Photo credit: Rebecca Ashton Parsons

Wilmington, Del. – On Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer joined Division of Small Business (DSB) Director CJ Bell to highlight the urgent need to get $14M in the hands of small business owners before the end of the calendar year and re-launch the program providing these funds, the Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The program offers small business owners, access to funding through loans as well as direct investments in high-impact startups.

In 2023, Delaware was awarded $60.9M in federal funding from the U.S. Treasury Department to be provided to the State, in three allocations. It received its first $20M and must spend 80% of that within three years to access its next round. 2025 is year three, and as of early April, just over $2.0M has been distributed. This leaves another $14M to hand out by the end of December.

DSB is calling it “The Race to $14M” and Meyer and Bell placed the amount of funding distributed to-date in 2025 on a giant meter which will be displayed in the Division’s offices as a visual reminder of this goal.

“To create quality jobs, small businesses and startups need access to critical funding,” said Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. “I have repeatedly said that we will leverage these federal funds to support entrepreneurs, and we’re determined to get this money into the hands of Delawareans as fast as possible.”

The Division of Small Business is using the SSBCI funds for four programs – two venture capital programs and two which support loans for small businesses. Information on the programs is available at de.gov/ssbci.

“This funding is key to empowering small business owners on two fronts,” said DSB Director CJ Bell. “The loan programs are best for small business owners who have credit challenges. These are what I call the ‘missing middle’ who still struggle to grow and scale. The venture capital programs will help us establish Delaware as a leader in the Innovation economy, where high impact startups bring the future to life.”

The loan programs Bell describes include a Loan Participation Program and a Capital Access program. Funds from these programs are available to all small businesses, especially those in underserved or economically and socially disadvantaged areas and are intended to reach those that need access to capital, but may lack necessary collateral, or have a short credit history.

The Division began issuing loans under both programs in 2024. Instead of lending directly to the small business owner though, DSB provides partial funding to a bank, credit union or Community Development Financial Institution to help them make small business loans. By doing so, the bank is able to make more loans without shouldering all of the risk.

The State’s current participating lenders are Del-One Federal Credit Union, True Access Capital, and Community Bank in Sussex County. The Division is in significant need of additional lenders and asks any interested financial institution to contact them at Business_Finance@delaware.gov to learn more.

Business owners access these programs by working with the Division’s Regional Business Managers (RBM), who will review the program’s minimum qualifications, to determine if they qualify immediately. If so, the RBM will connect the owner with one of our participating lenders, and the lender will work with the Division to finalize the loan.

If the business owner is not quite ‘bank ready’, they are referred to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), for technical assistance. Once the owner has completed its work with the SBDC, he/she will be referred to the participating lenders.

The Mill in Wilmington, where the event was held, is one of the recipients of a Capital Access program loan but is also a leader for the Innovation Economy.

“When Robert Herrera and I had the shared dream and Vision to create The Mill in Delaware, it was to create a home for entrepreneurs in this economy, a launchpad for them to take off, and a center for the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said The Mill Co-Founder Chris Buccini. “Having just celebrated our ninth anniversary this month, and having grown from 7,000 sq. ft. to 90,000 sq. ft. and having been the launch pad for many starts up, we are so excited as we look in the rearview mirror and towards the future. The State of Delaware has played a vital role in The Mill’s growth every step of the way, and the Division of Small Business, even more so. We are so excited to be participating in the relaunch of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program today as it is another powerful tool for our state’s small businesses and entrepreneurs”.

To date DSB has supported 21 loans through these programs. However, Director Bell says in the amounts awarded, “it’s not going to get us to $14 million fast enough. That’s why we are focusing a lot of energy right now on making direct investments in companies.”

The Delaware Seed/Accelerator Capital Program (DASCP) allows the Division to make direct investments of up to $1M dollars to small businesses that are considered “high impact”. The direct investments must be made after the business has completed their “seed round” of funding, which is usually funding from family and friends. The Division will match what they raised.
Companies with fewer than 100 employees are eligible. Most will be tech-focused companies. The owner is required to have a lead negotiator and those that can prove a 1:1 match will be prioritized.

Two of the DASCP funding recipients spoke during the event.

