Small Business Incentive Programs in Delaware

A list of small business funding and incentive programs in Delaware.

By Edmond Hui · Last updated: October 13, 2026

This list has not been verified. It was compiled automatically and has not been checked against each agency. Some programs may have closed, and some may be loans or tax credits and not grants. Confirm the details with the agency before you rely on anything here.

Note: Program information for Delaware was generated on 2026-06-15 and is subject to change. Verify eligibility, award amounts, and application deadlines directly with each program's administering agency before applying.

98.7% of Delaware businesses are small businesses, the audience these programs serve. (Source: SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profile.)

Funding Programs & Incentives in Delaware

Verify current availability and requirements directly with each agency before applying.

Other programs

Delaware Strategic Fund

Agency: Delaware Economic Development Office

The Delaware Strategic Fund provides flexible financing assistance to businesses that create jobs and make substantial investments in Delaware. This program offers grants, loans, and other financial incentives tailored to specific business needs and economic development goals, making it valuable for LLCs planning significant expansion or job creation initiatives.

Eligibility: Businesses creating jobs in Delaware or making significant capital investments. Companies must demonstrate economic benefit to the state and meet specific job creation or investment thresholds.
How to Apply: Submit application through the Delaware Economic Development Office with detailed business plan and economic impact projections. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with approval required from state officials.
business.delaware.gov →

Loan & Financing Programs

SBA Microloan Program

Agency: U.S. Small Business Administration - Delaware District Office

The SBA Microloan Program provides small loans up to $50,000 for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, and equipment through approved nonprofit intermediaries in Delaware. This program serves as an accessible funding option for LLC owners who may not qualify for traditional bank loans but need capital for business operations or growth.

Eligibility: Small businesses and startups that need working capital or funds for inventory, equipment, or business development. Businesses must meet SBA size standards and demonstrate ability to repay the loan.
How to Apply: Contact approved microloan intermediaries in Delaware to discuss funding needs and application requirements. Submit business plan, financial projections, and personal financial information through the intermediary.

Training programs

Workforce Training Fund

Agency: Delaware Department of Labor

Delaware's Workforce Training Fund helps businesses upgrade employee skills through customized training programs. The fund covers portions of training costs for both existing employees and new hires, making it particularly valuable for LLCs looking to enhance competitiveness through workforce development while reducing training expenses.

Eligibility: Delaware employers who commit to training existing workers or new hires. Companies must demonstrate training needs and provide matching funds or in-kind contributions to the training program.
How to Apply: Submit training proposal outlining specific skills development needs, training provider information, and measurable outcomes. Applications reviewed quarterly with funding decisions based on workforce development priorities.
dol.delaware.gov →

Delaware Tax Incentives for Small Businesses

These descriptions were compiled automatically and have not been checked against the tax agency. Confirm any rate, threshold or deadline with the agency before you rely on it.

Delaware New Jobs Tax Credit

This credit provides a tax reduction for businesses that create new, full-time jobs paying at least 150% of the federal minimum wage. Qualifying businesses can claim a credit against their Delaware corporate income tax or bank franchise tax for each new position created.

Eligibility: Businesses that create new jobs in Delaware meeting specific wage and benefit requirements, with credits available for positions maintained for at least two years.

Equipment Tax Credit

Delaware offers tax credits for businesses that purchase qualifying equipment and machinery used in manufacturing, research and development, or other eligible business activities. The credit is calculated as a percentage of the equipment cost and can be applied against Delaware corporate income tax.

Eligibility: Businesses purchasing qualifying equipment over specified minimum amounts, with equipment used primarily in Delaware for eligible business activities.

Research and Development Tax Credit

This incentive provides tax credits for qualifying research and development expenses incurred in Delaware. The credit encourages innovation and technology development by reducing the tax burden on businesses investing in R&D activities.

Eligibility: Businesses conducting qualified research activities in Delaware that meet federal R&D credit requirements and maintain documentation of eligible expenses.

How to Apply for Delaware Funding Programs

  1. Research Delaware's Economic Priorities

    Study Delaware's strategic economic development plan to understand which industries and activities receive priority funding. Align your application with state goals such as job creation, technology advancement, or manufacturing growth to improve your chances of approval.

  2. Build Relationships with State Agencies

    Contact the Delaware Economic Development Office and relevant state agencies before applying to understand their current priorities and application preferences. Building relationships with program administrators can provide valuable insights and increase your application's competitiveness.

  3. Prepare Comprehensive Financial Documentation

    Compile detailed financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, and business plans that clearly demonstrate your LLC's financial stability and growth potential. Delaware agencies want to see that funded businesses will succeed and create lasting economic benefit.

  4. Quantify Economic Impact

    Develop specific metrics showing how your project will benefit Delaware's economy, including job creation numbers, wage levels, capital investment amounts, and tax revenue generation. Use concrete data to support your claims rather than general statements about economic benefit.

  5. Submit Applications During Optimal Timing

    Research application deadlines and funding cycles for each program, as many Delaware incentives operate on specific schedules. Submit early in funding cycles when possible, and allow ample time for the review process, which can take several months for major programs.

Delaware Small Business Resources

Delaware Small Business Development Center

Provides free business counseling, training workshops, and assistance with business plan development and loan applications for Delaware small business owners.

Visit →

U.S. Small Business Administration - Delaware District Office

Offers federal small business programs, loan guarantees, and resources specifically for Delaware businesses, including counseling and training services.

Delaware Economic Development Office

The state's primary economic development agency providing information on business incentives, site selection assistance, and connections to funding opportunities.

Visit →

SCORE Delaware

Volunteer organization providing free mentoring and educational workshops to help Delaware entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

Visit →

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Edmond Hui

Edmond Hui · Founder, MyStateLLC

Edmond Hui is a software engineer and serial entrepreneur based in New York who has founded multiple online businesses across e-commerce, media, and information publishing. Before transitioning into tech, he spent years as a commercial real estate professional closing deals totaling over 100,000 square feet, giving him firsthand experience with business formation and entity structuring. He built MyStateLLC to provide the free, state-specific LLC guidance he wished existed when forming his own companies.

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