About this programme
EDGE (Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion) is a competitive matching grant run by Delaware's Division of Small Business (part of the Department of State) for early-stage, for-profit companies based in Delaware. It runs as a pitch competition: applicants submit a written project proposal, a panel of judges narrows the field to finalists, and finalists pitch in a public, in-person event before winners are chosen.
The program is split into two tracks. The Entrepreneur track covers up to $400,000 total, split among category winners; the STEM track (science, technology, engineering, math-based businesses) covers up to $750,000 total, split among category winners. Up to 18 businesses can be funded across a round, with award amounts scaled to the quality of each finalist's pitch rather than a fixed per-winner figure.
EDGE money is meant to fund a specific growth project rather than general operating costs — things like market analysis, advertising, website design, essential equipment, building or lab-space improvements. It is a matching grant: the state contributes $3 for every $1 the business puts in, so applicants need real matching funds (cash, equipment, or non-government grants tied to the project) lined up before they apply.
How it works
Applicants choose one of two tracks — Entrepreneur or STEM — and submit a written project proposal using the track's official template, plus budget documentation following the program's Budget and Matching Guidelines.
A judging panel reviews applications and selects finalists roughly six to eight weeks after an application round closes.
Finalists pitch their project in person at a public event open to media; winners are chosen in the weeks following the pitch round.
Awards are matching grants on a $3 state : $1 business basis — the business's committed match (cash, equipment, or eligible non-state/local-government grants tied to the project) determines how much state funding the project can draw.
The EDGE grant is taxable income, and grant funds cannot be used to pay tax liabilities.
Who can apply
The business must be for-profit, majority located in Delaware, operating for less than 7 years, with 15 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees and less than $700,000 in net assets. Part-time employees count as half an FTE; anyone working fewer than 10 hours a week or 4 months a year, and contractors, don't count toward the cap.
Non-Delaware companies can apply if they commit to relocating at least 51% of the business (employees and property) to Delaware before funds are disbursed. Online-only businesses must have the owner, or 51% of employees, physically working in Delaware.
Applicants may apply as sole proprietors before formally forming a business entity.
An owner can win EDGE only once — including under a different business they later form. A former co-owner who already won EDGE cannot apply under their own new company. Businesses that already received Delaware Strategic Fund money are generally ineligible unless the new project differs significantly from the funded one.
501(c)(3) nonprofits are not eligible — the grant targets for-profit companies.
How to apply
- Review the program fact sheet and the "Should I apply for the STEM or Entrepreneur Category?" guide to pick a track.
- Download the track's project proposal template and evaluation rubric from the EDGE resources page.
- Line up your matching funds ($1 for every $3 requested) and prepare budget documentation per the Budget and Matching Guidelines.
- Complete the application checklist to confirm all required components are included, then submit the proposal within the open application window.
- If selected as a finalist (notified roughly 6–8 weeks after the round closes), prepare and deliver a public pitch presentation; non-selected applicants are notified by email.
- Winners are notified by phone or email within about a week of judging.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Project proposal (Entrepreneur or STEM template)
- Budget documentation per the Budget and Matching Guidelines
- Application checklist (completed)
- Evidence of committed matching funds (cash, equipment, or eligible non-government grant funding tied to the project)
Frequently asked
How does the matching requirement work?
EDGE is a $3-to-$1 match: the state funds up to $3 for every $1 the business contributes toward the project. The match can be cash, equipment, or non-state/local-government grant funding, as long as it's tied to the funded project.
Can a business outside Delaware apply?
Yes, if it commits to relocating at least 51% of its business (employees and property) to Delaware before the grant funds are disbursed. Online-only businesses need the owner or 51% of employees physically based in Delaware.
What size and age of business qualifies?
The business must have operated for less than 7 years, have 15 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, and hold less than $700,000 in net assets. Part-time staff count as half an FTE toward the employee cap.
Can I apply before I formally register my business?
Yes — applicants may apply as sole proprietors before officially forming their business entity.
Can I win EDGE more than once?
No. An owner can win EDGE only once, even under a different business they form later. A former co-owner of a company that already won EDGE cannot apply again under their own new company.
Is the pitch presentation public?
Yes. The pitch competition is open to the public and media, though applicants may request confidentiality for genuinely competitive or trade-secret information within their proposal.
Is the grant taxable, and can it be used to pay taxes?
The EDGE grant counts as taxable income, and grant funds cannot be used to pay any tax liabilities.
What can the grant money be spent on?
Eligible project expenses include market analysis assistance, advertising, website design, essential equipment, building infrastructure or cosmetic improvements, and lab-space rent assistance.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.