About this programme
The Delaware Loan Participation Program (DELPP) is run by the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) as one of four programs funded by the $60.9 million Delaware received from the U.S. Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
DELPP exists to help small businesses get financing for growth and expansion when a bank alone can't extend the full loan a business needs, typically because the business can't offer enough collateral to cover it.
How it works
When a traditional bank cannot loan the full requested amount because of a collateral shortfall, DSB steps in with SSBCI funds to cover a portion of the loan. This lets the business still work with a single lender rather than piecing financing together from multiple sources.
The loans are typically structured over 5 to 10 years.
Applicants get free assistance from the Delaware Small Business Development Center to help them meet lender requirements before and during the application.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a small business seeking growth capital, in a situation where the lender's collateral requirements are a barrier to getting the full loan amount from that lender alone.
How to apply
- Meet with a DSB Business Manager, who reviews program fit and provides a list of participating lenders.
- Get connected with a lender through DSB.
- Work with the Delaware Small Business Development Center for free help meeting lender requirements, if needed.
- Apply directly with the chosen lender using SSBCI-specific application forms available on the DSB website.
- Optionally, watch the informational webinar covering DELPP and DCAP (held March 3 for this cycle) posted on YouTube.
Frequently asked
What problem does DELPP actually solve?
It fills the gap when your bank can't loan you the full amount because you don't have enough collateral. DSB covers a portion of the loan with SSBCI funds so you can still work with that one lender.
How long are these loans?
Typically 5 to 10 years.
Do I apply to the state or to a bank?
Both, in sequence. You start with a DSB Business Manager, who connects you to a participating lender, and the loan itself is delivered through that lender.
Which lenders participate?
Del-One Federal Credit Union, True Access Capital, and Community Bank are named participants, and DSB is actively recruiting more.
Is there help preparing my application?
Yes, the Delaware Small Business Development Center offers free assistance to help you meet lender requirements.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.