EDGE Grant Competition Reopens To Benefit Small Businesses

DOVER, DE – Young Delaware companies in need of funding to help expand their business can now apply to compete for an Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) grant from the Division of Small Business (DSB). The division will be accepting EDGE grant applications between now and March 31 from promising early-stage businesses throughout Delaware.

Businesses that are less than seven years old and employ no more than 10 employees are eligible to apply for an EDGE grant. In previous rounds, businesses were required to be less than five years old, but DSB chose to expand this requirement to provide more small businesses with the opportunity to apply for funding.

“We know that it may take a few years for some small businesses to get off the ground, especially the businesses in our STEM category,” said DSB Director Regina Mitchell. “By expanding the number of years that eligible EDGE grant applicants have been in business, we are hopeful that even more Delaware start-up companies will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to apply.”

EDGE grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. Five STEM-based companies can receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses can receive up to $50,000.

EDGE is a matching grant program. DSB matches a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis. The business can spend grant funds on expenses that help improve the company’s long-term chances of success, such as a marketing campaign to help acquire more customers or purchasing a needed piece of equipment that can increase production capacity.

Applications for the competition round will be accepted until March 31 at 5 p.m. Finalists will pitch their grant proposals to a panel of expert judges. Winners will be announced in the summer.

“Delaware entrepreneurs are passion-driven individuals ready to either start or grow their small business,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “Our role is to encourage and support them by providing significant capital through the EDGE grants program so that they reach their highest potential.”

Since EDGE launched in 2019, $4.3 million has been awarded to 70 promising Delaware small businesses in industries ranging from renewable energy technology to fitness centers to restaurants. This will be the seventh round of the program since its launch.

Businesses should visit the Division of Small Business website for eligibility requirements, to download the grant application and to connect with a Regional Business Manager for application assistance.

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Media contact
Andrea Wojcik
Communications Director
Division of Small Business
(302) 672-6840
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov


Division of Small Business Awards EDGE Grants to 10 Delaware Companies

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Small Business recognized 10 small businesses Wednesday as winners of the sixth round of Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) grants. Awardees in the latest round of the competition include a company that created an app for parents to track school buses, a beer garden, an apiary, and an electrical company.

Gov. John Carney and Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell announced the companies at an event at Sweets & Treats Studio in Dover, one of the small businesses awarded an EDGE grant in December 2021.

“The EDGE Grant program is helping our state’s newest small businesses expand and innovate by providing much-needed capital assistance that these businesses may not have access to otherwise,” said Governor Carney. “The small businesses awarded a grant in this latest round of EDGE represent the best Delaware has to offer, and we are excited to see how the grant funds help their businesses grow.”

Businesses who are less than five years old and employ no more than 10 employees are eligible to apply for an EDGE grant. The grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. STEM-based companies can receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses can receive up to $50,000.

EDGE is a matching grant program. The Division of Small Business matches a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis. The business can spend EDGE grant funds on expenses that help improve the company’s long-term chances of success, such as a marketing campaign to help acquire more customers or purchasing a needed piece of equipment that can increase production capacity.

“With more than 27,000 small businesses in Delaware that employ more than half of our state’s workers and account for nearly $14 billion in wages, small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s economy,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “The EDGE grant program provides these creative, driven entrepreneurs with the capital they need to start or grow their business and reach their full potential.”

Since EDGE launched in 2019, $4.2 million has been awarded to 68 promising Delaware small businesses in industries ranging from wearable medical devices to farming to restaurants.

This is the sixth round of funding for the program since it launched in 2019. In this latest round, which opened in September, more than 120 businesses applied for funding. Fourteen finalists gave public presentations before a panel of expert judges on December 6 and 7 in Dover.

The winners in this round of EDGE funding include a diverse pool of small businesses. Seven out of the 10 winners are women-owned businesses, three are veteran-owned businesses, and two are owned by minorities. Since the program’s inception, 41 percent of EDGE winners have been women-owned businesses, and 27 percent have been minority-owned.

