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Delaware EDGE Grant Program
General · Delaware Division of Small Business (Department of State) · DE
The Delaware EDGE Grant Program is a competitive matching grant from the Delaware Division of Small Business that awards up to $100,000 to young, small Delaware-based businesses through a pitch competition. It's aimed at companies operating fewer than 7 years with 15 or fewer employees, and applicants should check the state's site for current award rounds and deadlines.
The Delaware EDGE Grant Program (Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion) is a state-run matching grant offered by the Delaware Division of Small Business, part of the Department of State. It provides competitive cash grants to young Delaware-based small businesses through a pitch-competition process. Awards are split into two tracks: a STEM track offering up to $100,000, and an Entrepreneur track offering up to $50,000. Grants require a 3:1 match, meaning applicants must be prepared to contribute matching funds or resources alongside the award.
This program matters to small-business owners because it offers non-dilutive funding — meaning businesses don't give up equity — to help cover growth costs like equipment, staffing, marketing, or product development. Because the funding process is competitive and pitch-based, businesses need to be ready to present their growth plans clearly to a review panel.
To qualify, a business must be majority Delaware-based, in operation for fewer than 7 years, have 15 or fewer full-time employees, and hold under $700,000 in assets. This targets early-stage and small-scale businesses rather than larger or more established companies.
Deadlines are not fixed annually; applicants should check current application rounds directly on the state's EDGE program page. Award amounts, open rounds, and eligibility criteria should be confirmed at the official source before applying, as these details can change from year to year. Overall, EDGE is designed as a state economic-development tool to help young Delaware companies scale through matched capital investment rather than debt.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a cash grant, not a loan, though it requires a 3:1 matching contribution from the recipient.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, grant funds themselves are not repaid, but you must provide matching funds as part of the award terms.
Who is eligible?
Majority Delaware-based businesses operating fewer than 7 years, with 15 or fewer full-time employees and under $700,000 in assets.
How much money can I get?
Up to $100,000 through the STEM track or up to $50,000 through the Entrepreneur track, awarded competitively.
What is the 3:1 match requirement?
Recipients must contribute matching funds or resources at a 3:1 ratio to the grant amount awarded.
What is the deadline to apply?
There is no fixed deadline listed; applicants should check current open rounds at the official site.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Delaware EDGE program page at business.delaware.gov/edge.
Who runs this program?
The Delaware Division of Small Business, part of the Delaware Department of State.
Is this only for tech or STEM businesses?
No, there are two tracks — one for STEM businesses and one for general Entrepreneur-track applicants.
Is the award amount taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm tax treatment at the official source or with a tax professional.
Can out-of-state businesses apply?
No, businesses must be majority Delaware-based to qualify.
Is the selection process competitive?
Yes, awards are given through a competitive pitch process rather than automatic qualification.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Delaware Division of Small Business (Department of State); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.