Explore the top startup incubators in Delaware offering resources, mentorship, and funding. Start your entrepreneurial journey here.
Delaware is quickly becoming a bright spot for entrepreneurs. It's a place where startups can really grow. The state is all in on innovation, with plenty of startup incubators. These incubators are there to help new businesses from the arts to tech and finance. They provide key support like mentorship, funding, and resources. This is why they are so important for the area's economy.
Delaware's incubators are vital for turning new ideas into successful companies. They offer things like technical help and money support. This makes it easier for startups to make it in the business world1. Delaware is now a top spot for creative minds and bold entrepreneurs because of this strong support network.
The Arts Equity and Innovation Incubator is an essential hub in Delaware. It focuses on cultural sustainability while embracing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) principles. This arts initiative in Delaware helps everyone have an equal chance to participate. It tackles the root causes of inequality in the arts.
The incubator's main goal is to create a diverse and vibrant cultural scene. It helps arts organizations evaluate their work in finance, governance, and programs. By doing so, these organizations can stick to IDEA principles, ensuring stability and fairness in the arts world.
The incubator lends a hand to nonprofit arts organizations that need help in governance and money matters. It gets support from the government, businesses, and charities. With resources from partners like Caitlin Butler and Sadao Ghosh LLC, the incubator can offer technical aid and grants.
This support is key to sparking new ideas and adapting to changes. It plays a big part in keeping the cultural sector strong and relevant.
The success of the incubator is seen in its past and present groups. The Choir School of Delaware and The Freeman Arts Pavilion stand out. Between 2021 and 2025, they've made big changes to become more resilient23.They show how nonprofit arts groups can lead by example in the community.
The Delaware Technology Park (DTP) is a leading East Coast nonprofit research park. It focuses on life sciences, information technology, and renewable energy. Since starting in 1992, DTP has welcomed 54 companies and organizations. It has supported more than 75 companies in their early stages, offering them vital resources and connections4
DTP aims to grow the economy by creating jobs and fostering innovation. It has helped generate over 16,000 jobs. DTP also attracted over $1 billion in investments and grants, boosting Delaware's economy and job quality5.
The DTP@STAR campus gives new companies access to leading research and academic help. This 10,000-square-foot area has both offices and labs for startups. This setup meets the varying needs of new companies5. Rent is under $75 per square foot, making DTP@STAR affordable while supporting economic growth5. Prelude Therapeutics is an example of a company that thrived here, creating valuable job opportunities5.
The FinTech Innovation Hub at the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus is huge, at 100,000 square feet. It helps both big companies and startups in the FinTech industry6. Partners like Discover help tackle financial health and equality issues here6. The Center for Accelerating Financial Equity works from this hub to boost financial wellness in underrepresented communities. This effort also supports job creation and economic progress6.
The University of Delaware entrepreneurship program, named Horn Entrepreneurship, shines as a leader in innovation and learning for entrepreneurs. With Charlie Horn's guidance, it aims to build an entrepreneurial spirit. It does this by offering many programs and services to students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Horn Entrepreneurship offers lots of academic opportunities. These include an entrepreneurship major, minors in integrated design and social innovation, and interdisciplinary certificates7. Their standout programs, like Hen Hatch, Summer Founders, and WE Hatch, support participants with funding, advice, and practical experience7. VentureOn sessions provide weekly advice and bring the community together every Wednesday night from 7 - 8 p.m8.
Last year, the program had over 1,700 students from more than 100 majors take part in its activities7. This success is supported by over 100 mentors who help with the comprehensive new venture development program7. Moreover, Horn Entrepreneurship is ranked No. 4 in the Mid-Atlantic region for entrepreneurship. This places it in the top 10% of more than 500 colleges and universities with similar programs9.
Horn Entrepreneurship has many startup success stories that prove its effectiveness. Noteworthy alumni include Mac Macleod of Carvertise, and Maya Nazareth of Alchemize Fightwear7. Samantha McGhee, a junior majoring in Entrepreneurship and Fashion Merchandising, has also achieved a lot with the help of the program8. The focus is not just on starting businesses but on learning to solve problems creatively7.
If you want to learn more about Horn Entrepreneurship's programs and successes, you can find more information here.
The Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC) in Delaware helps new companies grow through various business incubation services. They offer affordable office spaces and mentorship programs that give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed. These services are key for startups in their early stages. The EEC is a vital support system for entrepreneurs in Delaware looking for help with their new ventures.
When COVID-19 hit, the EEC teamed up with Brandywine Technology and Aaron Udler to help small businesses. They focused on teaching companies how to use Zoom for meetings. This was crucial for keeping businesses going during the pandemic. The EEC's quick actions show its dedication to supporting new companies10.
