Delaware Small Business Administration
DOVER — The Delaware Small Business Division is highlighting activities during National Small Business Month and National Small Business Week, April 28 through May 4.
“Small businesses are an important part of Delaware's economic development,” said Governor John Carney. “They bring jobs and a sense of community to every corner of our state. We appreciate all the small business sector does to support this important industry in Delaware.”
Governor Carney also signed a proclamation declaring May as Small Business Month in Delaware.
“Our small businesses not only generate dollars that are reinvested in their local communities, they also generate nearly $12 billion in wages,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “We take this month as an opportunity to recognize their significant contributions to Delaware’s economy.”
The Small Business Administration is a division of the Department of State.
“We are proud of the role we play in supporting small businesses and we are proud to support all of our staff, including the Office of Supplier Diversity and Tourism, as well as the many partners who help build the state’s small business ecosystem. Thank you for your hard work,” said Regina Mitchell, Director of Small Business.
In Delaware, small businesses account for approximately 98% of all businesses.
The Small Business Administration has created a landing page (de.gov/smallbizmonth) on its website with information and resources for small business owners. Resources include social media toolkits, flyers, and logos in English and Spanish, with more Spanish language materials to be added next week.
Activities planned for the small business week and month:
- The Small Business Division and SizeUp will host a free virtual webinar on how to use SizeUp Delaware, a free business analysis and marketing tool, on April 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. The webinar is free. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I8jGAiYfQa-QN9YMzulTsA#/registration. SizeUp Delaware is an online platform that serves both startups and established businesses. See how you compare to other companies in your industry, perform demographic analysis on consumers and the local workforce, and help narrow your customer base and marketing methods. they.
- The Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center will co-host a webinar for small business owners on the SSBCI federal loan program on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Register for the webinar at delawaresbdc.org. SSBCI aims to support both small and medium-sized enterprises and early-stage businesses that have difficulty obtaining traditional bank financing, as well as businesses run by socially and economically disadvantaged people.
- Another resource for small business owners is the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE's NSBW Virtual Summit. It will run from April 30th to May 1st. The event is free, but registration is required for this two-day event. For more information, please visit the Summit website.
- The department will host a social media webinar titled “Social Media for Sole Proprietorships” for small business owners on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The presenter will be Caroline Hermans, director of communications for the Delaware Small Business Development Center, one of DSB's key partners. To register for the webinar, visit de.gov/smallbizmonth to view the registration link and her QR code.
- The Small Business Division coordinates two activities related to its flagship small business funding initiative, the EDGE Grant Competition. The Spring 2024 EDGE Pitch Contest will be held May 1st and 2nd at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, and the Spring 2024 EDGE Awards Ceremony will take place later that month.
- The Small Business Division will be publishing a series of social media posts and videos called “Getting to Know DSB.” The goal is to increase awareness of the free services, available funding and programs that DSB provides to small business owners throughout the year. chance. Many of the videos feature small business owners about how DSB has helped them launch or grow their businesses.
To support Delaware small businesses year-round:
- Purchase goods and services from local stores, businesses, and even farmers markets
- Purchase gift cards from small businesses for friends and family
- Leave a positive review on social about a good experience or praise your favorite small business (and be sure to tag us while you're at it).
- Grow your business by sharing posts on your page
- Attend local events at small businesses and farmers markets A craft fair, or community festival, where small businesses often display their products and services.