Wilmington, Delaware, has long been a hub for entrepreneurial activity, offering a range of resources and programs to support small businesses. For those looking to start or grow their ventures, the city provides numerous opportunities to access mentorship, funding, and collaborative spaces.
Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC)
The Emerging Enterprise Center, an initiative of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, offers a comprehensive incubator and accelerator program. Entrepreneurs can benefit from 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. Learn more about the EEC.
Wilmington Alliance
The Wilmington Alliance collaborates with various partners to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Notable initiatives include:
- Wilmington Kitchen Collective: Launched in January 2022, this commissary kitchen provides culinary entrepreneurs with low-cost, commercial kitchen space. Members receive guidance through certifications, training, workshops, and opportunities for financial support to help expand their businesses.
- WilmingtonMADE: Originating as a “shop local” campaign in 2020, WilmingtonMADE has evolved to offer training, individualized coaching, business development, and backend support services to local entrepreneurs. Approved business owners are matched with vendors to provide these services free of charge, enhancing business stability and growth.
For more information on these initiatives, visit the Wilmington Alliance’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Support page.
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. 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. More details can be found on the OED’s official website.
Grow Wilmington Fund
In partnership with the Grow America Fund, the City of Wilmington has established the Grow Wilmington Fund to help small and medium-sized companies expand their businesses. This program offers longer loan terms and below-market interest rates, enabling businesses to improve cash flow and reduce monthly payments. For more information, visit the Grow Wilmington Fund page.
State-Level Support
At the state level, the Delaware Division of Small Business offers various incentives and credits to support businesses of all sizes and industries. Programs like the EDGE Grant Competition provide funding to help young Delaware small businesses grow and scale. Details on these programs are available on the Division of Small Business’s Incentives & Credits page.
By leveraging these resources, Wilmington’s entrepreneurs can access the support and tools necessary to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, contributing to the city’s vibrant and dynamic economy.