“The EDGE grant competition allows our division to support small business owners in Delaware who are making significant scientific advancements, creating unique products, and helping strengthen their local communities,” said Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell. “Our division is proud to support these worthy small businesses and help them succeed in their efforts.”

One of the winning businesses in the latest round of EDGE funding is Rail Haus, a beer garden slated to open later this year in Dover. Rail Haus will use the $50,000 in EDGE funds to purchase outdoor heaters, firepits, trees, sod, and a sprinkler system for the beer garden.

“We are honored and excited to be selected as a winner of EDGE grant funding in this round,” said Rail Haus co-owner Donny Legans. “Our goal is to open a year-round destination beer garden in the heart of downtown Dover and winning this grant is the next step in helping our plans come to fruition. The EDGE grant funding will allow us to make significant investments in the outdoor space at the beer garden so we can offer our customers the best experience possible.”

EDGE Grant Recipients

STEM class

A. I. Whoo (Newark)
A.I. Whoo is working to develop a mobile application for clinicians to conduct gait assessments using a smartphone. A gait assessment is the evaluation of the way someone walks and is used to diagnose disorders in walking patterns. Current gait assessment technologies require patients to go into an office to be evaluated. The A.I. Whoo app will enable gait assessments to be conducted remotely. EDGE grant funds will be used to develop the mobile application software and market it to clinicians.

Rotulu (Camden)
Rotulu is developing an application that provides real-time busing information for parents and schools with the benefits of instant messaging and alerts, two-way communication, and an easy-to-use interface. Rotulu is currently beta testing features and receiving valuable, real-world feedback from charter schools, which is ensuring the solution being built is accurate and effective. EDGE grant funds will be used to build out the desired functionality in the parent communication app, integrate the app with Android and Apple devices, enhance existing cloud infrastructure, and create additional features in the app.

All Azimuth Solutions (Magnolia)
All Azimuth Solutions (AAS) is developing and commercializing proprietary technology, including the electronic Community Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Toolkit, known as eCAT. The eCAT platform will house a repository of information to include educational and outreach materials, AAM demonstration playbooks, and community leaders’ decision support tools to integrate AAM into communities. The EDGE grant will be used for eCAT software development and deployment, association fees, a demonstration booth, marketing materials, advertising, and website improvements.

BioCurie (Wilmington)
BioCurie is a startup in Wilmington that is developing the world’s first AI-based software to transform the current state of cell and gene therapy (CGT) production from today’s brute-force “hit-or-miss” approach to a new data-driven paradigm. This innovative software will enable biopharma to swiftly and efficiently develop and manufacture CGTs that are safe, effective, and affordable. The EDGE grant will fund the commercialization of BioCurie’s first product for gene therapy manufacturing.

Voice 4 Impact (Wilmington)
Voice 4 Impact (V4I) delivers sustainable technology solutions to create safer and healthier communities. With their patented technology, V4I is at the forefront of observing and understanding human behavior. V4I’s solution connects people, communities, and data to increase awareness, create greener traffic solutions and build equitable funding goals. As a result, agencies make a 1:1 connection with the public at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional methods. EDGE grant funds will be used to staff, develop, and scale V4I’s platform to serve more utilities, tolling and transportation facilities in order to expand the company’s reach.

Entrepreneur class

BlackDog Behavior and Training LLC (Wilmington)
BlackDog provides accessible behavioral support to Delaware dog owners with private in-home training and post-adoption support for animals adopted through local shelters. Even more central to the mission, however, is to support its surrounding community through advocacy, education, and access to resources. Initial grant funding through EDGE will foster BlackDog’s expansion into a more sustainable operating model utilizing a standalone space for training activities.

Sassy Bee Honey LLC (Bellefonte)
Sassy Bee Honey is a Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) apiary founded with a passion for curating handmade products while having a positive impact on the environment and increasing accessibility to locally-sourced products throughout Delaware. Sassy Bee’s current business model utilizes Micro Apiaries, utilizing small clusters of bee colonies in several locations. In 2021, 700 pounds of honey was extracted and processed from 10 colonies. The EDGE funding will be used to renovate a 400 square foot space and purchase more efficient equipment in order to increase production capacity.

