The Virginia Major Eligible Employer Grant Program

The Major Eligible Employer Grant Program (MEE) is a strategic initiative designed to stimulate significant investment and job creation in Virginia. This discretionary program targets basic major employers considering a substantial expansion of existing operations or the establishment of new ones. A key requirement is that there must be active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for the project.

The grant amount for each project is determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, based on the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's (VEDP) Return-on-Investment analysis and recommendation. The program offers cash grants of up to $25 million to eligible applicants. These grants are paid in five to seven equal annual installments, starting in the third year after the capital investment and job creation or retention targets are met.