Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership have launched Innovate Delaware, an initiative to make the state more attractive to local startups and emerging companies from elsewhere.

The focus sectors are financial technology, next-generation chemical products, clean energy, sustainable advanced materials and biopharma manufacturing. The public-private Prosperity Partnership receives an additional $1.36 million over two years to roll the program out.

The reasoning: an assessment last year found that Delaware’s advantages – its legal structure, proximity to large metro areas and key research institutions – are underutilized by startups. DPP vice president of innovation Noah Olson put it plainly: “Delaware needs one authoritative front door for innovation, a place where startups, investors, corporations, and international companies can quickly find resources, make connections, and get moving.”

First project: the Delaware Rural Health Challenge, with a new grant program for health tech startups. Meyer noted that one in two new jobs created in Delaware is in healthcare.

Source: Delaware Public Media, August 3, 2026 – https://www.delawarepublic.org/business/2026-08-03/gov-meyer-delaware-prosperity-partnership-launch-new-effort-to-attract-businesses-to-first-state (checked August 13, 2026)

Three moves worth knowing about if you follow Delaware’s restaurant scene, all reported in the first half of August 2026.

Currito’s Delaware debut – the fast-casual bowls, salads and smoothies brand opened its first Delaware location at 511 Grove Lane in The Grove near the University of Delaware. Franchisee Piyush Patel plans three more in the area; the Newark store is expected to employ 15 to 20 people.
https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/currito-delaware-debut/

The Farmhouse Middletown – Titan Hospitality Group opened its farm-to-fork concept on August 11 at Westown Town Center, in a former Greene Turtle space, with hand-tossed pizzas, steaks, seafood and rotating specials sourced from local farms, butchers and seafood suppliers.
https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/titan-hospitality-middletown/

Greene Turtle at Christiana listed for lease – the 6,600-square-foot restaurant at 425 Stanton Christiana Road is being marketed by DSM Commercial as a turnkey restaurant opportunity. The location remains open and no closure notice has been issued.
https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/greene-turtle-lease/

All three reported by Delaware Business Times. Checked August 13, 2026.

The Delaware Division of Small Business opened applications for the fall EDGE Grant competition on August 11, 2026. If you run a young Delaware business, this is one of the largest pots of non-dilutive money the state puts in front of small companies.

The numbers: $1.15 million available this cycle. Over six years EDGE has awarded $10.3 million to 136 small businesses. The Entrepreneur track splits a portion of $400,000; the STEM track splits a portion of $750,000. Up to 10 Entrepreneur finalists and up to 8 STEM finalists get to pitch.

Who qualifies: individuals who have not yet opened a business, or businesses operating less than seven years, majority located in Delaware (51% or more), with 15 or fewer full-time employees.

What changed: this year EDGE is a one-day pitch and award event on November 10, with education, small business vendor networking, and a chance for high-impact companies to meet venture capital firms.

Details and registration: de.gov/edge

Source: Delaware Business Times, August 7, 2026 – https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news-briefs/fall-2026-edge-grant-competition/ (checked August 13, 2026)