Getting your business listed on DelawareThrive.com is one of the easiest ways to boost local visibility. Here’s how to do it in under 10 minutes.

Step 1: Visit delawarethrive.com/add-listing and create your free account with your name, email, and password.

Step 2: Choose your listing package. The Community plan is completely free with your business name, phone, address, website, and description. Paid plans add premium features like photo galleries and featured placement.

Step 3: Fill in your business details. The more complete your profile, the better you’ll rank in search results.

Step 4: Add your logo and photos. Listings with images get 3x more clicks than text-only listings.

Step 5: Submit and go live! Free listings are published immediately in search results, category pages, and the interactive map.

Pro tip: claim your listing even if it’s already on the site. Claimed listings rank higher and give you full editing control.

Delaware’s reputation as a business-friendly state isn’t just hype — it’s backed by real advantages that make a measurable difference for entrepreneurs. Here are five reasons why the First State should be your first choice.

1. No Sales Tax — Delaware is one of only five states with zero sales tax. For retailers and service businesses, this means lower prices that attract customers from neighboring states and simplified bookkeeping.

2. The Court of Chancery — Delaware’s specialized business court with expert judges (not juries) resolves disputes faster and more predictably than any other state. It’s why over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here.

3. Low Business Formation Costs — Filing an LLC costs as little as $90, and annual franchise taxes for small businesses are among the lowest in the country. Same-day filings are available.

4. Strategic Mid-Atlantic Location — Between New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C., Delaware offers access to 40% of the U.S. population within a four-hour drive.

5. Strong Support Ecosystem — From Delaware SBDC to SCORE mentoring, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, and programs like the Delaware Innovation Space, founders have deep resources.

Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with stunning gardens and green spaces that most residents don’t even know about. Beyond the well-known Longwood Gardens (just across the PA border), here are five hidden gems worth a visit.

Mount Cuba Center — Hockessin
This 50-acre botanical garden focuses exclusively on native plants of the Piedmont region. The wildflower meadows are breathtaking in spring, and the woodland paths feel like stepping into a fairytale. Open select days — check their schedule.

Winterthur Museum & Garden — Winterthur
While Winterthur’s mansion gets the headlines, the 1,000-acre naturalistic garden is the real star. The Enchanted Woods children’s garden, the Azalea Woods, and the Sundial Garden are all world-class. Plan for a full day.

Bellevue State Park — Wilmington
A former DuPont estate with beautifully maintained gardens, an equestrian center, and miles of walking trails. The formal garden near the mansion is Instagram-worthy, and admission is just $4 per car for Delaware residents.

Read House & Gardens — New Castle
Step back in time in this colonial-era garden in historic New Castle. The boxwood hedges and heirloom plantings are meticulously maintained by local volunteers. Free to visit — a quiet escape from modern life.

Goodstay Gardens — Wilmington
Tucked behind the University of Delaware’s Wilmington campus, this small formal garden is a peaceful lunch spot or afternoon retreat. Most Wilmingtonians have never heard of it — which is part of its charm.

Each of these spaces offers something different — from native wildflowers to formal hedgerows. Pack a picnic, bring a camera, and explore Delaware’s green side.

Working remotely in Delaware? Whether you need a change of scenery, fast Wi-Fi, or just a really good latte, Greater Wilmington has coffee shops that double as productive workspaces. Here are our top picks.

Brew HaHa! — Multiple Locations
A Wilmington institution. The Greenville location is spacious with plenty of outlets, strong Wi-Fi, and a relaxed vibe. The Trolley Square spot is cozier but has great energy. Their cold brew is legendary.

Drip Cafe — Hockessin
Technically a full restaurant, but the bar area is perfect for laptop work during off-peak hours. The coffee is excellent, and when you’re ready for a break, their brunch menu is one of the best in Delaware.

De La Coeur Café — Wilmington
French-inspired pastries and espresso in a charming space. Smaller seating area, so go early. The croissants alone are worth the trip.

Revolution Coffee Roasters — Wilmington
If you’re particular about your beans, this is your spot. They roast in-house, and the baristas take their craft seriously. The shop has a clean, modern feel with good natural light.

Argilla Brewing Co. — Newark
Yes, it’s a brewery — but during the day it’s a quiet, spacious spot with solid coffee and Wi-Fi. Great for those who want to transition from work mode to happy hour without moving.

Pro Tips for Coffee Shop Working
Buy something every couple of hours — support the business that’s hosting you. Bring headphones. Don’t hog a four-top during lunch rush. And tip well — your “office rent” is basically the price of a few lattes.

Found a gem we missed? Tag us on social media and we’ll add it to the list!

Building a strong network is one of the most valuable things a small business owner can do — and Delaware’s tight-knit business community makes it easier than you think. Here are proven strategies to grow your professional circle and turn connections into customers.

Show Up Consistently
Networking isn’t a one-time event. Join a local group — the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware Small Business Chamber, or a BNI chapter — and attend regularly. Familiarity builds trust, and trust drives referrals.

Lead with Value
The best networkers don’t walk in asking for business. They walk in asking, “How can I help?” Offer introductions, share resources, refer business to others. What goes around comes around.

Perfect Your 30-Second Pitch
When someone asks what you do, don’t ramble. Have a clear, concise answer: who you serve, what problem you solve, and what makes you different. Practice it until it feels natural.

