Gov. Matt Meyer joined Delaware Division of Small Business Director CJ Bell this week to announce the launch of the Delaware Commercial Corridor Initiative (DCCI), a new statewide program designed to help small businesses improve their properties while encouraging investment in downtowns and commercial districts across Delaware.
The initiative will invest $4.5 million in Strategic Fund dollars to assist existing brick-and-mortar businesses with building improvements, façade renovations, equipment purchases and code compliance upgrades. State officials said the program is intended to strengthen local businesses while creating more attractive commercial corridors that encourage additional private investment.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s economy, and they should be at the center of our state’s economic development strategy,” Meyer said. “By putting these dollars directly into our commercial corridors, we’re helping local businesses succeed while strengthening the places where Delawareans live, work, and shop. Growing our economy starts by investing in the entrepreneurs who have already invested in Delaware, creating opportunities from the ground up and encouraging private investment to follow.”
Bell said the program redirects previously committed state funds back into Delaware communities.
“We are taking reallocated state investment dollars and putting them directly back into Delaware communities and small businesses,” Bell said. “This program will help business owners make meaningful improvements to their properties, strengthen local communities, and encourage additional private investment in downtown districts across the state.”
The funding became available after a 2024 amendment to a grant agreement with Incyte, which reduced the company’s Strategic Fund allocation from $14.8 million to approximately $2.9 million, freeing nearly $11.9 million for other economic development initiatives.
Under the program, the Division of Small Business will partner with three regional administrators—one in each county—led by a Community Development Financial Institution or other financial institution. Grants will cover 10% to 25% of eligible project costs, up to $25,000 per business, with the remaining financing provided through private lenders.
Eligible projects include interior renovations, exterior and façade improvements, equipment purchases and code compliance upgrades. Building purchases and rent expenses are not eligible for funding. State officials said priority will be given to façade improvement projects that enhance the appearance of commercial districts.
To qualify, businesses must be located within a designated commercial corridor. Eligible areas include commercial properties adjacent to Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts or commercially zoned corridors located within the state’s Level 1 or Level 2 Investment Areas, as identified in the 2025 Strategies for State Policies and Spending.
The first round of grant awards is expected to be announced by the end of September.
The new initiative expands on the successful Commercial Corridor program launched in New Castle County, which has helped stimulate private investment and revitalize business districts. Officials hope the statewide expansion will provide similar benefits to communities throughout Delaware, including commercial areas in Kent and Sussex counties.
For communities like Milford, where downtown revitalization and small business growth remain priorities, the program could provide an additional source of funding for business owners seeking to improve storefronts, renovate interiors or modernize equipment while contributing to the continued revitalization of commercial corridors.
