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Division of Small Business

EDGE Grant Competition




A rectangular logo in Blue for the EDGE program. In bold blue letters it says EDGE, and under it in Green says Grant Competition.

Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion 

 

 EDGE 2.0 is Back for 2026 

  • Same level of funding: 
    • Entrepreneur track: Up to $400K total available to be split among category winners
    • STEM track: Up to $750K total available to be split among category winners 
  • Up to 18 potential awardees
  • Scaled award amounts based on the quality of finalists’ pitch presentation
  • Finalists and awardees receive post-pitch in-kind services and/or award supports
  • online application process
     

Resources, Webinars, and Application Materials
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Have Questions? Contact one of the following Regional Business Managers:

Joe Zilcosky: Joe.Zilcosky@delaware.gov –   Industries: STEM, Fintech, Life Science, and Bio Science, Location: New Castle County

Anastasia Jackson: Anastasia.Jackson@delaware.gov – Industries: Service-based, Hospitality, Retail, and Restaurant, Location: Kent Count

Gemini Cornish: Gemini.Cornish@delaware.gov  – Industries: Professional Services, Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Consulting, Location: Sussex County

 

Program Overview

EDGE is a competition for grant funding.  STEM (Science/technology/engineering/math)-based companies and Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses are eligible for funding. The funds are provided as a $3 (state) to $1 (business) match. 

 

Who Is Eligible*

People

Qualified applications must:

  • Be majority located in Delaware
  • Be in business for less than 7 years
  • Have 15 or fewer full-time employees
  • Have less than $700K in assets
  • Have a 3:1 match
Award Criteria*

Checklist

Applications will be judged by a panel of experts on:

  • Business need case
  • Competitive advantage gained
  • Business viability and likelihood of permanence
  • Job creation/revenue growth
  • Quality of your pitch
Eligible Expenses

Book of money

Grant funding must be used to expand a business’s viability and sustainability, specifically:

  • Market analysis assistance
  • Advertising assistance
  • Building infrastructure/cosmetic enhancements
  • Essential equipment
  • Web site design
  • Rent assistance for lab space

*Other conditions and qualifications may apply

 

All EDGE AWARDEES – Including Project Descriptions

Learn more about the most recent grantees and what they plan to do with the funding.


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