Small Business Grants in Delaware
The funding programmes below are administered mainly by the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB). Some of it is not free money.
The funding programmes below are administered mainly by the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB). Some of it is not free money. The cards show the type and the current status. The EDGE Grant is the flagship. It splits a $400,000 pot among Entrepreneur Class winners and a $750,000 pot among STEM winners, scaled to the pitch, and the autumn round closes September 11, 2026. Delaware also runs the Strategic Fund, the Grocery Initiative, and $60.9 million of federal SSBCI capital programmes.
Which Delaware grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Delaware Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Delaware small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
EDGE Grant Competition
Delaware Division of Small Business
Scaled awards from a $400,000 Entrepreneur pool and a $750,000 STEM pool
Deadline Sep 11, 2026Delaware's flagship grant program, awarded through a competitive pitch in front of expert judges. Two tracks split separate pots, up to $400,000 among Entrepreneur Class winners and up to $750,000 among STEM winners, across up to 18 awardees, with each amount scaled to the quality of the pitch. Funds come as a $3 state to $1 business match and count as taxable income. Eligible spending covers market analysis, advertising, essential equipment, website design, building work and lab rent.
Delaware Strategic Fund
Delaware Division of Small Business / Council on Development Finance
Varies by project (FY 2026 allocation: $34.7M)
RollingNot a grant programme. Delaware bundles customised grants with low interest loans under one fund and does not publish a split, so what you receive depends entirely on how your project is negotiated. It is the state's primary source for business retention and expansion, aimed at projects that measurably grow Delaware's economy, and applications are reviewed by the Council on Development Finance. Treat it as a negotiation, not an application.
Delaware Technical Innovation Program (DTIP)
Delaware Division of Small Business
Varies (transition grants)
RollingOffers transition grants for companies that have completed Phase I and applied for Phase II of the federal SBIR or STTR programs. Helps bridge funding gaps as companies work to bring new products to market.
Delaware Site Readiness Fund
Delaware Division of Small Business
Up to $10,000,000 (fund total)
RollingPromotes economic growth by investing in commercial and industrial site development. Provides grants, loans, or other financial assistance for constructing, renovating, or improving infrastructure that attracts or expands businesses.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Delaware Division of Small Business
Up to $1,000,000 (Accelerator/Seed Capital Program)
RollingNot a grant programme. This is $60.9 million of federal SSBCI money that Delaware puts to work as equity and as lending, across four sub programmes. The Accelerator and Seed Capital Program buys a stake in high impact startups. The loan participation programmes back businesses that cannot get a conventional bank loan. Both leave you owing money or owning less of your company.
Brownfield Assistance Program
Delaware Division of Small Business
Up to $100,000 (matching grant, up to 50% of costs)
RollingOffers matching grants to property owners and developers to encourage redevelopment of environmentally stressed sites. Limited to $1,000,000 in aggregate per fiscal year.
Modernization Investment Support Initiative (MISI)
Delaware Division of Small Business / Council on Development Finance
Varies by project
Rolling, applications go before the Council on Development FinanceGrant funding for Delaware businesses facing regional, national or global competitive pressure that would damage local operations unless the site is modernised. Applications go before the Council on Development Finance, with the Division of Small Business acting as the disbursement and monitoring arm.
Delaware Grocery Initiative (First State Food System Program)
Delaware Division of Small Business
$5,000 - $12,500 per grant ($700,000 total pool for 2026)
Deadline Mar 31, 2026Provides grants to food businesses and organizations operating in or near food deserts. Funds can be used for operations, equipment, capital expenses, and projects that expand supply chain capacity.
Workforce Training Grant
Delaware Division of Small Business
Up to $100,000 per project
ClosedA matching program that funds specialized training for companies. Currently paused while DSB aligns the program with other state initiatives. Check back with DSB for updates on when the program reopens.
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Learn moreSBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000, not grants. You borrow from a nonprofit lender near you, not from the SBA itself. The money can cover working capital, inventory, supplies or equipment. Most people get far less than the cap. The average microloan is about $13,000.
Learn moreSBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Eleven federal agencies take part. Phase I funds proof of concept. Phase II funds full development.
