MILFORD, Del. (Dec. 22, 2014) – Something tasty just popped up in downtown Milford.

City, state and other local officials celebrated the arrival of Patty Cakes, a participant in this year’s Project Pop-Up program, with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 at the business, which is at 22 S. Walnut St., Milford.

Patty Cakes, owned by Latricia Vicks, offers one-of-a-kind custom wedding cakes and cakes for other events; as well as an assortment of sweets baked on premises, from scratch, including cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cake truffles and other dessert items. The business is the second Milford-based Project Pop-Up participant – following Delaware Branding Company at 19 NW Front Street – to celebrate a grand opening this year.

Project Pop-Up, a joint effort between the Delaware Economic Development Office and Downtown Delaware, provides three months of rent-free commercial space during the holiday season along with the assistance of a business advisor to help launch and grow the business. The program has grown from three participating businesses in 2012 to 15 this year, including nine businesses in an incubator in Wilmington.

“We are proud to once again partner with the City of Milford to bring another promising business to the downtown area. Historic towns like Milford serve as the backbone of our state, and we need vibrant businesses like Patty Cakes to breathe new life into their main streets,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “Every large, successful business started somewhere, and we aim to nurture small businesses to put them on that path to prosperity. It appears that Ms. Vicks is well on her way.”

Vicks said she discovered Project Pop-Up at the perfect time, just as she was looking to move her showroom from Dover to a larger location.

“It has been absolutely amazing. The property has been a perfect fit for what we wanted to do. It’s a beautiful space,” Vicks said. “The partnership with DEDO has been wonderful. They’ve set me up with a number of networking opportunities. It’s given us a lot of exposure and press, which has been phenomenal. We have this anticipation of us opening the shop, and I hope we can live up to it.”

Diane Laird, State Coordinator of Downtown Delaware, said Vicks’ business and its line of sweets should do especially well in the heart of Milford.

“Latricia’s product is so unique that people will travel for it. It is these kinds of destination businesses that enlarge the customer base of our small towns,” Laird said. “They bring in people from the broader region which, in turn, increases foot traffic and helps all the businesses downtown.”

Last year, Milford’s Project Pop-Up participant, Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga, saw business quadruple just months after opening, necessitating a move to a larger facility, where owner Paige Deiner now offers massage, Reiki, yoga and self-development classes.

The openings of Patty Cakes and Delaware Branding Company back an arts-related retail strategy in Milford that includes culinary arts, art galleries, and performing arts.

“From our very first meeting, we knew Patty Cakes and its talented business owner Latricia Vicks was a viable Project Pop-Up candidate,” said Ken Anderson Director, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support for the Delaware Economic Development Office. “As we continued to vet her business model, review her unique and eloquently designed products, and gaged her long-term commitment to her business, we knew she would be a great addition to all the exciting entrepreneurial activity in the town of Milford. Patty Cakes will be very successful.”

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.

Contact: 
Peter Bothum
Delaware Economic Development Office
Office: 302-672-6857
Cell: 302-632-6665
Peter.Bothum@delaware.gov

WineKnot, P.C. Rods and Nest Spa & Boutique launched with
the help of the state-run program

MILTON, Del. (Dec. 17, 2014) – For the second straight year, a state program has sparked the launch of new businesses in downtown Milton, helping entrepreneurs move their enterprises into once-vacant brick-and-mortar locations.

Wine Knot Shop, P.C. Rods and Nest Spa & Boutique, participants in this year’s Project Pop-Up program, each marked their official grand opening with a trio of ceremonies on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014. The business owners were joined by local and state officials at Wine Knot, which is located at 113 Union Street Unit F, Milton.

Project Pop-Up, now in its third year, provides three months of rent-free commercial space during the holiday season along with the assistance of a business advisor to help launch and grow the business in its new location. The program has grown from three participating businesses in 2012 to 15 this year, including nine businesses in an incubator in Wilmington.

“The growth of Project Pop-Up shows that Delaware is a place where entrepreneurs, if given the chance, are able to take their ideas to the next level and succeed,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “Small business is one of our greatest strengths, and this program is tapping into the roots of that sector by providing a very low-risk launching pad for these enterprising men and women.”

Last year, two businesses signed long-term leases in Milton: 302 Fitness and Milton Wellness Center, and the program has enabled two businesses to launch in Milford this year alone, including the Delaware Branding Company and Patty Cakes, whose grand opening is set for Friday.

Amy and Patrick Conroy are the owners and operators of two Project Pop-Up businesses. Amy Conroy described the Wine Knot Shop as an “off-the-wall gift shop” that sells personalized furniture such as shelves and benches, custom wine bottle labels for any occasion, paintings, cork and bottle cap art and other personalized gifts. P.C. Rods, which is in an adjacent space at 113 Union Street, is a bait, tackle and rod repair shop.