The EEC also offers educational programs and workshops for entrepreneurs. These programs cover critical business skills, networking, and how to grow a startup in Delaware. The support from the EEC has led to new jobs and more income for the businesses involved10.
The Delaware Innovation Space is a top-notch incubator focusing on innovation in Delaware. It's for startups based on science and tech. With high-end startup labs and lots of support, it helps businesses grow and innovate.
Delaware Innovation Space has first-rate class A lab space. The design comes from detailed evaluations and talks with clients. Their facilities have the latest audiovisual and IT services. This protects the startups' scientific inventions11. Spaces for the community are meant to inspire working together. They host events that help startups network and gain credibility11.
The place is designed to support various tech needs. It has a friendly and practical look, with room to grow11.
Finding funding for startups is key at the Delaware Innovation Space. They offer special pricing for lab space to help with STEM projects12. They also have programs like "Lunch and Learns" and the "Science Inc." Accelerator. These help startups build important business connections. They guide them from start to market11.
This approach enriches the startup community in the Space. It ensures new companies get the funding and support they need for innovation in Delaware.
Delaware is quickly becoming a great place for new businesses. This state has many incubators that help fresh entrepreneurs. They offer much-needed support and guide. This guide showcases the most important incubators you should know about.
The Mill is known for its co-working spaces and help for businesses to grow. Win Factory aims its support at minority business owners with special programs. Another key player, Newcastle Chamber Incubator, offers important resources for local startups. Then, there's University of Delaware Program of Entrepreneurism. It's famous for its strong connections with academics and industry, helping new companies thrive13.
Together, these incubators make a big difference in Delaware's business world. They help with advice, money matters, and finding the right partners. Entrepreneurs find it easier to start and grow their businesses with this support.
It's also important to know about costs. For instance, if you're part of an incubator, you might need a Commercial Services Parking Permit. This costs $250 for each vehicle for a year. You can get as many permits as your company needs, even part-way through the year13. This makes sure businesses can easily move around without extra cost worries.
This guide highlights how crucial these incubators are for Delaware's entrepreneurs. They offer everything from advice for specific sectors to chances to meet others. This helps create a strong, lively business scene. As more startups choose Delaware, these incubators will be key for ongoing economic and tech growth.
The Big Idea Accelerator shines as Delaware's guiding light for startups. It leads them to success with startup acceleration programs. These offer essential resources, expert advice, and chances for investment. They help startups become market-ready quickly and effectively.
This program is known for its custom support for many business types and areas. It's inspired by accelerators like Dreamit. Dreamit offers up to $500,000 over 14 weeks in areas like Health and Cybersecurity14. The Big Idea Accelerator also provides flexible solutions and high-tech support, like those at the Delaware Innovation Space11.
Entrepreneurs can find a supportive ecosystem here. It's designed for fostering innovation and growth. Features like shared spaces and privacy help startups flourish, protecting their innovative ideas11. This kind of place is crucial for companies facing early hurdles and aiming for market success.
For more on startup incubators and accelerators in the U.S., check out this detailed list14. It shows services like funding, mentoring, and growth resources. They are customized for various industries and locations.
The First Founders Incubator works hard to boost diversity and fairness in the business world. It helps entrepreneurs who often get overlooked by providing lots of helpful resources. These programs are designed to break down the usual hurdles, making sure everyone gets a fair shot at success.
The main goal of the First Founders Incubator is to uplift communities that have been left out. They build strong support systems and create a welcoming space essential for fostering inclusivity in startups. These efforts are part of wider movements in big cities, offering investments from $5,000 to $500,00014. This approach gives every founder, no matter their start, a chance to succeed.
The incubator's programs are specially crafted for the needs of different entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, custom workshops, or funding, they focus on helping startups by women, minorities, and other overlooked groups grow. With supports like a $50,00014 investment, similar to what's found in bigger areas, these programs can be the key to turning a small startup into a thriving business. Delaware's welcoming business atmosphere and events like the Startup 302 competition further highlight the incubator's role as a source of hope for tech startups throughout the state15.
The Hen Hatch competition is a key event in Delaware for getting startup funding Delaware. It invites entrepreneurs to show their fresh ideas. They compete to get noticed and grow. This contest is vital for helping new businesses thrive, with many reaching new heights after the event.
In 2018, the Hen Hatch competition saw incredible talent. The second-place winner also received the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award from StartUpAfrica, showing the quality of participants16. Garry Johnson III, celebrated in the Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40, shined in several contests, including Hen Hatch17.
The contest shows the wide range of new businesses in Delaware. Medical startups are gaining attention, with three making it onto Delaware's realLIST. This is an increase from the year before18. There's also a rise in founders of color, showing more diversity in the startup world18.
