between-intakes State Grant

West Virginia Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund

West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), West Virginia Department of Economic Development

$2,500–$200,000

See if you qualify — free Visit official program ↗

The short version

$2,500–$200,000 in SBIR/STTR matching grants for West Virginia technology small businesses.

The EII Fund provides state matching grants to West Virginia small businesses that receive federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II awards, plus a $2,500 Phase Zero grant upon submission of a Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal. Phase I matching awards can reach $100,000, and Phase II matching awards can reach $200,000 over two years. The program aims to stimulate R&D, job creation, and technology commercialization in West Virginia.

Funding type: Grant
Level: State
Amount range: $2,500 – $200,000
Realistic amount: $2,500 Phase Zero; $100,000 Phase I match; $200,000 Phase II match
Deadline: Phase Zero: continuous; Phase I/II matching: January 1–31 and July 1–31 each year (next window January 1–31, 2027)
Status: between-intakes
States: WV

Who qualifies

Must be a for-profit, West Virginia-based business with principal place of business in West Virginia
Must satisfy all federal SBIR/STTR requirements and meet SBA size standards (fewer than 500 employees)
For Phase I/II matching, must have received a SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II award from a participating federal agency
Must certify that at least 51% of research described in the federal proposal will be conducted in West Virginia
Must remain a West Virginia-based business for the duration of the SBIR/STTR project
Must not receive duplicative funding for the same purpose

Who is not eligible

Businesses not based in West Virginia
Non-profit organizations
Businesses with 500 or more employees
Businesses without a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or II award (for matching components)
Businesses with duplicative funding for the same research

What it covers

Eligible expenses

Phase I proposal preparation costs (Phase Zero)
Research and development expenses aligned with the federal SBIR/STTR award
Commercialization activities
Wages and contractor costs for R&D staff

Ineligible expenses

Expenses not related to the federal SBIR/STTR project
Costs incurred before federal award initiation

How to apply

1

Confirm SBIR/STTR eligibility

Verify your business meets SBA size standards and that the research will be performed in West Virginia. Identify a relevant federal SBIR/STTR solicitation.

~1 hrs
2

Submit federal Phase I proposal

Prepare and submit a Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal to the appropriate federal agency. Obtain official notification of receipt/acceptance.
3

Apply for Phase Zero grant (optional)

Email the Phase Zero application and proof of federal submission to the WV SBDC. A $2,500 grant is awarded upon verification of submission.

~1 hrs
4

Receive federal award and apply for matching funds

After receiving a federal Phase I or Phase II award, complete the matching-funds application during the January 1–31 or July 1–31 window.

~3 hrs
5

Receive matching grant disbursements

For Phase I, 50% is disbursed upon award and 50% after Phase II application/report acceptance. For Phase II, disbursements occur annually up to two years.

Insider tip

Time your federal award to land before the January or July matching window; Phase Zero is the easiest entry point and can be claimed as soon as your Phase I proposal is officially accepted.

Deadline & timing

Phase Zero applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Phase I and Phase II matching applications are accepted only during the January 1–31 and July 1–31 windows until funding is depleted.

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Required documents

Phase Zero application form
Proof of federal SBIR/STTR proposal submission/acceptance
Notice of federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II award
Study-section evaluation and comments
Documentation that 51% of research will be conducted in West Virginia
Business registration and principal-place-of-business evidence

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Last updated August 24, 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.