EDGE funding goes to 10 more Delaware startups

Delaware has given grants to 10 small businesses, as winners of the seventh round of the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion competition.

Five STEM-based companies will each receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class businesses will each receive up to $50,000. Specific amounts to each company were not released.

EDGE is a matching grant program. The Delaware Division of Small Business matches a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis.

Including this round, $5 million has been awarded to 80 promising Delaware small businesses since EDGE was launched in 2019.

This round drew 130 applications. Applications for the eighth round open Sept. 1. Businesses that are less than 7 years old and employ no more than 10 staff are eligible.

STEM Class recipients of EDGE grants

Connect2Co is a business-to-business startup software tool. Its all-in-one platform integrates external solutions, eliminating the need for toggling between applications. The grant enables Connect2Co to ramp up its initial operations by funding co-working space at the Mill in Wilmington, along with marketing and speeding the platform’s development timeline.

Doubly is a minority and women-owned startup founded in 2023 in Middletown. Doubly’s application integrates with enterprise messaging platforms like Teams and Slack to help boost productivity, and connectedness as a result of remote work. EDGE funding will be used to finalize the application’s development, conduct extensive user testing and hire software engineers and designers.

Hx Innovations is a biomechanics testing and technology company with a patented assessment technique related to the stability and joint movement of the knee, ankle and foot. This led them to develop a neuromuscular predictive model for sports teams to help them create safe training regimens and recovery strategies for athletes. Hx Innovations is in the Chase Field House on the Wilmington Riverfront and is using its technology with athletic teams there. The EDGE funding will be used to expand the company’s presence at the Fieldhouse, build a more robust database for its platform and make the software for real-time injury monitoring, mobile.

Leadership Excellence Academy for Nonprofits takes a long-term approach to prioritize creating sustainable solutions. The Wilmington startup’s expertise helps nonprofits identify and address gaps in their operations, making them more effective in achieving their goals. EDGE funding will be used to develop app technology to encourage next-gen donors to support nonprofits through giving.

TX ElectroMagnetic Materials develops electro and magnetic materials for the solar cell and semiconductor industries. The Wilmington company is developing a new metallization silver past designed for future silicon solar cells. The EDGE grant will be used to accelerate product development efforts, expand sales and marketing initiatives, develop product samples and bring the product to market.

Entrepreneur Class recipients of EDGE grants

Droneversity aims to offer drone-related workforce development programs, including drone pilot ground and flight school for federal certification, STEMulation programs for hands-on education, international eSport drone soccer programs, professional development for educators and consulting services. EDGE funding will help it secure a permanent indoor facility in a downtown development zone in Wilmington.

G&R Industries aims to provide a safer, faster, stronger, and more cost-effective solution for installing piping and fixtures in steel joist construction. EDGE funding will support startup costs for the Smyrna firm, including the purchase of assembly equipment, trade show marketing, testing and certifications and the initial production run of GRO hangers.

The Nest Play Cafe includes a play area and classes for kids and an upscale lounge for their parents and guardians. With a holistic and Montessori-inspired approach, Nest Play programming includes baby sign language, Spanish, Mandarin, sensory play, arts & crafts and milestone development classes taught by a pediatric occupational therapist. EDGE funding will enable to owners to do phase 2 of their construction plan for an additional restroom and add plumbing and buy equipment for an organic coffee and smoothie bar area in Middletown. A Dover site is planned.

Paraklete Properties & Design is a woman-owned and family-operated business in Viola that seeks to provide locally grown baled pine straw. EDGE funding will be used to purchase a proprietary pine straw baler as well as to construct a storage location for the straw. The funds will assist in providing an increased volume of densely packed pine bales, with minimally handled straw as well as provide a protected area for storage before the sale.

Studio B of Harrington seeks to fuse commerce and art by serving as an ultra-fast turnaround print-on-demand hub and a supportive community workspace. It will also offer access to professional assistance, a supportive creative environment and high-end tools and equipment that are typically out of reach for independent creators. EDGE funding will help the company acquire equipment and professional website assistance for effective outreach, marketing and online sales potential.