment, though you should confirm specific terms at the official source.
Who is eligible?
West Virginia small businesses that have submitted or received a federal SBIR/STTR award (Phase 0, I, or II).
How much money can I get?
Phase 0 grants are up to $2,500/year, Phase I matches up to $100,000, and Phase II matches up to $200,000.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing says to check current rounds; Phase 0 is year-round while Phase I/II have set annual windows.
Where do I apply?
Through the WV SBDC/WV Department of Commerce; see the link at https://commerce.wv.gov/wv-sbdc-announces-new-innovation-technology-initiative-and-the-launch-of-entrepreneurship-and-innovation-investment-fund/
Is this only for West Virginia businesses?
Yes, eligibility is limited to West Virginia (WV).
Do I need a federal SBIR/STTR award first?
For Phase I/II matching grants, yes—you need to have submitted or received the corresponding federal award; Phase 0 supports proposal preparation.
Is the award amount taxable?
This is not addressed in the available data; confirm at the official source.
Who runs this program?
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) and the WV Department of Commerce.
What category of funding is this?
It falls under R&D/technology funding (rd-tech), specifically for SBIR/STTR-related matching grants.
Can I apply if I haven't submitted a federal SBIR/STTR proposal yet?
The Phase 0 grant appears designed to help with proposal preparation, but confirm exact requirements at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) / WV Department of Commerce; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.