“Being the first investment from Delaware’s Accelerator and Seed Capital Program is a key milestone for Carbon Reform,” said Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Nick Martin. “This funding will help us expand our IP portfolio in Delaware, develop carbon reduction technologies in our local lab, and create quality jobs by hiring skilled technicians and PhDs. If deployed across all commercial buildings in Delaware, our technology could remove the equivalent of 3,500 cars off the road each year or plant over 730,000 trees.”

“As a lifelong Delawarean, this moment means the world to me—not just as a founder, but as someone deeply proud of where I come from and my unwavering conviction that the state of Delaware is THE hidden gem for high growth technology companies like WhipFlip to grow,” said Roger Clappe, Founder and CEO of WhipFlip, which is housed at the Mill. “This investment from the State of Delaware is more than funding—it’s a vote of confidence in the future we’re building together to further drive Delaware’s emerging ecosystem of tech and entrepreneurial talent. I’m incredibly thankful to Governor Meyer, Mayor Carney, CJ Bell, Chris Buccini and Robert Herrera of The Mill Space, and many others that have supported us in our journey thus far. With their support, we’re not only scaling WhipFlip—we’re putting Delaware on the map as a serious player in the AI and automotive technology space. That is a core mission we are proud to advance every day.”

For more information about SSBCI and its programs, visit de.gov/ssbci.

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The Division of Small Business is a state agency committed to helping small businesses start and grow in Delaware through a variety of services it provides. 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.

Calling all small business owners! If you want to start your own small business or have been in business for less than seven years and need funding, we have an opportunity for you! The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is now accepting applications for the first EDGE Grant Competition round of 2025. EDGE stands for the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) program.

EDGE is a competition for grant funding. Five STEM-based (science/technology/engineering/math) companies can each be awarded up to $100,000 for eligible expenses, while five Entrepreneur Class (all other) businesses can each receive up to $50,000. The competition requires the owner to contribute matching funds if they win, and DSB matches a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis.

To be eligible to apply for the EDGE competition, your small business must have been in operation for less than seven years, have 10 or fewer full-time employees, and be majority (at least 51%) located in Delaware.

The application period opened Feb. 1, and will close Friday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m. The application and required support materials such as proposal templates and scoring guidelines, along with a recently recorded informational webinar, can be found at de.gov/edge.

Small business owners can apply for funding to support future expenses such as purchasing needed equipment, improving building infrastructure, obtaining rental space (purchasing property is not an eligible expense), or contracting for website design or a marketing campaign to help acquire more customers.

Past awardees include a drone company in need of an indoor facility, a company developing a new product for next generation silicon solar cells, owners looking to bring a printing and artist co-working space to Kent County, and restauranteurs looking to to purchase a food truck or other vehicle to expand sales.

Currently, DSB is focused on increasing the number of applicants from Kent and Sussex Counties, particularly in the STEM category.

After each round’s application closing date there are several rounds of internal evaluation. Within six weeks up to 16 finalists are selected to pitch their grant proposals to a panel of outside, expert judges. From these finalists, 10 winners are selected. A public awards ceremony takes place in the weeks after, though the winners names are kept tightly under wraps until then. The time from submission period through the awards ceremony is approximately four months.

One of the greatest tools to submitting a successful application is to work with one of DSB’s Regional Business Managers to provide guidance and answer questions about the process, as well as offer feedback on an owner’s proposal. These services are free.

Two rounds of the EDGE Grant Competition are held each calendar year. Since the program launch in 2019, DSB has awarded $7.25 million to 110 small businesses.

Visit de.gov/edge for more information.

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The Division of Small Business is a state agency committed to helping small businesses start and grow in Delaware through a variety of services it provides. 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.

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Small Business recognized 10 small businesses Wednesday 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 drone company in need of an indoor facility, a company developing a new product for next generation silicon solar cells, and owners looking to bring a printing and artist co-working space to Kent County.

Gov. John Carney, Department of State Deputy Secretary Kristopher Knight, and Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell announced the companies at an event at the Chase Field House in Wilmington, where Hx Innovations, LLC, one of this round’s winners in the STEM category, is located.