The Hen Hatch competition highlights the lively scene of startup funding Delaware. It's a crucial event for entrepreneurs wanting to leave their mark in many areas, like tech and healthcare.
The University of Delaware's Innovation Health & Design Lab is a center for new health and design advancements. It's located in the big 272-acre STAR Campus. This lab helps advance health, energy, and environmental tech19. Healthcare startups work with the university to tackle today's health issues here.
The lab helps healthcare startups grow and shows UD's spirit of entrepreneurship. It offers modern facilities like a healthcare simulation lab and a demo kitchen19. Startups can test their innovations in real conditions. This helps turn research into products and services ready for the market.
Startups at STAR Campus get a lot of support, especially from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). NIIMBL connects academia, industry, and nonprofits across different sectors, including biopharmaceuticals19. This support helps pave the way for new innovations and advances.
The construction of the Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center is underway. It will focus on major diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer19. This boosts the lab's ability to lead in health tech and supports UD's entrepreneurship. The STAR Campus will also get new projects like a hotel and housing to meet the needs of people and partners19.
The Innovation Health & Design Lab is a cornerstone of innovation in healthcare. In 2019, healthcare and education added $5.53 billion to Delaware's GDP20. With great facilities, strong support, and a team effort, it's a hotspot for healthcare startups. It also represents UD's entrepreneurial spirit.
Since starting in 2017, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) has really helped Delaware's economy grow. They've worked on over 65 projects21. This hard work has created or saved nearly 9,000 jobs21. Also, DPP's efforts have led to almost $1.8 billion being invested in Delaware21.
DPP aims to improve Delaware’s economy. They focus on attracting new companies, especially in science and tech. They want to help these businesses grow, offer support, and build a network of partners22.
DPP works closely with around 20 economic development partners23. This network helps promote Delaware as a great place for businesses23. Their work with the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) also attracted $750 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. This supports Delaware's clean hydrogen projects21.
Helping entrepreneurs is key for DPP. Since 2021, the Startup302 contest gave $643,000 to 37 unique startups21. This support helps connect startups with the tools they need21. Thanks to these efforts, Delaware ranked #7 on the Milken Institute’s State Technology and Science Index in 2022. It also came in #6 on WalletHub’s Most Innovative Environments list in 202321.
Delaware is a shining light for entrepreneurs, with lots of support and programs to help startups grow. It has places like the Delaware Technology Park and the Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware. These spots give startups the help they need. This makes Delaware a top place for new businesses.
The First Founders Incubator and the Delaware Innovation Space show how much the state cares about startups. They offer key resources and care about including everyone and making a positive impact. The new ten-week Fintech Accelerator Program by CAFE is a great example. It aims to improve financial health in communities that don't earn much. It does this through new financial technologies. The partnership between CAFE and Delaware Technology Park connects startups with people who can help them, like advisors and investors. Their hard work is shown off on a demo day, highlight here24.
Plus, Delaware is great for businesses because of its low taxes and welcoming business climate. It's ranked high for its business environment and overall for taxes. Big companies like Amazon, Google, and American Express chose Delaware for a reason. Delaware's infrastructure and economic conditions make it an ideal place for businesses to succeed.
Delaware has several key incubators like Delaware Technology Park and Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware. Others include the Emerging Enterprise Center and Delaware Innovation Space. These places offer help like resources, guidance, and funds to grow startups.
The Arts Equity and Innovation Incubator aims to strengthen Delaware's cultural scene. It provides financial help, governance, and program support. It also focuses on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA).
Delaware Technology Park supports companies in life science, IT, and renewable energy sectors. It offers access to research resources, funding, and partnerships with state and academic institutions.
Horn Entrepreneurship delivers mentorship, funding competitions, and innovation labs. These programs aim at creating an entrepreneurial mindset among students and aiding startup success.
The Emerging Enterprise Center helps new companies with offices, advice, and networking opportunities. It helps these companies overcome early challenges and grow sustainably.
Delaware Innovation Space has advanced labs, technical support, and funding for science and tech startups. It aims to encourage innovation and commercial success.
The Big Idea Accelerator provides programs that help startups grow fast. It offers resources, mentorship, and chances for investment to bring concepts to market readiness.
First Founders Incubator supports diverse entrepreneurs with specialized programs. It focuses on overcoming specific challenges, ensuring everyone has an equal chance at success.
Hen Hatch is Delaware's top funding contest for entrepreneurs. They pitch to investors for funding and exposure in a competitive setting.
The Innovation Health & Design Lab backs startups in health technology. It provides a place to create innovative solutions to health care problems at the crossroads of health and design.
Delaware Prosperity Partnership helps entrepreneurs by connecting them with networks, professional services, and resources. It aims to boost startup success and contribute to economic growth.
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