DOVER, DE – There are nearly 28-thousand small businesses in the State of Delaware, providing over 227-thousand jobs which is over half of the state’s workforce. Each year, the month of May is set aside as a special time to celebrate small businesses, their courage, community efforts, and hard work. The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is highlighting activities that do this taking place during National Small Business Month, and National Small Business Week (NSBW April 28 – May 4, 2024).

“Small businesses are an important part of economic development in Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “They bring jobs and a sense of community to every corner of our state. I thank the Division of Small Business for all that they do to support this important industry in Delaware.” Governor Carney also signed a proclamation acknowledging May as Small Business Month in Delaware.

“Our small businesses not only generate dollars that are reinvested right here in our local communities, but also approximately $12 billion dollars in wages,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “We take this month as an opportunity to recognize their significant contribution to Delaware’s economy.” DSB is a Division of the Department of State.

“We’re proud of the role we play in supporting small businesses and appreciate the hard work of all of our staff, including the Office of Supplier Diversity and Tourism Office as well our many partners that help make up the state’s small business ecosystem in,” said DSB Director Regina Mitchell. In Delaware, small businesses account for approximately 98% of all businesses.

DSB has created a landing page on its website with information and resources for small business owners at de.gov/smallbizmonth. Resources include a social media toolkit, fliers, and also logos in English and Spanish, with more Spanish materials to come.

Here are activities planned for Small Business Week and Month:

• To kick off Small Business Week, DSB and SizeUp are holding a free virtual webinar on how to use its free business analytics and marketing tool, SizeUp Delaware, on Monday April 29th from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. The webinar is free. You can register here. SizeUp Delaware is an online platform that works for both starting and existing businesses see how they compare to others in their industry, do a demographic analysis on consumers and the workforce in their area, and helps them narrow down their customer base and how to market to them.

• DSB and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are co-hosting a webinar for small business owners about the SSBCI federal loan program on April 30, from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register for the webinar at: State’s Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Information Session (delawaresbdc.org). State’s Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Information Session (delawaresbdc.org). SSBCI is aimed at supporting both small and early-stage businesses who are having challenges getting a traditional bank loan, as well as those that are owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons.

• Another resource for small business owners is the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE’s NSBW Virtual Summit April 30 – May 1. The event is free, but registration is required for this two-day event. For more information visit the Summit website.

• The Division will host a social media webinar for small business owners on Monday May 13, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. titled “Social Media for Solopreneurs.” The presenter will be Caroline Hermance, Communications Director for the Delaware’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), one of DSB’s key partners. Click here to register for the webinar or visit de.gov/smallbizmonth to view the registration link and QR Code.

• DSB is coordinating two activities related to its flagship small business funding initiative – the EDGE grant competition. The Spring 2024 EDGE pitch competition will be May 1 and 2, at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, and the Spring 2024 EDGE awards ceremony will be later in the month.

Lastly, DSB will be rolling out a series of social media posts and videos called “Get to Know DSB”. The goal is to increase awareness of the free services that DSB provides to small business owners year-round, and available funding and program opportunities. Many of the videos will feature small business owners providing testimonials regarding how DSB helped them start or grow their businesses.

Here are ways you can support small businesses in Delaware year-round:

• Purchase goods and services from local stores, companies or even farmers markets
• Purchase gift cards from small businesses for friends and family
• Give positive reviews for a good experience or a shout out to your favorite small business on social (and tag them when you do!)
• Share their posts on your page to amplify their business
• Attend local events held at small businesses, or farmers markets, craft fairs, or community festivals where small businesses often showcase their products or services

By supporting small businesses in Delaware, you help the owner pursue their dreams, and strengthen the First State’s economy.

Are you looking to start or grow your own small business? Check out our free services, programs and funding opportunities at business.delaware.gov. Not sure where to start or go next? Connect with one of our four Regional Business Managers listed on the DSB homepage for support today!

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DOVER, DE – The state’s Division of Small Business (DSB) is partnering with the Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide additional support to small business owners seeking loans from a federal program that DSB oversees in Delaware. DSB has given the SBDC $675,423 in funding to provide Technical Assistance to small business owners for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). SSBCI is a federal program aimed at supporting both small and early-stage businesses who are having challenges obtaining a traditional bank loan, as well as those that are owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons.

“We selected the SBDC to receive these technical assistance funds because they are uniquely qualified to broaden our reach to small business owners and provide intense individual support to them,” said DSB Director Regina Mitchell. “We are looking forward to seeing this program grow rapidly and getting more funding in the hands of entrepreneurs who need a little extra help to start or grow their business.”

