Did you know Wilmington is home to over 1,500 small businesses?! Here is a list of resources that can help the success and growth of your small business!
Community Organizations:
- Wilmington Alliance – Wilmington Alliance is dedicated to the city’s economic revitalization. With a board of investors they are working on initiatives that promote an inclusive Wilmington economy. Their goal is to leverage their philanthropic assets, organizational assets and business capabilities to drive community economic growth, create more economic opportunities and build a healthier community.
- Downtown Visions – A non-profit organization, Downtown Visions manages the Business Improvement District. Their Main Street program saves historic buildings and focuses on small business recruitment, business marketing and promotion and creating new jobs.
- West Side Grows – Beginning in 2011, residents and stakeholders worked together to develop a 10 year community strategy known as West Side Revitalization Plan. Their goal was to echo the voices of the community offering grants and resources to small businesses in the community.
Community Initiatives and Resources
- WilmingtonMade – In support of small businesses citywide during and after the pandemic the Wilmington Alliance launched WilmingtonMade. WilmingtonMade promotes local businesses, restaurants, stores, and cafes citywide. It is designed to build on the success of the Wilmington Strong Fund (read below!) by promoting Wilmington residents to shop local. They listen to the needs of small business owners and take immediate action to ensure the success of these businesses. They also have a list of resources for small businesses that can be found here.
- Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber is a voice for the Black Business community supporting and meeting the needs of its members. They provide Black owned businesses with economic opportunity and serve as a hub for connecting Black business owners and entrepreneurs with resources needed to assist them in their growth. Becoming a member will benefit your business by gaining access to networking opportunities, forums to promote your product, service or organization, access to requisite resources in all sectors of Delaware’s economy and more.
- Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber’s vision is to be the driving force in fostering inclusive economic prosperity by championing the growth of Hispanic entrepreneurs and business owners. With a variety of programs, events and other resources (including a business center and kitchen incubator!), they provide many valuable tools for Hispanic entrepreneurs conveniently located on Lancaster Avenue in Wilmington.
- City of Wilmington – The City’s website lists several great resources for Small and Minority Businesses, whether you are just getting started or looking to grow your support network.
- Small Businesses by Women – WomensNet helps women find real grants, loans and other funding for your business. Their goal is to help women in business achieve their dreams. They have resources and helpful links for business women in Delaware that you can find here. They also give out the Amber Grant for Women. Women in Delaware are eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant for their small business awarded by a judge every month, and if you win you automatically become a finalist for the $25,000 year-end Amber Grant.
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) – This non-profit has been connecting communities with resources since 1979 and offers an extensive resource library that can be very helpful for small business owners.
