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The Delaware Economic Development Authority (DEDA) was created by the General Assembly in order to promote economic activity in the State of Delaware.

Title 29, Chapter 87, Subchapter VII, § 8751 establish DEDA as an instrumentality of State of Delaware, exercising public and essential governmental functions.

Its charge is to ensure gainful employment opportunities for the citizens of Delaware; reduce, abate or prevent pollution of Delaware’s environment or protect its natural resources or, in the case of a medical facility, nursing facility or facility for the residence or care of the aged, help provide modern and efficient medical, nursing or residence facilities for the citizens of Delaware.

The Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, which is part of the Delaware Department of State, chairs the Authority and may designate officers or employees of the Division of Small Business to lawfully act on his behalf.

Under Delaware Code, the Authority is authorized to issue bonds to finance the cost of any project, or part or any project, or provide other financing support to projects with approval by the Council on Development Finance. CDF is responsible for conducting a public hearing following reasonable public notice, prior to the issuance by the Authority of any bond or the provision by the Authority of any other form of financing support.

Staff of the Authority is tasked with reviewing prospective projects to determine whether the goals and outcomes of the projects align with the purposes set forth in Delaware law, including whether they contribute to the prosperity, health or general welfare of the citizens of Delaware. Upon successful approval of a prospective project, the Authority will adopt a resolution and execute the necessary legal agreements.

Division of Small Business


The Division of Small Business is a service-focused agency committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware.

Whether you are a would-be entrepreneur with just the seed of an idea or an experienced business owner looking to expand, our team of Regional Business Managers can provide you one-on-one assistance and counseling to help you succeed.

The regionally-focused Regional Business Managers have decades of experience between them and can assist with a variety of needs, including:

  • Navigating government processes
    • The manager can serve as a liaison for you with state agencies, helping you to cut through red tape, reducing the amount of time you spend dealing with government and allowing you to focus on opening or growing your enterprise.
  • Connecting with resource organizations
    • There are approximately 100 different organizations, government entities, non-profits and more that provide services directly to Delaware small businesses. A manager can help you connect with the right one. Or you can use this site’s Business Resource Connection to find the best assistance.
  • Accessing capital
    • Cash flow can be make or break for a business. A manager can help you connect with funding opportunities from regional resources or from Division of Small Business programs. Information on those programs is available on the Incentives page.

Connect with a Regional Business Manager today.

Our goal is to make Delaware the #1 state in the U.S. for small business.

Contact us to see how we can help you.

Delaware’s Small Business Landscape
  • A “small business” is one with 100 or fewer employees
  • 98% of Delaware business are small businesses
  • 55% of Delawareans are employed by a small business

Dover Office:
99 Kings Highway,
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-4271

business@delaware.gov