Wilmington – In his weekly message, Governor Markell addresses efforts to ensure entrepreneurs have the best opportunity to turn their great ideas into thriving, expanding businesses in Delaware. He talks about the launch of a website (http://firststeps.delaware.gov/) to ensure entrepreneurs can easily find and understand what’s required for them to operate in Delaware. It will particularly help new and small businesses meet state, county, and local government requirements.

“We have no more important goal than to ensure a good job is available for every Delawarean who wants one. That means making Delaware a great place to start and grow a business,” said Governor Markell. “By supporting our entrepreneurs through this process, we’ll make it more likely that they will grow in our state, and that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNOdbe6fA8k
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message:  New Ways to Support our Entrepreneurs

Statewide – With 2014 State of Delaware business licenses expiring at the end of December, the Delaware Division of Revenue is reminding businesses that they must renew their Delaware business license by December 31, 2014. It is easiest to renew licenses online at www.delaware.gov.

Renewing a State of Delaware business license online is not only convenient, but the service also allows taxpayers to print a temporary license directly from their PC, which substitutes as a valid license until a permanent license is received in the mail. A temporary license is critical for businesses that require proof of a current license, such as contractors and businesses that receive government payments.

“Licensees who renew online receive their business licenses more quickly due to automated processing,” says Division of Revenue Director Patrick Carter. “Renewing a business license online is fast and secure.”

Currently, any business whose Delaware business license expires this December may opt to renew their business license online. Best of all, online renewals are a great convenience because they can be completed using a credit card, debit card, or by direct debit from a bank account. The online service is available any time of day and any day of the week.

Businesses will need their Tax ID Number and Business License Number to complete the online renewal. The Business License Number can be found on the annual License Renewal Notice mailed to businesses by the Delaware Division of Revenue beginning mid-November 2014.

Any business renewing a license this year may also elect a three-year business license, which additionally decreases future paperwork. Three-year business licenses purchased for 2015 will remain valid through December 2017 (renewal notices will not be sent for license years 2016 or 2017). Businesses will receive one license, valid through 2017, for all three years.

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Media Contact:

Angela Moffett-Batty
Delaware Department of Finance
angela.moffett@delaware.gov
302-577-8522

Dover, Milford, Milton and Smyrna will have vacancies filled during holiday season

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 19, 2013) – Owners of five Delaware businesses are thinking holidays already, and they have every reason to do so – they’ll be taking part in a state-led initiative that will provide them with rent-free commercial space for three months in a Delaware downtown from October through December.

The new businesses chosen to participate in Project Pop-Up 2013 will open by Oct. 1 in Dover, Milford, Milton and Smyrna.

Unlike more traditional Pop-Up programs in other areas of the country, Delaware’s Project Pop-Up has the dual goal of helping small business owners sign a long-term lease to occupy a brick-and-mortar location while also filling vacant properties in the state’s towns. This year, all selectees have signed leases that will allow them to make a smooth transition to paid occupancy beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

“We support small businesses at every phase of their development, because small business is big business in Delaware,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “This program has become an integral part of the reshaping of our economy by not only promoting entrepreneurship but also revitalizing our downtowns.”

The following businesses were chosen to take part in Project Pop-Up 2013:

• Computers Fixed Today, a computer repair/ retail company in Dover owned by Theo Morgan.
• 302Fitness, a personal training studio and small group workout center in Milton owned by John Lehne.
• Milton Wellness Center of Delaware, which offers human performance consulting including yoga, coaching and sports psychology, run by Dr. Bill Shearer and Mary Van House.
• Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga, a Milford-based business owned by Paige Deiner.
• Royal Treatments, a Smyrna-based business owned by Karen Gill that offers custom window treatments, home décor and accessories.

This is the second year that the Delaware Economic Development Office and Downtown Delaware have offered Project Pop-Up, with last year’s program placing three businesses in open spaces.

Both Amber Shader, owner of First & Little baby boutique in Middletown, and Jenn White, owner of Little Posies Photography in Milford, signed long-term leases to stay in their properties beyond the three-month period offered by the program.

“Last year, two of our success stories quickly became part of their respective downtown business communities,” said Diane Laird, DEDO State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware. “We’re confident that the properties and business owners taking part in Project Pop-Up 2013 will find that same spirit of partnership in their new homes, and that this synergy will translate into success beyond the upcoming holiday season.”

Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, said Project Pop-Up has become a vital tool in helping revitalize Delaware’s main streets.

“The strength of our economy relies on the health of our downtowns, and we’re banking on Project Pop-Up to once again stir growth and activity in these municipalities,” Levin said. “We are proud of these small business owners for taking the next step and moving into a storefront, which in turn helps us by bringing a vacant property to life.”

About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About Downtown Delaware
Downtown Delaware, a program of the Delaware Economic Development Office, provides Delaware’s historic downtowns, communities, and small businesses with tools to revitalize their commercial districts, increase entrepreneurial opportunity, and enhance quality of place. To learn more about the Main Street program, visit www.delawaremainstreet.com.