“The EDGE grant program helps small businesses get the ‘edge’ they need to expand and innovate by providing much-needed capital assistance that these businesses may not have access to otherwise,” said Governor Carney. “This program has been very successful over the last few years, and we look forward to seeing how these companies and business owners grow their businesses with their grants.”

“Small businesses in Delaware are job creators, innovators, help create economic diversity, and reduce environmental impacts,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kristopher Knight. “The EDGE grants are driven by creativity and innovation—which is reflected by the diverse array of entrepreneurs and STEM-related businesses this round. With the help of the EDGE grants, we are fostering innovation with the necessary capital to help individuals start or expand their small business.”

Businesses that are less than seven years old and employ no more than 10 staff, are eligible to apply for an EDGE grant. The grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. After thorough internal review, 16 finalists pitch their proposals to an outside expert panel of judges. From there 10 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 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. “We are really pleased with the quality of applications received. For the next round, which will open September 1, we are working to increase the number of STEM applications we get, particularly from Kent and Sussex Counties.”

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, $5.0 million has been awarded to 80 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 seventh round of funding for the program. Approximately 130 businesses applied for funding in March. Sixteen finalists gave public presentations in May at Delaware State University. From those, the below recipients were selected.

To learn more about EDGE, visit: de.gov/edge.

EDGE Grant Recipients

STEM class

Connect2Co, Inc. (Wilmington)
Connect2Co is a cutting-edge business to business startup software tool that will revolutionize the digital workspace for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Its all-in-one platform seamlessly integrates external solutions, eliminating the need for toggling between various applications (ex. Send an email with Gmail, download or share a document from Google Drive/Microsoft OneDrive, close an opportunity with Salesforce). The grant money enables Connect2Co to ramp up its initial operations by funding co-working space at the Mill in Wilmington, along with marketing and speeding the platform’s development timeline.

Doubly, LLC (Middletown)
Doubly is a minority and women-owned startup founded in 2023. Doubly is an innovative application that integrates seamlessly with enterprise messaging platforms like Teams and Slack to help boost productivity, and connectedness as a result of remote work conditions. EDGE funding will be used to finalize the application’s development and conduct extensive user testing as well as hire software engineers and designers to expedite the application’s development.

TX Electromagnetic Materials, LLC (Wilmington)
TX ElectroMagnetic Materials LLC is a science-driven company committed to advancing the development of cutting-edge electro and magnetic materials for the solar cell and semiconductor industries. The company is developing a new metallization silver paste specifically designed for future silicon solar cells. The EDGE grant will be used to accelerate product development efforts, expand sales and marketing initiatives, develop product samples, and successfully bring the product to market.

Hx Innovations (Wilmington)
Hx Innovations is a biomechanics testing and technology company with a patented assessment technique related to the stability and joint movement of the knee, ankle, and foot. This led them to develop a neuromuscular predictive model for sports teams to help them create safe training regimens and recovery strategies for athletes. Hx Innovations is currently located in the Chase Field House and is using its technology with athletic teams there. The EDGE funding will be used to expand the company’s presence at the Fieldhouse, build a more robust database for its platform, and make the software for real-time injury monitoring, mobile.

Leadership Excellence Academy for Non-Profits (LEAN) (Wilmington)
Leadership Excellence Academy for Nonprofits, or LEAN, aims to make a transformational impact in the nonprofit sector. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, LEAN adopts a long-term approach to prioritize creating sustainable solutions. LEAN’s expertise helps nonprofits identify and address gaps in their operations, thereby making them more effective in achieving their goals. EDGE funding will be used to develop innovative app technology to provide a vehicle for encouraging next-gen donors to support nonprofits through giving.

 

Entrepreneur class

Droneversity, LLC (Wilmington)
Droneversity hopes to revolutionize the aviation and STEM industries through comprehensive drone-related workforce development programs. A diverse range of offerings includes drone pilot ground and flight school for federal certification, STEMulation programs for hands-on education, international eSport drone soccer programs, professional development for educators, and consulting services. EDGE funding will help them secure a permanent indoor facility as opposed to temporary site hosts where internet connectivity and weather conditions can be challenging. The company’s planned location is in a downtown development zone.

