Delaware Division of Small Business Opens Applications for 2025 EDGE Grant Competition

February 3, 2025

DOVER, Del. (Feb. 3, 2025) – Attention small business owners! If you’re looking to launch a new business or need funding for a company that’s been in operation for less than seven years, the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) has a new opportunity for you. Applications are now open for the first round of the 2025 EDGE Grant Competition, designed to support the growth of small businesses across the state. EDGE stands for Encouraging Development, Growth, and Expansion.

This competitive grant program offers up to $100,000 in funding for five STEM-based businesses (science, technology, engineering, and math) and up to $50,000 for five Entrepreneur Class businesses. In addition, grant recipients must provide matching funds, with DSB matching the investment on a 3-to-1 basis.

To be eligible, businesses must be in operation for less than seven years, employ 10 or fewer full-time staff, and be at least 51% based in Delaware.

The application period began Feb. 1 and will close on Friday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m. Application materials, including proposal templates, scoring guidelines, and a recently recorded informational webinar, are available at de.gov/edge [business.delaware.gov].

Funding can be used for various expenses, such as purchasing equipment, enhancing building infrastructure, leasing rental space (purchasing property is not eligible), or investing in marketing initiatives like website design and campaigns aimed at attracting new customers.

Past recipients include companies in diverse industries—ranging from a drone firm seeking a new indoor facility to a company developing next-generation silicon solar cells. Other winners have included entrepreneurs planning to open a co-working space for artists and printmakers in Kent County and restaurateurs hoping to expand with a food truck.

DSB is particularly encouraging applicants from Kent and Sussex Counties, especially those in the STEM sector.

Following the close of each round, a thorough internal evaluation process takes place, and within six weeks, up to 16 finalists are selected to pitch their proposals to a panel of external experts. Ten winners are chosen, and a public awards ceremony is held shortly after. The entire process, from submission to awards ceremony, typically takes around four months.

To improve your chances of success, DSB recommends working with one of their Regional Business Managers. These experts offer free guidance and feedback on proposals, helping ensure your application stands out.

Two rounds of the EDGE Grant Competition are held each year. Since its inception in 2019, the program has awarded $7.25 million to 110 small businesses.

For more information, visit de.gov/edge [business.delaware.gov].