Nourish Markets (Wilmington)
Nourish Markets provides 24-hour access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable foods, snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meal options. Nourish Markets is forging a pioneering path in the health and wellness convenience food industry by establishing Delaware’s first 100% autonomous marketplace. The mission of Nourish Markets is uncomplicated – to make healthy food, snack, and beverage options accessible, convenient, and affordable to all consumers while employing industry-leading technologies. The EDGE grant will be used to purchase frictionless hardware equipment so the company can expand and open a second location in Wilmington. 

Rail Haus (Dover)
Rail Haus’ mission is to be a great beer garden, all the time, for everyone and aims to be the first year-round beer garden in the state. With a focused investment in both the inside and outside space, Rail Haus will be the destination spot Dover deserves and have a large, positive impact on the surrounding community. This family-friendly, dog-friendly project will be smartly operated, inclusive, and fun. The EDGE grant will be used to purchase outdoor heaters, firepits, trees, sod, and a sprinkler system.

Pink Electrical Services (Clayton)
Pink Electrical Services (PES) provides expert electrical services to Delaware businesses and homeowners. PES offers free estimates and reliable, high-quality service. Their electricians maintain a professional demeanor and great customer service while performing at the highest level. The EDGE grant will be used to purchase up to two work trucks which would enable the company to hire a crew comprised of electricians and journeymen.


2022 Delaware Day Adventure Begins December 1

Submit photos — and win prizes — during the Delaware Day Adventure, Dec. 1–17, 2022

Delaware’s rich history will be celebrated with fun, adventure, and prizes this year in a contest that challenges visitors to explore an exciting statewide lineup of historic sites in December. This year’s Delaware Day Adventure contest is inspired by the state’s crucial role in the nation’s founding, celebrated each December 7. Visitors who explore the five museums, managed by the State of Delaware, between Dec. 1 and Dec. 17 and submit photos of their visits will get a chance to win a prize. Admission is free to all sites!

Known as “Delaware Day,” the Dec. 7 holiday marks the moment in 1787 when Delaware became the first among the colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution, giving it enduring fame as the “First State” in the nation.

Here are the rules of the Delaware Day Adventure contest, sponsored by the Delaware Department of State’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the Delaware Tourism Office:

  • Visitors who submit photos from all five sites, with at least one photo taken from inside, will be entered to win a grand prize, including a Delaware-themed prize pack.
  • Visitors who submit photos of at least two sites (either interior or exterior) will be entered to win other Delaware-themed prizes.

For full details and to enter, visit de.gov/delawareday

Locations of the Delaware Day Adventure include:

Each location will have Delaware Day Adventure signage with a QR code posted from Dec. 1 through 17. All photos must be submitted through the Delaware Day Adventure webpage before 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2022. Winners will be notified by Dec. 23, 2022.

For questions about the Adventure, contact Daniel Citron, the Historic Sites Team Manager for the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, at museums@delaware.gov.

To learn more about the history of Delaware Day, click here.


Division of Small Business to Reopen EDGE Grants Competition for Applications

DOVER, DE (August 30, 2022) – Young Delaware companies in need of funding to help expand their business can apply beginning Thursday, September 1, 2022, to compete for an Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) grant from the Division of Small Business. The division will be accepting EDGE grant applications September 1 through September 30 from promising early-stage businesses throughout Delaware.

Businesses who are less than five years old and employ no more than 10 employees are eligible to apply for an EDGE Grant. The grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. Five STEM-based companies can receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses can receive up to $50,000.

EDGE is a matching grant program. The Division of Small Business matches a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis. The business can spend EDGE grant funds on expenses that help improve the company’s long-term chances of success, such as a marketing campaign to help acquire more customers or purchasing a needed piece of equipment that can increase production capacity.

