EDGE Grant Competition
Forecasted
EDGE Grant Competition supports young Delaware STEM and non-STEM businesses, funding equipment, facilities, marketing, websites, and laboratory rent to strengthen viability, sustainability, and growth.
Funder: Delaware Division of Small Business
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Spring round application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $400,000 total for Entrepreneur and $750,000 total for STEM; $3 state-to-$1 business match
Summary: EDGE funds projects that strengthen the viability, sustainability, and growth of young Delaware STEM and non-STEM businesses.
Key Information: Owners can receive EDGE funding only once, even through a different business.
Description
The Delaware Division of Small Business runs EDGE—Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion—as a competitive matching-grant program for young businesses. Separate STEM and Entrepreneur tracks support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-based companies and non-STEM businesses. The program focuses on business needs, competitive advantage, long-term viability and permanence, and job creation and revenue growth.
Supported projects include market analysis and advertising assistance, building infrastructure and cosmetic enhancements, essential equipment, website design, and rent assistance for laboratory space. A panel of experts evaluates applications and finalists’ pitch presentations, with scaled awards based on pitch quality. Finalists and awardees also receive post-pitch in-kind services and/or award support.