In early 2023, Delaware was awarded $60.9 million from the U.S. Treasury Department to be used over a 10-year period. DSB is distributing the funding across four programs; two of which support small business loans: the Delaware Loan Participation Program (DELPP), and the Delaware Capital Access Program (DCAP).

SBDC will use its Technical Assistance funding to work one-on-one with small business owners and get them better prepared, and in a stronger position to qualify for one of the loan programs.

“Delaware SBDC is committed to helping entrepreneurs gain access to funding through one-on-one technical advising and trainings, emphasizing the importance of understanding financials, accounting best practices, and common legal requirements. We are looking forward to creating access to a program that supports Delaware’s small and/or socially and economically disadvantaged businesses,” noted Sarah Mailloux, SBDC Associate State Director.

DSB and SBDC are co-hosting a webinar for small business owners about the SSBCI loan programs on April 30, from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register for the webinar at: State’s Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Information Session (delawaresbdc.org). Participating program lenders Del-One Federal Credit Union and True Access Capital will also provide information about their roles.

Under the SSBCI initiative, small business owners will meet with one of DSB’s Regional Business Managers to review the loan programs. Based on each owner’s individual situation, they will either be provided a list of our participating lenders to connect with directly, or they will be referred to the SBDC for additional assistance.

More information about the SSBCI program can be found at de.gov/ssbci.

Are you looking to start or grow your own small business? Check out DSB’s free services, programs, and funding opportunities at business.delaware.gov. Not sure where to start or go next? Connect with one of our four Regional Business Managers listed on the DSB homepage today!

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The Delaware Division of Small Business recognized 10 small businesses Tuesday Feb. 6, as winners of the seventh round of the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) competition. Awardees in the latest round of the competition include a company looking to develop residential electric vehicle chargers, one developing an improved hand/arm prosthetic that’s easier to use, one developing an adapted mobility device for getting into bed, and one looking to purchase cutting edge computers and streaming equipment for its e-sports events and camps.

Gov. John Carney, Deputy Secretary Kristopher Knight, and Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell announced the companies at an event at Delaware Dynamix in Harbeson, located in Sussex County along Rt. 9. Delaware Dynamix is one of the EDGE award recipients for this round.

“Building a strong economy starts with supporting our small business community,” said Governor Carney. “The EDGE grant program provides young businesses with much-needed capital assistance that they may not have access to otherwise. I’m excited to see how this round of EDGE grant recipients use this funding to grow their business.”

“Helping small businesses succeed in Delaware is so important to maintaining a healthy economy,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kristopher Knight. “With the assistance of the EDGE grants, the state is fostering innovation by giving them a much-needed financial boost to make their dreams become a reality.”

Businesses that are less than seven years old and employ no more than 10 full-time employees (or FTE equivalents), are eligible to apply for an EDGE grant. The grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. After thorough internal review, 16 finalists are selected to pitch their proposals to an outside expert panel of judges. Ten companies are selected for awards. Five STEM-based companies will each receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses will each receive up to $50,000.

“The EDGE competition allows our division to do what it was created to do – help small businesses start and grow,” said Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell. “The quality of the fall applications was so strong, it made it more challenging to select the finalists. Each EDGE round continues to show progress in terms of the quality of submissions.”

The first EDGE Grant Competition for 2024 began accepting applications on Feb. 1. They will continue to be accepted until Friday March 1, at 4:30 p.m. Visit de.gov/edge for access to the application and other resources.

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.

Including this round, $5.6 million has been awarded to 90 promising Delaware small businesses since EDGE was first launched in 2019 in industries ranging from wearable medical devices to farming to restaurants.

This is the eighth round of funding for the program. Approximately 115 businesses applied for funding in September. Sixteen finalists gave public presentations in November at the University of Delaware’s FinTech building on the STAR Campus. From those, the below recipients were selected.

EDGE Grant Recipients

STEM class

Marin’s Med (Georgetown)
Marins Med is a pioneering prosthetics innovations company, distinguished by their woman-owned status and their Chief Technical Officer (CTO), an amputee and accomplished engineer. Marins Med’s goal with EDGE grant funding is to move through the final stages of research and development prototyping through final design and manufacturing to ensure the innovative ProHensor reaches those with limb loss. Funding will be used to purchase manufacturing equipment and for marketing assistance.

Omni Potential Energy Partners (Wilmington)
OmniPotential Energy Partners will use funding to build a proof-of-concept pilot program of curbside, residential electric vehicle (EV) chargers and install them on Delaware properties. They will use it to finalize their supply chain, identify final business partners, solicit seed customers and tool-up to build and deploy a pilot program of approximately 10 Curbstar devices in the state of Delaware over 12 months. Curbside, residential EV chargers are a potential solution to EV owners who live in multi-family units with street or lot parking only.

