State launches small business grant program

Gov. John Carney announced Aug. 19 a grant program of at least $100 million to assist Delaware small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 crisis. 

The DE Relief Grants program is a joint initiative by the state and New Castle County, and is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. 

The program is expected to reach more than 3,000 small businesses and nonprofit organizations with grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. The Division of Small Business is administering the program and will begin accepting applications in early September at delbiz.com/relief.  Funding rounds are expected to follow in early October and November. 

“Delaware small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they have made considerable sacrifices during the COVID-19 crisis. We owe them our gratitude and support,” Carney said. “These relief grants will help Delaware small businesses begin the process of recovering and will help make investments necessary to create safer spaces for their customers and staff.”  

DE Relief Grants can be used for:  

• Purchasing equipment to make a workplace suitable for COVID-19 safety (such as PPE, Plexiglass, air purifiers, etc.) 
• Refinancing of debt incurred due to COVID-19 (including State of Delaware HELP loans) 
• Advertising efforts undertaken as a result of COVID-19 
• Fixed expenses the applicant accrued during COVID-19.  

“Multiple programs are necessary to address the challenges Delaware’s small businesses face,” said Damian DeStefano, director of the Division of Small Business. “We believe this assistance, coupled with other efforts, including the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program and the COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards, will help make the difference for some of our small businesses.”  

The size of the relief grant will be based upon the business or nonprofit’s 2019 revenue: 

• $0-$500,000: Up to $30,000 
• $500,000-$1 million: Up to $50,000  
• $1 million-$2.5 million: Up to $72,500  
• $2.5+ million: Up to $100,000.  

The Division of Small Business’s team of regional business managers is available to help companies prepare their applications. Small businesses can connect with the manager for their part of the state at delbiz.com/contact. For more information on DE Relief Grants, visit delbiz.com/relief.