Delaware Literacy Financial Institute “Market” in Rodney Square to Showcase Businesses

WILMINGTON, Del., (Wednesday, July 31, 2013) – On Thursday, August 1, 2013, Lt. Governor Matt Denn will meet Delaware’s youngest entrepreneurs at the “Chasing the Dream Youth Market” in Rodney Square.  The event, which runs from 10:30am – 1:00pm, is the culmination of The Delaware Literacy Financial Institute’s (DFLI) entrepreneurship summer camp, which runs July 22 – August 2 for kids ages 9-16.   The Lt. Governor will arrive at 12:15pm.

Dozens of young entrepreneurs will have their businesses open on Thursday, rain or shine.  The Lt. Governor is excited to see the types of businesses these young students have created and talk with them about plans for their futures.

During camp, students:

• learned the basics of business start-up;
• learned how to develop an idea and create a basic business plan;
• visited with entrepreneurs & tour local businesses; and
• learned to profit from their own businesses.

The older students had an Enhanced Entrepreneurial Experience.  In addition, they:

• worked with mentors on marketing methods;
• learned about social media strategies;
• attended a business lunch and learn about business etiquette and networking;
• learned how to dress for success;
• developed an elevator pitch for their business ideas and compete for funding;
• learned about selling through Etsy, eBay, consignment shops and garage sales;
• learned about branding, marketing and product packaging; and
• developed higher level creative thinking and problem solving skills while gaining first-hand knowledge of the process involved in creating a business venture.

Thursday, August 1, 2013
10:30am – 1:00pm      Chasing the Dream Youth Market
Rodney Square
Wilmington

**The Lt. Governor will attend from 12:15pm – 1:00pm**

State backs Start It Up Delaware and its push for a vibrant startup community and sustainable job creation

WILMINGTON, Del. (Jan. 18, 2013) – Gov. Jack Markell, state officials and business leaders revved the engine of a new economic driver Friday at the kick-off for Start It Up Delaware Inc., a public-private partnership that will serve as a hub for entrepreneurship and create new jobs.

Gov. Markell’s cutting of the ribbon at Start It Up’s headquarters at 605 Market St., Wilmington, was more than a formality – it symbolically drove home his message from Thursday’s State of the State Address.

With the backing and guidance of the Delaware Economic Development Office, ventures like Start It Up Delaware will bring together the people, ideas and capital necessary to help entrepreneurs thrive, Gov. Markell said.

The partnership brings together Delaware’s financial, accounting, legal and real estate communities, as well as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Technological and Community College and other institutions of higher education.

“Delaware is known for having an economy driven by knowledge and innovation. Through initiatives such as Start It Up Delaware, we will use those assets as the seeds to grow new companies,” Gov. Markell said. “Companies that grow here in Delaware are more likely to take root and stay, helping to fortify the foundation of our economy.”

In addition to highlighting the synergies possible between the community, government and entrepreneurs, Friday’s event provided a glimpse of what Start It Up Delaware is capable of. Attendees were able to share their own startup ideas in one-minute pitches in a set up much like the TV show “Shark Tank.”

Start It Up Delaware was incorporated in August 2012 as a for-profit company operating through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the coIN Loft Inc. Its team also includes the University of Delaware, entrepreneurs from the Archer Group and WellDoc and the venture capital firm Fairbridge Venture Partners.

“Start It Up Delaware is exactly what the state needs to create a critical entrepreneurial ecosystem. What results from this are more companies starting here, growing here and succeeding here,” said Jon Brilliant, Start It Up Delaware board member, mentor and Chief Financial Officer of WellDoc. “The partnership with the state strengthens our efforts to identify promising startups and accelerate and nurture their growth towards becoming profitable, job-creating entities that call Delaware home.”

Through the Delaware Strategic Fund, the Delaware Economic Development Office awarded Start It Up Delaware with a $250,000 grant that will serve as seed funding for the partnership’s three-tiered plan for stirring entrepreneurial activity. That strategy includes initiating grassroots activities to gather together entrepreneurs and their ideas; establishing a central community hub for entrepreneurial activity by expanding the coIN Loft, home to more than 60 tech-based startups and professionals; and creating a program to nurture growth through mentorship and investment of in-kind services and financial resources.

“Our economy will reap huge benefits from the ingenuity, teamwork and time that these entrepreneurs and business leaders put into Start It Up Delaware,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “We are more than happy to provide them with the push they need to get started.”

About the Delaware Economic Development Office

The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About Start It Up Delaware

Start It Up Delaware Inc. (SIUD) aims to be the catalyst for creating a vibrant startup community in Delaware and surrounding communities. Founded by individuals from all sides of entrepreneurship – education, private equity, coworking and actual entrepreneurs – SIUD is being supported by a grant from the state and offers entrepreneurs education, coworking space and mentorship. Its goals are to “fill the funnel” with more and higher-quality startups, connect the resources needed for entrepreneurs to grow, and foster a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. The Board of Directors of Start It Up Delaware is comprised of leaders from the University of Delaware, entrepreneurs from the Archer Group and WellDoc and the venture capital firm Fairbridge Venture Partners.

Contact:

Peter Bothum

Delaware Economic Development Office

peter.bothum@delaware.gov

Office: 302-672-6857

Cell: 302-632-6665