Small Business Grants in Delaware
Delaware may be the second smallest state by area, but it punches well above its weight in business friendliness. Famous as the incorporation state of choice for over half of all US publicly traded companies, Delaware offers small businesses a favorable legal and tax environment, strategic East Coast location, and growing support infrastructure. From Wilmington's financial services hub to the beach towns of Sussex County, Delaware's small businesses benefit from a state government that actively courts business growth.
Economic Overview
Delaware has approximately 87,000 small businesses, and despite its small size, the state's economy is diverse — spanning financial services, healthcare, agriculture (particularly poultry farming), chemical manufacturing, and a growing technology sector. Delaware has no sales tax, making it attractive for retail and e-commerce businesses. The state's corporate-friendly legal system, centered on the Court of Chancery, is renowned for its expertise in business law. Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York gives businesses access to major metropolitan markets within a short drive.
State Grant Programs
The Delaware Division of Small Business administers the Delaware Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which provides access to capital through participating lenders. The Delaware Strategic Fund offers grants and loans for job creation and capital investment. The Blue Hen Grants program and the Encouraging Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE) program provide matching grants to small businesses. For technology companies, the Delaware Innovation Space offers lab and office space with support services. The state's Downtown Development Districts program provides grants and tax incentives for businesses locating in designated revitalization zones in several Delaware cities.
How to Apply
The Delaware Division of Small Business website is your primary resource for state programs. The Delaware SBDC, based at the University of Delaware, provides free advising. Contact the Delaware Division of Small Business directly — as a small state, you often get more personalized attention than you would in larger states. For federal grants, register at SAM.gov and search Grants.gov. USDA grants are particularly relevant for businesses in Kent and Sussex Counties.
Featured Opportunities17 Active
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant 2025
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $275,000
America's Seed Fund (SBIR Phase I)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
FedEx Entrepreneur Fund (Boost Camp)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
American Express Backing Small Business
Award Amount
$1,000 - $1,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative
Award Amount
$50,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Amex Shop Small Grants
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Skip's $10k Kickoff Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Delaware a good state for small businesses?▼
Delaware offers no sales tax, a corporate-friendly legal system, low franchise taxes for most small businesses, strategic East Coast location between major cities, and an active state government that supports business growth through grants and incentive programs.
What grant programs does Delaware offer?▼
Delaware offers the Strategic Fund for job creation grants, the EDGE program for matching grants, Downtown Development District incentives, and the Small Business Credit Initiative for access to capital. Federal SBIR/STTR and USDA programs are also available.
Are there grants for startups in Delaware?▼
Yes. The Delaware Innovation Space supports technology startups. The University of Delaware's Horn Entrepreneurship program connects student and community entrepreneurs with funding. Various private grants and the state's SBDC can help identify additional opportunities.
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