
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
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*

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*

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

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.