G & R Industries, LLC (Smyrna)
G & R Industries is a start-up manufacturing company, located in Smyrna, that is bringing an innovative construction hanger to the market. The GRO Hanger provides a safer, faster, stronger, and more cost-effective solution for installing piping and fixtures in steel joist construction. EDGE funding will support startup costs including the purchase of assembly equipment, trade show marketing, testing and certifications, and the initial production run of GRO Hangers.

Paraklete Properties & Design, LLC (Viola)
Paraklete Properties is a woman-owned and family operated business that seeks to provide locally grown baled pine straw. Established in 2019, Paraklete Properties is committed to Delaware’s growth while preserving its natural beauty. EDGE funding will be used to purchase a proprietary pine straw baler as well as to construct a storage location for the straw. The funds will assist in providing an increased volume of densely packed pine bales, with minimally handled straw as well as provide a protected area for storage before the sale.

The Nest Play Cafe (Middletown)
The Nest Play Cafe is an innovative establishment for parents to take their young children, to explore a fun, exciting play area, while they relax or interact with other parents in an upscale café lounge and seating area. With a holistic, eco-friendly and Montessori-inspired approach the Nest Play Café offers programming including baby sign language, Spanish, Mandarin, sensory play, arts & crafts, and milestone development classes taught by a pediatric occupational therapist. EDGE funding will enable to owners to do phase 2 of their construction plan for an additional restroom and add plumbing and buy equipment for an organic coffee and smoothie bar area.

Studio B. (Harrington)
Studio B seeks to establish a unique fusion of commerce and art by serving as an ultra-fast turnaround print-on-demand hub and a supportive community workspace. The company will offer convenient access to top-notch print work such as restaurant menus, business cards, flyers, banners, and more. Additionally, Studio B will extend its services to artists and individuals, providing access to professional assistance, a supportive creative environment, and high-end tools and equipment that are typically out of reach for independent creators. EDGE funding will help the company acquire equipment and professional website assistance for effective outreach, marketing, and online sales potential.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is a state agency committed to helping small businesses start and grow in Delaware. DSB’s Regional Business Managers assist small business owners and budding entrepreneurs by helping them navigate government processes, connecting them to partner organizations with valuable resources and helping identify potential sources of funding.

 

 

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.

Law ensures these small businesses have fair opportunity to compete

 Wilmington, DE – Recognizing their contributions to Delaware’s economy, Governor Jack Markell signed legislation today to ensure farm wineries, brew pubs, microbreweries, and craft distilleries have a fair opportunity to grow their small businesses.

Markell and House Speaker Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, the bill’s primary sponsor, were joined by representatives from the industry as they outlined the benefits of House Bill 190 during a ceremony at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton. The law addresses restrictions that had prevented these companies from expanding and from offering a greater variety of products, including beverages that would be made with Delaware farm products.

“Delaware companies in this field have served our residents incredibly well, but our laws have put them at a disadvantage,” said Markell. “House Bill 190 gives these hardworking businessmen and women a fair chance to reach their potential. When Delaware’s small businesses can compete on a level playing field, we know they will thrive.”

Among the changes resulting from the new law, brew pubs will be allowed to distill any product, including Delaware farm products like peaches, strawberries, and honey. Previously, they were not permitted to make rums, gins or other products that were not malt-based.

In addition, prior law did not permit entities licensed as farm wineries, brew pubs, microbreweries, and craft distilleries to have an interest in a licensed alcohol manufacturer located in another state, limiting growth of Delaware companies. HB190 will permit them to associate with a manufacturing firm in another state as long as their combined sales do not exceed the maximum amount allowed to be licensed in Delaware.

“This is a perfect example of what government can do to help business grow and be successful. In this case, we had an opportunity to help our local brewpubs, distilleries and wineries to stay competitive in and out of state,” said House Speaker Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. “Now, brewpubs can distill alcohol from local peaches and strawberries, wineries can produce a wider variety of wines and wineries, brewpubs and distilleries all can expand their operations as they become more successful.”

“One of the great things about being part of this industry in our state is the way all of the local companies support each another and succeed together,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Founder and President. “At Dogfish Head, we were proud to work with everyone involved in creating this law, which provides an exciting opportunity for all of us to expand our product lines and reach more consumers.”