STEM group awardees pose with Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez and DSB Director CJ Bell. (Photo courtesy of DSB)
The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) has awarded a new round of Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) grants to 10 small businesses across the state, providing $650,000 to support a range of innovative and community-driven ventures.
Winners of the Spring 2025 EDGE grant competition were recognized during a ceremony held June 4 at Bally’s Resort in Dover. The awards were presented by DSB Director CJ Bell and Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez.
“I am incredibly excited by the diverse range of small businesses that we were able to support during this round of the EDGE competition,” said Bell. “These companies are contributing to the quality of life of Delawareans in a variety of ways. I’m proud that through this funding we are able to help elevate them to the next level.”
Launched in 2019, the EDGE program has now distributed nearly $8 million to 120 small businesses statewide. The initiative supports young Delaware businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees through a competitive selection process, culminating in public pitch sessions to expert judges. Five businesses in STEM fields each receive up to $100,000, while five “Entrepreneur Class” businesses receive up to $50,000.
Patibanda-Sanchez emphasized the broader impact of this investment. “Small businesses enhance economic diversity in our state by helping create new industries, jobs and markets. When small businesses thrive, we all thrive,” she said.
This round’s recipients include ventures in mental health, biotechnology, menopause care, agritourism, and sustainable meat production. Several address significant public needs, from expanding therapy access in Wilmington to researching treatments for rare diseases.
The selected businesses reflect the program’s continued efforts to support historically underrepresented entrepreneurs. Since the EDGE program began, 54% of awardees have been woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned, with another 18% representing more than one of those categories.
In total, 139 businesses applied for the spring competition, matching the program’s initial 2019 turnout. Finalists presented in May at the BPG Brandywine Building in Wilmington, and 10 were selected: seven based in New Castle County, one in Kent, and two in Sussex.
Past EDGE winner Donny Legans, owner of Rail Haus in Dover, praised the program during the ceremony, describing the award as a catalyst for growth and strategic planning.
“Receiving the EDGE grant was a game changer for us,” Legans said. “It undoubtably made us a stronger business that forced us to look at our weaker areas and address them with a solid strategy.”
Entrepreneur Class Awardees pose with Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, and Division of Small Business Director CJ Bell. (Photo courtesy of DSB)
Entrepreneur Awardees:
American Fire Protection (Seaford) – Will use funding to expand service capacity by purchasing a second vehicle for on-site fire extinguisher maintenance.
Bayside Gymnastics (Milford) – Funds will offset costs of multi-use equipment for a new facility aimed at serving special needs and expanding fitness programs.
Harvey Haven Lavender Farm (Townsend) – Grant will help construct two cottages as part of an agritourism project integrating lavender products and guest stays.
Introspection Counseling (Wilmington) – Funding supports renovations and upgrades for a new office space to expand in-person mental health services.
Oasis Family Wellness – The Menopause Clinic (Newark) – EDGE support will help launch Delaware’s first standalone clinic focused on menopause care.
STEM Awardees:
AKOS Solutions (Newark) – Developer of CollabChat AI, a collaborative artificial intelligence tool, will enhance features and expand user access.
Archie (Georgetown) – Real estate tech company will advance its AI-powered home valuation and marketing platform to streamline property sales.
Essence Infusing (Newark) – Manufacturer of herbal infusion devices will transition from prototype to production with EDGE-funded equipment.
Higher Medicine (Wilmington) – Biotech company will conduct Phase 2 R&D on potential treatments for Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare pediatric disorder.
Livestock Labs (Wilmington) – Developer of engineered cell lines for cultivated meat production will accelerate its technology to help scale sustainable protein alternatives.
Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting editor@townsquarelive.com