Applications for the competition round will be accepted from September 1 through September 30 at 4:30 p.m. Businesses can visit the Division of Small Business website for eligibility requirements and to download the grant application beginning September 1. The Division of Small Business will also be hosting an informational webinar on the EDGE application process on Thursday, September 8 at 10 a.m. Small business owners interested in applying for the grant competition can register for the webinar at this link. Pre-registration is required.

“Delaware has an amazing community of entrepreneurs who stake their future on following their passion and starting their own business,” Secretary of State Jeff Bullock said. “By providing significant capital to these early-stage companies, the state of Delaware is able to help them reach their potential and show their owners that we value their efforts in starting and growing their businesses here in the First State.”

“The EDGE Grant program has been very popular with Delaware small business owners because these grants have helped promising small companies in a variety of industries reach the next level and compete with larger companies,” Division of Small Business Acting Director Regina Mitchell said. “I encourage eligible small business owners interested in the program to reach out today to one of our Regional Business Managers for help with the application process.”

One of the businesses who previously received funding is HARTLON. The company developed a bioresorbable vascular stent that is designed to eliminate pain, non-healing sores, and risk of limb amputation caused by poor blood flow below-the-knee. HARTLON was awarded a $100,000 STEM EDGE grant in the last round of funding. The company is using its grant for setting up a MedTech Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), laboratory space, manufacturing services, and demonstration of performance with a preclinical study.

“Winning the EDGE grant competition will be crucial in helping our company reach patients who can benefit the most from the life-changing healthcare technology we have developed,” said Jack Scanlon, co-founder of HARTLON. “We are grateful that the State of Delaware recognizes small, growing companies like ours and offers programs like the EDGE grant competition to help us reach our full potential.”

Since EDGE launched in 2019, $3.75 million has been awarded to 60 promising Delaware small businesses in industries ranging from renewable energy technology to fitness centers to restaurants. This will be the sixth round of the program since its launch. Finalists in this round will pitch their grant proposals to a panel of expert judges with winners announced in the winter.


Secretary of State Announces Leadership Change

Dover, Del.—Secretary of State Jeff Bullock on Monday announced that Jessica Welch will lead the Delaware Tourism Office as its next director. Welch most recently served as communications director of the Delaware Division of Small Business.

“Jessica brings an immense wealth of knowledge and experience to take on this crucial role in Delaware’s economy,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “The Tourism Office contributes billions each year to the state’s GDP and creates thousands of jobs in the process. As Delaware continues to be a preferred tourist destination, I know Jessica will expand upon the work done so far to continue attracting out-of-state visitors while promoting the prosperity of existing tourism businesses in the state.”

The Delaware Tourism Office (DTO), an office within the Delaware Division of Small Business, works to attract large volumes of out-of-state visitors to Delaware through advertising and marketing campaigns, travel publications, and year-round efforts to bring group tours and sports events to the state. The office regularly partners with Delaware businesses and municipalities to heighten their appeal as tourist destinations, helping them enhance their marketing efforts, and giving them the tools to boost visitation responsibly.

“I am proud and excited to step into this new role leading the Tourism Office and staff as we work together to highlight the many beautiful and unique places in Delaware for visitors to explore,” said Jessica Welch. “The travel and tourism industry is incredibly important to our state’s economy, and I am looking forward to working with our partners, including those in the sports and group tourism markets, to find new and innovative ways to further grow the industry in Delaware.”

Welch has served as communications director of the Division of Small Business since July 2021, where she managed all external relations, marketing, and advertising for the Division, including creating social media content, drafting and distributing press releases, and distributing a weekly newsletter sent to more than 14,000 business owners and partner organizations across the state. Prior to joining the Division of Small Business, Welch served as the director of public relations for the Delaware State Housing Authority. She also has past experience in marketing and media relations roles at Hagley Museum and Library and the Delaware Office of Management and Budget and worked as a state government reporter for the Delaware State News.

A native of Dover, Delaware, Welch holds a B.A. in English and journalism from the University of Delaware, and an M.S. in management and public administration from Wilmington University.