International Trade Facility Grant Program
International Trade Facility Grant Program supports companies’ job creation and capital investment to increase international trade through Virginia’s maritime ports and strengthen the state’s economy.
Funder: Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Pre-application) | March 31, 2027 (General application)
Funding Amounts: $3,500 per qualified full-time employee, subject to annual indexing, or 2% of qualified capital investment; $2 million shared appropriation cap
Summary: Supports companies increasing international trade through Virginia maritime ports through job creation or qualifying capital investment.
Key Information: Mandatory pre-application and pre-approval are required before the general application; applicants must own an interest in the cargo.
Description
The International Trade Facility Grant Program supports companies that increase qualified trade activities through maritime port facilities in Virginia. It is a component of the Port of Virginia Economic Development Program and Fund, administered by the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) with assistance from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Support is based on either new qualified employment or capital investment that facilitates increased trade.
Port-related activities include warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding and handling, and goods processing. Supported investments include building expansion or rehabilitation, land improvements, and cargo-related machinery, tools, and equipment. The program prioritizes infrastructure investment, permanent full-time jobs, larger absolute increases in cargo volume, and sustained port activity to strengthen Virginia’s economy and transportation network.