Learn moreMinority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Help for minority owned businesses that need capital, contracts or new markets. MBDA runs business centers around the country. They give advice, help with bids, and point you toward lenders.
Learn moreGet Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Delaware grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Delaware grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Delaware.
Women-owned Business Grants
Women-owned businesses in Delaware can get certified through the Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) at no cost, which increases visibility for state procurement opportunities. The EDGE Grant Competition has historically supported women-owned businesses.
- ›Office of Supplier Diversity
- ›EDGE Grant Competition
Minority-owned Business Grants
Minority-owned businesses can obtain free OSD certification for state contracting advantages. Delaware's SSBCI programs also prioritize businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons.
- ›Office of Supplier Diversity
- ›State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses can apply for OSD certification in Delaware, which opens access to state procurement preferences. The SBA Delaware District Office also offers specific veteran-focused resources.
- ›Office of Supplier Diversity
- ›SBA Delaware District Office
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Delaware provides strong support for tech and innovation startups through the EDGE Grant (up to $100,000 for STEM businesses), the Delaware Technical Innovation Program (DTIP) for SBIR/STTR recipients, and the SSBCI Accelerator and Seed Capital Program with direct investments up to $1 million.
- ›EDGE Grant Competition
- ›Delaware Technical Innovation Program
- ›SSBCI Accelerator and Seed Capital Program
Rural Business Grants
Businesses in Kent and Sussex counties can access Delaware's food-focused programs like the Grocery Initiative. USDA's Rural Business Development Grant is not one of them, it bars for profit applicants. DSB has dedicated Regional Business Managers for each county.
- ›Delaware Grocery Initiative
- ›Delaware Division of Small Business
Tips for Applying in Delaware
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Create your own account on the DSB portal (business.delaware.gov) using your business email. If you work with a grant writer, ensure you are the authorized account holder for proper authorization.
- 2Get certified through Delaware's Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) at de.gov/osd if your business qualifies as minority, women, veteran, or disabled-owned. Certification is free and increases your visibility for state procurement.
- 3Contact your assigned DSB Regional Business Manager before applying. Delaware has county-based managers covering New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties who provide free, one-on-one assistance.
- 4For the EDGE Grant, prepare a strong pitch. The program uses a competitive pitch competition format, and your business must be under 7 years old with 10 or fewer full-time staff.
- 5The Delaware SBDC (delawaresbdc.org) provides free consulting on grant applications, business planning, and SBIR/STTR proposals. Schedule an advising session before applying to strengthen your application.
State Economic Development Agency
Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB)
The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware through one-on-one counseling, grant programs, incentives, and connections to resources.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Delaware can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Grants in Other States
All state grant guidesFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Delaware offers several true grant programs that do not need to be repaid. The EDGE Grant Competition, administered by the Division of Small Business, splits up to $400,000 among Entrepreneur Class winners and up to $750,000 among STEM winners, with each award scaled to the pitch. The Delaware Grocery Initiative provides grants of $5,000 to $12,500 for food-related businesses. The Brownfield Assistance Program also offers matching grants of up to $100,000 for redevelopment of environmentally stressed properties.
The EDGE Grant Competition is the Division of Small Business's flagship funding program and the most accessible grant for Delaware small businesses. It runs twice per year and awards grants to up to 10 businesses per round (5 STEM and 5 Entrepreneur). Since 2019, the program has awarded $7.25 million to 110 small businesses across Delaware.
No. Most Delaware grant programs, including the EDGE Grant Competition and the Delaware Strategic Fund, are open to all eligible small businesses regardless of ownership demographics. However, obtaining free certification through Delaware's Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) can provide advantages for state procurement opportunities and access to SSBCI programs that prioritize socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.
Timelines vary by program. The EDGE Grant Competition runs on a set schedule with application deadlines in early spring, followed by a review and pitch process. Awards are typically announced within a few months of the deadline. For the Delaware Strategic Fund, applications go before the Council on Development Finance, and the review process can take several months depending on project complexity. Contact your DSB Regional Business Manager for the most current timelines.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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