More information on the state's response to COVID-19's impact on small businesses More Info
New applicants:
Got questions as you work on your application?
Previous applicants:
The Division of Small Business is continuing to process applications as quickly as possible.
Rather than rejecting applications that are incomplete, or otherwise don’t meet the rules for the program, Division of Small Business staff is working with applicants to get their applications to the point where they can be approved. They are starting with those applications that need the least help and will move on from there to those applications that need the most work.
This process means some applications may not be processed within the usual two to three week timeline. If you submitted an application close to the original Dec. 4 deadline and have not yet heard a response, it is likely because your application needed additional follow up.
Interest penalty waiver period
From the start of the DE Relief Grants program, one of the requirements has been that recipients needed to have experienced a revenue decline in 2020 compared to 2019. If they claimed the grant, but did not experience a revenue decline, they would have to pay back the grant with interest.
The Division of Small Business is announcing that this interest penalty will be waived if a business returns grant funds prior to Feb. 15.
If a business has experienced a revenue increase in 2020 compared to 2019, they can return the funds prior to Feb. 15 without facing an interest penalty.
After Feb. 15, if a business is seen to have experienced a revenue increase in 2020 compared to 2019, it will be required to repay the grant with interest.
If your business did experience a revenue decline in 2020 compared with 2019, you will not be required to repay the grant.
Question? Email DEReliefGrants@delaware.gov.
DE Relief Grants give Delaware small businesses and nonprofits access to funds to cover expenses and provide relief related to COVID-19 .
The nearly $200 million program is a joint initiative from the State and New Castle County.
Find more information on DE Relief Grants below.
When the grant application is live, you will find it on this web page. So, check back frequently, sign up above for email updates and follow the Division of Small Business on social media (Facebook and Twitter).
ALERT: Be wary of unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from Division of Small Business about your grant. More info here.
Missed a webinar? Want to see a portal demonstration? Watch them here.
Webinar: Round 1 preparation (starts at 3:30 mark) |
Application portal demonstration |
Webinar: Preparing for Round 2, lessons from Round 1 |
Short version: Preparing for Round 2, lessons from Round 1 |
At least 51 percent of the business or nonprofit’s operations must be physically located in the state of Delaware. Businesses and nonprofits whose sole connection to Delaware is that they are incorporated here, are not eligible.
Businesses that have received previous grants or loans from the State (EDGE, HELP, DTIP, etc.) are eligible to apply for DE Relief Grants.
Again, all small businesses, based on the SBA definition, and many non-profits are eligible for a DE Relief Grant (see the previous question/answer for more).
Additionally, disproportionately impacted industries qualify for the following:
The below industries are designated as disproportionately impacted.
Businesses with NAICS code on their 2019 tax returns starting with the following sets of two numbers:
Businesses with NAICS code on their 2019 tax returns starting with the following sets of four numbers:
*If you are unsure if an expense would eligible, connect with a regional business manager for assistance
Gather the following documents, which you will need to submit as part of your grant application:
A business can petition the Delaware Division of Small Business for an accommodation for a special circumstance that would render it otherwise ineligible to apply for or to take full advantage of a grant.
Email DEReliefGrants@delaware.gov with the name of the applicant and a brief explanation of why an accommodation is being sought.
Decisions will be made within 10 business days of receiving an such, unless additional follow up or information is needed. Decisions are final, and the ability for a business to then apply is contingent on funding availability.
Application rejections appeals – for incomplete application information or for clearly ineligible expenses or for other reasons that go against the intent grant program – will not be considered.
The Division of Small Business’s team of Regional Business Managers is available to help companies prepare their applications. Small businesses should connect with the manager for their part of the state.
Contact a member of the Division of Small Business Regional Business Manager team. Or send an email to business@delaware.gov.