Wilmington, Delaware, has long been a hub for business and innovation. For aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, the city offers a wealth of resources designed to support and nurture new ventures. This guide highlights some of the key organizations and programs available to help local businesses thrive.
Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC)
Located on the Wilmington Riverfront, the Emerging Enterprise Center provides startups with affordable office and co-working spaces, fully equipped conference rooms, mentorship, business education, and access to a robust network of local businesses and resources. Since its inception, the EEC has supported over 85 companies, contributing to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs and generating over $187 million in revenue. Entrepreneurs can benefit from flexible plans tailored to their business needs, including incubator and accelerator programs. Learn more about the EEC.
Wilmington Alliance
The Wilmington Alliance collaborates with multiple partners to support entrepreneurs and small business owners by reducing barriers to success. Through initiatives like WilmingtonMADE, the Alliance offers training, individualized coaching, business development, and backend support services. Approved business owners are matched with contracted vendors to provide these services free of charge. Additionally, the Alliance hosts monthly learning opportunities and workshops led by subject matter experts, aiming to enhance business stability, growth, and customer engagement. Discover more about Wilmington Alliance’s programs.
City of Wilmington’s Office of Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to fostering a diversified local economy by promoting various industries and initiating programs to increase job opportunities for residents. The OED assists small, minority, and women-owned businesses through training and technical assistance programs designed to facilitate greater access to the public and private marketplace. Entrepreneurs can find support in areas such as business planning, financing, and navigating city regulations. Explore the resources offered by the OED.
gBETA Bronze Valley VentureLab Delaware
gBETA Bronze Valley VentureLab Delaware is a free, seven-week accelerator program that runs twice a year in Wilmington. It selects up to five companies from a competitive applicant pool to participate. The program offers individualized coaching and mentorship on company growth and investor readiness, weekly learning sessions, and access to a network of investors and accelerators. Participants also receive over $1 million in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Amazon, and Microsoft. The goal is to prepare graduates for investment accelerators or seed funding rounds. Find out more about gBETA Delaware.
State Incentives and Credits
The Delaware Division of Small Business offers various incentives and tax credits to help businesses secure new capital or retain more revenue. Programs like the EDGE Grant Competition provide funding to young Delaware small businesses through a competitive selection process and pitch competition. Additionally, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) aims to provide access to capital for small and early-stage businesses, particularly those in underserved areas. Learn about state incentives and credits.
By leveraging these resources, Wilmington’s entrepreneurs can access the support and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. The city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant business community ensures that local ventures have the tools they need to succeed.