How to apply for a Delaware Small Business Relief Grant

With COVID-19 still slamming the economy and many Delaware small businesses — especially minority-owned ones — receiving little to no funding from the federal government’s Payroll Protection Program, the state’s new Relief Grants for small businesses is a much-needed option.

While there are several localized grants such as Wilmington Strong supporting small businesses, these smaller $1,000-or-less grants aren’t able to sustain businesses still dealing with reduced income and an increase of costs related to COVID-19 safety measures alone.

The new relief grants were announced Wednesday by Gov. John Carney, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and the Delaware Division of Small Business, committing at least $100 million to assist Delaware businesses and nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The amount a business is eligible for ranges from (up to) $30,000 to $100,000, based on the company’s 2019 revenue, as follows:

• $0 to $500,000 — Up to $30,000
• $500,000 to $1 million — Up to $50,000
• $1 million to $2.5 million — Up to $72,500
• $2.5+ million — Up to $100,000

Funds must be used for COVID-19 expenses, including:

• Purchasing equipment to make a workplace suitable for COVID-19 safety (such as PPE, plexiglass, air purifiers, etc.)
• Refinancing of debt incurred due to COVID-19 (including State of Delaware HELP loans)
• Advertising efforts undertaken as a result of COVID-19
• Fixed expenses accrued during COVID-19

The only eligibility requirements are that the business is a small business as defined by its industry, and at least 51% of operations must be physically located in the state of Delaware. Also, if your business received $1 million or more in PPP, it is not eligible.

Funding will be distributed in three rounds in September, October and November. You will need the business’ 2019 tax return, receipts for qualifying expenses and your Delaware Business License to apply. The Delaware Division of Small Business has a team available to help you with the application process if you need it.

For more information, go to the Relief Funds website.