RunDNA (Wilmington)
ACE Running LLC (doing business as, “RunDNA”) brings running gait analysis to all levels of runner. Their service leverages innovative camera and software technologies at a competitive price point to provide real time analysis of running gait. This powerful tool is used by running professionals throughout the world to effectively modify a runner’s form to prevent injury and optimize performance. RunDNA’s flagship product is their Helix 3D running gait analysis device. The company’s EDGE award will allow them to expand their motion capture capabilities to walking gait. Funding will be used for purchasing equipment, software licenses, and covering research and development staff costs.

Sindri Materials Corp. (Wilmington)
Sindri Materials is a manufacturer and product development company dedicated to delivering ultra-high quality (UHQ) graphene (carbon) materials and products to market. Sindri can produce graphene that is a completely continuous, large-area sheet that yields electrical performance. With the EDGE grant Sindri will develop a high-capacity graphene manufacturing system. Its product can accelerate drug and vaccine development by optimizing the speed and resolution structural biologists image macromolecules using a ground-breaking new method called cryogenic electron microscopy (the “cryo-em” market). The graphene grids essentially hold the macromolecules in place for imaging.

Studio Charter (Wilmington)
Studio Charter has begun making virtual studios that eliminate the need for costly video productions. These studios can be installed in any 10×15 or larger room at a customer’s home or office. They are permanent studio installations with true cinema cameras that can be run remotely, without a crew, for simple, repeatable genres like podcasts and testimonials. The studios allow recording of cinematic medium-closeups in any location, real or imagined. The goal of Studio Charter is to make video production accessible to anyone. Nonprofits, schools, and government will all finally be able to produce video at a high level and volume. EDGE funding will be used for staff, design, prototyping and materials costs.

Entrepreneur class

Baybird Orthodontics (Smyrna)
Baybird Orthodontics is a minority women-owned business located in Smyrna run by Dr. Sita Patel. The clinic offers a range of orthodontic treatments, including orthodontic appliances, traditional braces, and clear aligners. However, the one service they currently do not provide is 3D printed aligners in house. The EDGE grant funding will be used to purchase a 3D printing system to allow them to produce clear aligners on-site, reducing the cost of orthodontic care for their customers. Funds will also be used to support the aligner machine by providing additional equipment, supplies, and a computer. Marketing and advertising expenses are also included.

Delaware Dynamix (Harbeson)
Delaware Dynamix LLC, which just opened for classes, provides gymnastics instruction and associated activities for children up to age 17, as well as similar opportunities for adults. A market analysis determined a lack of services like theirs within a convenient drive to the Milton, Lewes, and Rehoboth Beach area, thereby supporting the need for such a facility. The owners boast more than 30 years of experience in gymnastics and youth sports instruction. They will use EDGE grant funds for equipment and staffing at their 7000 square foot facility for a Little Ninja program aimed at young boys, and gymnastics and trampoline programming for special needs children.

Futures First Gaming (Middletown/Wilmington)
Futures First Gaming LLC (FFG), is a STEM.org™ Accredited Educational Technology, Media, and Esports Entertainment Company. FFG brings together gamers and esports enthusiasts to compete, build community, and engage in educational opportunities to explore career pathways in STEM and relevant esports disciplines. The company is known for its accreditation in educational technology, media, and esports entertainment. EDGE Grant funding will be used to acquire cutting-edge gaming and streaming computers, software, and furniture for their esports technology workforce training facility. Funding will also allow the company to organize more workforce development trainings, esports events, and esports camps.

The Hive on Loockerman (Dover)
The Hive is a minority-owned member-based business and event center that aims to support entrepreneurs and non-profit founders by providing them with the space, equipment, and resources necessary for their business growth and long-term success. The Hive primarily offers hourly space rentals and a range of business-building services, including corporate event planning, marketing, basic brand development, document printing, and secure shredding. EDGE grant funding will be used for facade improvements and construction to meet code requirements and for design, technology, and equipment upgrades to better serve customers.

The LeGrand Company (Hockessin)
Bed Ledge is an adaptive mobility product designed to assist individuals with decreased strength, coordination, or balance safely lift their legs into bed. The inability to safely navigate in and out of bed leads to increased risk for injury and falls and can be the determinate as to whether someone can safely live in his/her home without assistance. Bed Ledge is the first leave-in-place device that allows the user to move from a sitting position to reclining through incremental movements, thereby decreasing risk of injury and promoting independence. EDGE funding will be used to fund the creation of plastic injection molds and a first production run of 500 units, packaging, and third-party product testing.

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The Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency committed to helping small businesses start and grow in Delaware. From start-ups to experienced business owners looking to expand, our team of Regional Business Managers can provide you one-on-one assistance and counseling to help you succeed. They can assist with a variety of needs, including: navigating government processes, connecting owners with our many resource partner organizations, and identifying funding opportunities for which you may qualify. See all of the programs and services we offer at business.delaware.gov.

