From millions in capital flowing to small businesses to leadership shifts across education and workforce development, Delaware closed out 2025 with moves poised to shape the state’s economic future.
Read on to see where the money is landing, who’s stepping into new leadership roles and how the rise of data centers are unfolding across the state.
In addition to funding and leadership changes, the state’s labor market is showing the impact of a strained economy. The chart below shows how Delaware’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose steadily through the year.
Division of Small Business surpasses $14M SSBCI target
The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) celebrated a major milestone on Dec. 18, announcing that it has exceeded its “Race to $14M” goal, distributing or obligating exactly $14,433,971.99 in federal SSBCI funding in just eight months.
The State Small Business Credit Initiative is a federal program designed “to support small businesses and entrepreneurship in communities across the United States.” Clearing the $14 million target last year means Delaware has the opportunity to receive additional SSCBI funds in the years ahead.
At a celebration event in Wilmington with partners, lenders and funded business owners, DSB Director C.J. Bell said the accomplishment allows the department to continue to invest in more small businesses throughout the state, whether they need capital for expansion, renovations or projects that support positioning Delaware as “the innovation hub of the mid-Atlantic.”
“I am so proud of my team for making what seemed like an impossible task happen,” Bell said at the event. “Now because of their dedication, dozens of small businesses can grow and scale.”
During this phase, SSBCI dollars supported a wide range of business types, including retail and food ventures, agriculture and specialty services.
State officials indicated that even more businesses will have opportunities to apply when the next round opens in early 2026, reinforcing Delaware’s ongoing push to close capital gaps and drive equitable economic growth across the state.
Dept. of Education secures $8.7M federal EIR investment
In other news about federal funds flowing to Delaware, the state Dept. of Education announced it has been awarded a $8,709,923 federal grant through the US Dept. of Education’s highly competitive Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program, part of a broader $256 million national investment backing 24 projects aimed at expanding evidence-based solutions in classrooms.
Delaware’s “Literacy for We the People” project will strengthen educator capacity to deliver evidence-based literacy instruction integrated with civics and history for students in grades 4–8, expand Science of Reading practices already underway in statewide literacy leadership academies, and support efforts to deepen student engagement across disciplines.
“This investment recognizes the important work Delaware educators are doing every day to help students become strong readers and thoughtful members of their communities,” said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten in the official release.
The project will involve coordination with national partners like the Center for Civic Education in DC, as well as local collaborators including U. Del’s Center for Civics Education.
Delaware data center watch
- Developers have submitted revised plans for two large industrial sites in New Castle County, one near Newark off Route 273 and another near the St. Georges Bridge. Local planners haven’t confirmed uses yet, but county council members say the proposals point directly to the sector’s growth.
- Starwood Digital’s massive “Project Washington” continues to shape the debate. The proposed 6 million-sq.-ft., 1.2 gigawatt data center campus near Delaware City remains under review, with DNREC now evaluating whether it falls under the Coastal Zone Act.
- Delmarva Power pushes proposed electricity tariffs tied to large loads like data centers. The utility filed new rate proposals to the Public Service Commission for customers that consume 25 megawatts or more (including potential mega-data centers), requiring detailed energy-use projections and long-term financial guarantees to protect other ratepayers.
- Northern New Castle interest hints at multiple future sites, with developers exploring at least three additional data center sites across Northern Delaware for potential data center use.
More power moves
- Laura Carlson was appointed president of the University of Delaware, marking a major leadership transition at the state’s flagship research institution. Carlson takes over at a time when UD is deepening its role in workforce development, research commercialization and regional innovation.
- John Quick was named executive director of the Delaware Workforce Development Board, positioning him at the center of the state’s talent and training strategy. In the role, Quick will oversee efforts aligning employers, educators and workforce programs across Delaware.
- Dave Broering was appointed as Chief Revenue Officer at the Wilmington-based digital AI transformation consulting firm Zeb. Broering will lead Zeb’s sales and go-to-market operations and drive market expansion for the firm’s AI and technology consulting services.
- Chris McCone was promoted to president at EDiS, as the Wilmington-based construction and engineering firm split its CEO and president roles. McCone, a longtime leader at EDiS, steps into the role as the company continues expanding its regional project portfolio.
- Domenic Merendino was named executive director of AIDS Delaware, taking the helm of the statewide nonprofit focused on HIV prevention, treatment and advocacy. The leadership change comes as the organization continues to expand health access and community-based services.
- Maegan Peterman was promoted to director of the Delaware Public Archives, advancing from within the Secretary of State’s office. In the role, Peterman will oversee the preservation and modernization of Delaware’s public records and archival systems.