The couple worked at Irish Eyes in Lewes for several years and always wanted to step out and run their own business.

Amy Conroy said Project Pop-Up was especially helpful in overcoming their fear of the unknown.

“The initial stages starting up can be the scariest. We would have never tried to do this without the assistance of the Pop-Up program,” Amy Conroy said. “The classes, seminars and networking provided by the Pop-Up program gave us the knowledge and guidance to start our small businesses. We are up and running and are very excited about our future.”

“Project Pop-Up is a must for anyone dreaming to own their own business,” Patrick Conroy said. “This program really brings life back into small towns.”

Diane Laird, State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware, said the Conroys bring wit and a creative spirit to downtown Milton.

“The downtown is quickly becoming a hub of activity for food, theater, and fun shopping opportunities,” Laird said.

Ken Anderson, Director of Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support for the Delaware Economic Development Office, was equally as optimistic about the Conroys’ chances for success.

“I have never met two people more excited about the opportunity to take their entrepreneurial pursuits to the next level, by acquiring their own brick-and-mortar location. If hard work, creativity and passion are critical elements for business success, then Patrick and Amy Conroy are certain to experience success in their new businesses in Milton,” Anderson said.

The third business taking part in this year’s Project Pop-Up is Nest Spa & Boutique, owned by Hillary Reid.

After hearing about Project Pop-Up, Reid decided to move her natural skin care business, then called Skin By Hillary, from a smaller shop in her native Milford to a larger property in Milton.

Moving the business, now known as Nest Spa, into its new home at 105 Federal Street has allowed Reid to expand her services to include spa, massage, nails and facials.

“Project Pop-Up has helped me get established. I would recommend it to someone who has a small business they want to expand or someone doing it out of their home or on the side,” Reid said. “If you’re scared and don’t have the finances to expand or get started, Project Pop-Up gives you that cushion of three months rent-free. Plus, the resources are there. If you need something, you can call.”

Anderson praised Reid for not only serving as a leader in her chosen industry, but for being a savvy business owner as well.

“Hillary’s persistence and willingness to take an already successful small business to the next level, by acquiring her own space, expanding her services and creating a beautiful, upscale environment for her clients, is a reflection of her faith and persistence that will serve her business and the town of Milton well for many years,” said Anderson, who worked with Reid extensively in the early months preparing for the opening.

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.

Contact: 
Peter Bothum
Delaware Economic Development Office
Office: 302-672-6857
Cell: 302-632-6665
Peter.Bothum@delaware.gov

(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, filmed at the Small Business Summit held at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, Governor Markell shares how the State is supporting small businesses throughout Delaware, with initiatives like Project Pop-Up and the Small Business Focus Program.

“We know that small companies account for the majority of business sales and job creation, so it’s critical we provide the support and environment they need to thrive,” said Governor Markell. “Hardworking entrepreneurs across ours state have great ideas to serve customers in Delaware, throughout the country, and around the world. By ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their potential, we’ll 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: http://youtu.be/kPT3IvD5wks
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
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Facebook:  www.facebook.com/governormarkell
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FULL TEXT OF MESSAGE

Strengthening the Economy by Supporting Small Businesses – Governor Jack A. Markell Weekly Message

Delaware’s economy is getting stronger, with job growth outpacing the national average over the past two years. And we must ensure our state’s policies help continue this trend.

We know that small companies account for the majority of business sales and job creation, so it’s critical that we provide the support and environment they need to thrive. That means encouraging businesses of all types, from Miller Metal’s fabrication facility in Bridgeville to BrightFields environmental consulting in Wilmington to Royal Treatments, a home décor and window treatments shop owned by Karen Gill in Smyrna. Karen took advantage of our Project Pop-Up program, which provides small business owners three months of rent-free retail space in vacant downtown properties.She and her husband have now started a second company on Smyrna’s Main Street.

Project Pop-Up is part of our comprehensive approach to encourage small business growth. We’ve cut and modified state regulations; doubled the availability of research and development tax credit for small companies; and helped them develop relationships with partners around the world. Our efforts will only have their full effect if all small businesses have a fair chance to prosper. It’s why I was proud to announce the Small Business Focus Program, which helps state agencies consider small companies when purchasing the goods and services that they need. And it ensures that businesspeople with disabilities, as well as companies owned by women, minorities, and veterans, compete for state contracts on a level playing field.

Hardworking entrepreneurs across ours state have great ideas to serve customers in Delaware, throughout the country, and around the world. By ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their potential, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.