What’s the Big Deal About Small Businesses in Delaware?

There’s a good chance you know someone who owns or works at a small business in Delaware. Small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s economy. They account for 98% of all businesses in the state, and employ nearly 240-thousand of your friends, family and neighbors; that’s just over half (57%) of the First State’s workforce. The month of May is National Small Business Month, and the first week (May 4 – 10, 2025) is recognized as National Small Business Week. Both are a time to celebrate small businesses, their courage, community efforts, hard work, and contributions to local economies.

Did You Know Delaware is home to 28,136 small Businesses? (source: FY 24 DSB Annual Report)
       o (61%) 17,224 in New Castle County 
       o (16%) 4,613 in Kent County
       o (22%) 6,271 in Sussex County

How can you support small businesses this month and throughout the year?

     1.  Purchase goods and services from local stores, companies or even farmers markets.
     2.  Purchase gift cards from small businesses for friends and family
     3.  Shout out your favorite small businesses on social (and tag them when you do!)
     4.  Share their posts on your page to amplify their business
    5.  Attend local events held at small businesses, or farmers markets, craft fairs, or community festivals where small businesses often showcase their products or services 

May 5 – Delaware Division of Industrial Affairs: Small Business Bootcamp  Register Here

May 6 – When & Why to Use AI: Artificial Intelligence Adoption for Small Businesses

• 9:00-10:30 AM – Webinar, Basics of AI & Intro to Concepts Register Here.

• 12:30-3:00 PM – In-Person, FinTech Innovation Hub, Workshop & Case Studies, Q&A, etc. Register Here.

May 7 – How to Pitch to Investors at New Castle Country Chamber EEC

• 9:00 AM-12:00 PM – In-Person at EEC, Learning how to create a strong, successful pitch deck Register Here.

May 8 – How to Start a Business Live Webinar

• 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Webinar, Comprehensive overview and helpful tips for starting a business in Delaware Register Here.

May 17 – Delaware Division of Small Business: Luncheon – May 17 |  Register Here

Small Business Administration: National Small Business Week Resources.

Small Business Administration: National Small Business Virtual Summit.

SCORE Webinars