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SeedSuccess Small Business Grant

Up to $3,000 available to help small businesses with equipment, renovations, and growth.

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About the Grant

The SeedSuccess Small Business Grant is designed to empower local entrepreneurs in Northeast Wilmington and support small business enhancements and growth initiatives. Through this program, qualified businesses can receive up to $3,000 in funding to invest in equipment, interior renovations, and growth efforts.

By helping small businesses strengthen their operations, the program aims to build a stronger, more sustainable business community and contribute to the revitalization of Northeast Wilmington.

Eligibility Guidelines

To qualify for the SeedSuccess Small Business Grant, applicants must be small businesses located within the designated area of Northeast Wilmington and meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Funds must be used for approved purposes such as equipment, interior renovations, or business growth.

Designated Area

Eligible businesses must be located within Northeast Wilmington, specifically:

  • From Market Street (both sides included) southeast to Northeast Boulevard / Governor Printz Boulevard
  • From the Brandywine River northwest to Lea Boulevard

See the map on the right to confirm if your business is within the eligible zone.

Businesses That Are Not Eligible

  • Corporate or franchised businesses
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Check cashing facilities, title or payday lenders
  • Gambling facilities
  • Adult bookstores, adult video shops, and other adult entertainment facilities
  • Liquor stores
  • Bars whose primary source of revenue is alcoholic beverages
  • Pawn or gun shops
  • Tanning salons
  • Churches or religious organizations
  • Tobacco/Vape shops
  • Businesses under legal dispute

The Northeast CDC Grant Review Committee reserves the right to exclude any business deemed to have a detrimental impact on the community.

Eligible Expenses

  • Interior renovations such as redesigning layouts, updating fixtures, or improving lighting.
  • New equipment or upgrades, such as machinery, technology, software, or equipment.
  • Startup costs such as costs related to permitting, health department approvals, licensing fees, or initial inventory.
  • Skills and capacity building such as professional development through training programs, workshops, or technical skills development. Applicant must be able to demonstrate how this will improve their business expansion or operations.
  • Interior life safety improvements, such as fire alarms, security systems, or electrical improvements.
  • Interior ADA improvements such as ramps, restrooms, or accessways.
  • Foundational marketing materials such as branding, logo design, website development, and other promotional tools to establish an identity and online presence. Advertising campaigns will not be funded.

Expenses Not Eligible

  • Paying down any loans, debt, or fees associated with loans.
  • Advertising campaigns.
  • Staff or owner salaries.
  • Routine operational expenses, overhead, or any other costs of doing business, such as rent/mortgage payments or insurance premiums.
  • Inventory or supplies (for established businesses). Inventory and supplies will be considered on a case-by-case basis for new businesses.
  • Ongoing website expenses and any other expenses deemed routine and ongoing.
  • Exterior physical alteration projects.
  • Projects that have already been completed. Projects underway will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Ready to Apply?

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