AUDIO: Damian DeStefano & Jack Riddle on 2nd Round for Applications for DE Small Businesses & Non-profits for DE Relief Grants

Hundreds of Delaware small businesses and nonprofit organizations have been approved for the first round of DE Relief Grants, the largest cumulative grant award ever made by the State of Delaware to small businesses.

A total of 741 applicants will share $25.7 million in funding through the first round of the program. DE Relief Grants are a joint effort between the State of Delaware and New Castle County administered by the Delaware Division of Small Business.

The median grant award will be $20,000. The typical recipient in the first round had a median annual 2019 gross revenue of just under $325,000.

• 40% of funding went to businesses with fewer than 10 FTE ($10.4 million)
  • More than half of that went to businesses with fewer than 5 FTE ($5.6 million)
• 79% of funding went to businesses in disproportionately impacted industries, including restaurants, retail, personal care, childcare, etc. ($20.3 million)
• Nearly a quarter of funding went to women-owned businesses ($6.5 million)
• 14% of funding went to minority-owned businesses ($3.5 million)
• Grant recipients come from each of Delaware’s three counties:

“This program represents an unprecedented effort to assist small businesses and nonprofits that are vital to Delaware’s economy and to our quality of life,” Secretary of State Jeff Bullock said. “The applicants for these grants employ thousands of people in Delaware. Getting them the resources they need is critical to their ability to successfully navigate this difficult period.”

The Division of Small Business will begin accepting applications for the second round of DE Relief Grants starting at 10 a.m. Thursday at delbiz.com/relief.

Three rounds of grants totaling at least $100 million are planned with the third round scheduled for early November. Funding not awarded in the first round is being rolled into future rounds.

“We hope businesses and nonprofits that did not receive funding in Round 1, or did not apply, will apply in Round 2,” Division of Small Business Director Damian DeStefano said. “We are pleased so many of the Round 1 applications came from businesses we know have been hit hardest by the pandemic, such as those in hospitality and retail, minority- and women-owned businesses, and very small family-owned firms. This grant will make a substantial difference during these challenging economic times.”

Business applying for a DE Relief Grant in Round 2 should make sure to:

• Provide your ENTIRE federal 2019 tax return (including all schedules and attachments)
• Submit your current State of Delaware business license (make sure it is not an expired license nor a municipal license)
• Confirm your expenses are eligible
• Triple check your application for accuracy before submitting

Numerous resources for applicants can be found at delbiz.com/relief, including an extensive Q&A document, demonstration videos and a full explanation of eligible expenses. Plus new for Round 2, businesses can call the Division’s HelpLine at (302) 672-6816 to reach a Regional Business Manager both Thursday (10/1) and Friday (10/2) from 10 am to 4:30 pm for assistance with their applications.

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