DSU is launching a web-based COVID Recovery Lab for local businesses

Delaware State University’s College of Business (COB) will launch a COVID Recovery Lab for New Castle County businesses.

Called Bounce Forward, the initiative is an online platform designed to serve as a “springboard” for businesses in New Castle County to not only return to normal operations after the negative impact of the COVID pandemic, but also move forward, the university said. The project will be funded with $500,000 of CARES Act funding via an Innovate Grant from New Castle County.

County businesses will have access to COVID-related biz info, best practices and relevant workforce training through the Recovery Lab, as well as expert consultation to help them through the pandemic and beyond.

“The College of Business is eager to leverage the collective expertise of our faculty, staff and students to support the businesses of New Castle County,” said Dr. Michael Casson, dean of the COB, the principal investigator of the grant.

The platform is expected to be completed and launched in January 2021. Per a press release, it will include:

• A data repository that will provide relevant and on-demand, real-time industry-specific data and best-practices necessary to respond efficiently and effectively to dynamic economic conditions.
• Virtual business training courses tailored to specific industry opportunities, guidelines and best practices.
• Applied research and consulting that empowers businesses with the necessary analytics and knowledge to provide both a platform that ensures resiliency as well as a springboard for businesses to propel into innovative products and design that meet the demands of new economies. It will also include a peer-to-peer forum feature.