The Compass Grant is a brand new grant program from the Delaware Department of State that helps Delaware small businesses navigate selling their products or services around the world.

Compass Grant Informational Webinar

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Are you seeking financial support to help your organization grow your sales overseas? Join us for the Compass Grant Informational Webinar, which will provide you with essential insights into the brand-new Compass Grant, guiding you through the application process and eligibility criteria. The Export Delaware team will answer your questions and help you navigate the grant with confidence. Don’t miss the opportunity to chart your course toward obtaining the funding you need to expand around the globe!

Register Here

About the Compass Grant

Delaware small businesses may apply for a Compass Grant to support international travel or business development activities. This grant will have greater flexibility than previous programs. Compass grant funds can be used to reimburse up to 50 percent of all pre-approved, eligible, international marketing expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000 per fiscal year, per company.

This grant funding may be used to support international marketing efforts such as:

• Booth fees for exhibiting at a tradeshow overseas
• Travel expenses (hotel and airfare) for visiting potential clients or distributors in another country
• Fees to work with the US Commercial Service on International Partner Search
• Fees associated with obtaining your CE Mark
• Expenses for translating your product marketing material into another language
• Expenses for optimizing and localizing your website for a foreign market
• And much more ….

Who Should Attend

This webinar is appropriate for:

• Any manufacturer or professional services provider interested in learning more about increasing their sales to other countries.
• Current exporters looking for additional funding to increase their sales.

If you’re not sure if you qualify, join us on the webinar to find out! You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions specific to your company.

Register Here

About our Speaker

Beth Pomper
Director, International Business Development
Export Delaware

Beth Pomper is an international marketing and sales professional with 30 years of progressive leadership experience in support of global business activities. She is responsible for the Strategic Export Plan for the State of Delaware and has worked to implement it since 2014. Beth has established Delaware’s global representative network, with 12 foreign offices servicing 50 countries. She has assisted nearly 100 Delaware companies launch and expand their export sales, generating over $375 million in business and creating nearly 100 jobs in the state.

About Export Delaware

Export Delaware is an initiative of the Delaware Department of State. We are the State’s official export resource for Delaware’s small and medium-sized businesses. We are consistently ranked among the top state export programs nationally in terms of results for our companies. If you are a new exporter or want to explore new markets, we can help you get started.

Export Delaware assists Delaware companies that seek to export their products and services. Our experienced staff provides on-site guidance to businesses that are looking to explore export opportunities or to expand their current export activities to new markets.

Some of the most successful exporters are innovative small- and medium-sized businesses (which account for 98 percent of U.S. exporters). Businesses that export have faster-growing sales, create more jobs and are less likely to go out of business than non-exporting establishments.

Register Here

DOVER, Del. – On the heels of a well-attended ceremony to announce winners from the Spring 2023 competition, the Fall 2023 Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) application period opens Friday Sept. 1. The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) will be accepting EDGE grant applications from Sept. 1 through Sept. 29, from promising early-stage businesses throughout Delaware.

In advance of the competition’s reopening, DSB is hosting an EDGE informational webinar on Wed. Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. Interested persons can register through de.gov/edge. For anyone unable to participate, a recording will be placed on the web page later the same day. Additionally, DSB is hosting a companion webinar on how to use its free business analytics tool, SizeUP Delaware, to strengthen EDGE applications on Wed. Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. Registration for this webinar is also available on de.gov/edge. The web page is also where EDGE applications will be made available, starting Sept. 1.

Businesses that are less than seven years old and employ no more than 10 employees are eligible to apply for an EDGE grant.

“We’re proud to be able to offer this opportunity to early-stage small businesses,” said DSB Director Regina Mitchell. “It’s a way to help level the playing field for those that don’t have access to the same level of capital that larger businesses do.”

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. This round, DSB is hoping to see a greater number of STEM applications coming from Kent and Sussex counties.

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 Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. After several rounds of internal scoring, finalists will be invited to pitch their grant proposals to a panel of expert judges at the end of November. Winners will be notified in early December.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s economy” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “The EDGE grants will enable small businesses that might otherwise fail, to have a stronger chance at succeeding.”

Since EDGE launched in 2019, $5.0 million has been awarded to 80 promising Delaware small businesses in industries ranging from renewable energy technology to fitness centers to restaurants. This will be the eighth round of the program since its launch.

Businesses should visit de.gov/edge for eligibility requirements, to download the grant application and to see frequently asked questions. Visit our website at business.delaware.gov to connect with a Regional Business Manager for application assistance.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital.