Delaware
State Resources
The state is home to colonial architecture and deep Revolutionary War history as well as a mix of beautiful beaches, farmland, and forest. It can brag about being the state where more than half of U.S. publicly traded companies are incorporated. Delaware’s Department of State’s Division of Small Business is committed to supporting businesses starting and growing in Delaware. The Business Resource Connection tool allows users to filter a list of nearly 100 organizations supporting local, small businesses by such parameters as business stage, industry, and specific need like access to capital.
Delaware Innovation Space
Innovation Space is a nonprofit developed in partnership with the State of Delaware, DuPont, and the University of Delaware that aims to “transform science-driven startups into successes.” Innovation Space seeks to accelerate startups to commercialization. It offers different funding opportunities. The First Fund offers up to $240,000 of pre-seed and seed capital to deep tech companies developing solutions primarily in life sciences, clean tech and advanced materials.
Delaware Bioscience Center for Advanced Technology Grant Program
The Delaware Bioscience Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) program seeks to boost Delaware’s economy by promoting innovative research and development activities. The program is overseen by the Delaware Biotechnology Institute—a partnership between government, academia and industry—with the aim to establish Delaware as a center of excellence in biotechnology and the life sciences. The Delaware Bioscience CAT program offers four grant mechanisms funded by the state to create new high-tech jobs and accelerate businesses in the life sciences. The annual award’s most recent opportunities were open from January to March, ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.
EDGE Grant Competition
The EDGE grant competition provides funding for Delaware-based businesses, either entrepreneur class businesses (up to $400K in total funding) or STEM-based companies (up to $750K). Funds are provided as a $3 state to $1 business match. The Entrepreneur track, while the STEM track offers. Non-Delaware companies can apply if they relocate at least 51% of their business to Delaware before receiving the grant.
