Small Business Grants in Delaware
Delaware offers more than 10 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, administered primarily through the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB).
In This Article
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
Up to $100,000 (STEM) or $50,000 (Entrepreneur)
March 2026Delaware's flagship grant program awards funding through a competitive pitch process. STEM businesses can receive up to $100,000 and Entrepreneur Class businesses up to $50,000, with a 3-to-1 state match. Businesses must have 10 or fewer employees and be at least 51% based in Delaware.
Status check, Page says Fall Round of EDGE 2.0 is coming and to check back for updates. No current deadline posted. Award amounts now up to 400K Entrepreneur and 750K STEM total pools.
Last verified, Jul 16, 2026
Delaware Strategic Fund
Delaware Division of Small Business / Council on Development Finance
Varies by project (FY 2026 allocation: $34.7M)
RollingThe state's primary funding source for business retention and expansion. Provides customized grants and low-interest loans to projects that significantly grow Delaware's economy. Applications are reviewed by the Council on Development Finance.
Status check, Delaware Strategic Fund supports business retention and expansion through grants and low-interest loans. Applications must go before the Council on Development Finance. No specific deadline mentioned, appears to accept applications on rolling basis.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
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)
March 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.
Status check, Cycle 5 awards were announced in May 2026 for 28 organizations receiving $700,000 total. The March 2026 application deadline has passed and awards have been distributed.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
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.
Status check, Page describes DTIP as offering transition grants for companies that have completed Phase I and applied for Phase II of federal SBIR or STTR programs. No specific deadline mentioned, consistent with rolling basis.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
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.
Status check, The page describes the Delaware Site Readiness Fund as an active program providing grants, loans, or other economic assistance. Applicants are directed to the state economic development site for program details and the application.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Delaware Division of Small Business
Up to $1,000,000 (Accelerator/Seed Capital Program)
RollingA federal program administered by DSB with $60.9 million in funding across four programs. Includes the Accelerator and Seed Capital Program for high-impact startups and loan participation programs for small businesses that struggle to access traditional bank loans.
Status check, The Delaware Accelerator and Seed Capital Program (DASCP) makes direct investments of up to $1 million in companies after they complete their seed round of funding. No specific deadline mentioned, appears to be ongoing.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
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.
Status check, Page lists Brownfield Assistance Program as offering matching grants to property owners and developers to encourage redevelopment of environmentally stressed sites. No deadline specified on page.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
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.
Status check, Page states the Workforce Training Grant is PAUSED. DSB is meeting with state and other partners to ensure programs are aligned and not duplicative. Check back later for updates.
Last verified, Jul 16, 2026
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.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get 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 USDA Rural Business Development Grants and Delaware's food-focused programs like the Grocery Initiative. DSB has dedicated Regional Business Managers for each county.
- ›Delaware Grocery Initiative
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- ›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.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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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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