Follow Up Fast
Met someone interesting? Send a LinkedIn connection request or email within 24 hours. Reference something specific you discussed. Suggest a coffee meeting. The follow-up is where relationships are actually built.

Leverage Digital Networking
Join Delaware-focused LinkedIn groups, Facebook business groups, and online directories like DelawareThrive.com. Your online presence extends your reach beyond any single event.

Host, Don’t Just Attend
Invite peers to your office for a casual mixer. Co-host a workshop with a complementary business. When you’re the host, you’re positioned as a leader and connector.

Delaware’s business community is uniquely accessible. Start building your network today — your next big opportunity might be one handshake away.

We hear “shop local” all the time, but what does it actually mean for Delaware’s economy? The numbers might surprise you.

The Local Multiplier Effect
Studies show that for every dollar spent at a local business, approximately 67 cents stays in the local economy — compared to just 43 cents at a national chain. That extra money recirculates: local businesses hire local employees, use local vendors, and reinvest in the community.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Small businesses employ over 200,000 people in Delaware — that’s nearly half of the state’s private workforce. When you choose a local restaurant over a chain, a neighborhood hardware store over a big box, you’re directly supporting your neighbor’s paycheck.

Tax Revenue Stays Home
Local businesses generate sales tax, property tax, and income tax revenue that funds Delaware schools, roads, parks, and emergency services. When spending shifts online or to out-of-state retailers, that revenue disappears.

Community Character
The unique shops and restaurants that line Main Street in Newark, Trolley Square in Wilmington, or the Boardwalk in Rehoboth — they’re what make Delaware special. Chain stores look the same everywhere. Local businesses reflect the personality and creativity of the community.

What You Can Do
Start small. Choose one meal, one purchase, one service per week from a local business. Share your favorite spots on social media. Leave positive reviews. Join your local business association. Every dollar is a vote for the community you want to live in.

Delaware’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Let’s make sure they thrive.

If you haven’t walked through downtown Wilmington lately, you’re missing a transformation. From new restaurants popping up on Market Street to a wave of creative businesses filling long-vacant storefronts, the city center is buzzing with energy. Here are five reasons why downtown is experiencing a true renaissance.

1. The Restaurant Scene Is Exploding
A new generation of chefs and restaurateurs is putting Wilmington on the culinary map. From upscale farm-to-table concepts to casual ramen shops and authentic taco stands, the dining options have never been more diverse. Many are locally owned and committed to sourcing Delaware-grown ingredients.

2. Creative Businesses Are Moving In
Art studios, co-working spaces, boutique fitness studios, and specialty retail shops are claiming spaces that sat empty for years. The Creative District designation has attracted grants and tax incentives that make downtown an affordable launchpad for entrepreneurs.

3. Major Infrastructure Investments
The Wilmington Riverwalk expansion, improved streetscaping on King Street, and new protected bike lanes are making downtown more walkable and livable than ever. The planned multi-modal transit hub will further connect the city to the region.

4. Housing Development Is Booming
Several mixed-use residential projects are bringing hundreds of new apartments and condos to the downtown core. Young professionals and empty nesters alike are choosing urban living, drawn by the walkability and culture.

5. Community Events Are Thriving
From First Friday Art Loops to outdoor movie nights and seasonal markets, there’s always something happening. These events create a sense of community and give people a reason to come downtown — and come back.

The momentum is real. Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or just visiting, downtown Wilmington deserves a fresh look.

Delaware’s coastal communities are buzzing with activity this summer. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for things to do near home, here is your guide to making the most of Delaware’s beautiful beach towns.Rehoboth Beach – The Nation’s Summer Capital lives up to its name with a bustling boardwalk, world-class dining, tax-free shopping on Route 1, and a packed events calendar.Lewes – Historic Lewes blends colonial charm with coastal living. Browse the charming downtown shops or take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a day trip across the Delaware Bay.Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island – Known as The Quiet Resorts, these family-friendly towns offer pristine beaches, nature trails, and a slower pace perfect for families.Dewey Beach – Looking for nightlife and watersports? Dewey is your spot. Live music venues, paddleboard rentals, and beach bonfires make this the go-to destination.Check Delaware Thrive’s events page for the latest happenings in Delaware’s beach communities!

When people think of great places to start a business, Delaware’s corporate-friendly reputation precedes it. But beyond the Fortune 500 incorporations, the First State is quietly becoming one of the best places in the country for small business owners too.No Sales Tax – Delaware is one of only five states with no sales tax. For retailers and service providers, this means customers get more value and your business gets a competitive edge.Strategic Location – Sitting between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., Delaware offers easy access to major metro markets. You are within a two-hour drive of 25% of the U.S. population.State-Level Support – Programs like the EDGE Grant Competition with up to $750K available show Delaware’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed.Affordable Cost of Living – Compared to nearby metros, Delaware offers significantly lower costs for commercial real estate, housing, and everyday expenses.Tight-Knit Business Community – Delaware’s size is its strength. Chambers of commerce, business associations, and platforms like Delaware Thrive connect you with the people who matter.Ready to grow your business in Delaware? List your business on Delaware Thrive and connect with the local community today.

Summer in Greater Wilmington is packed with festivals celebrating food, music, culture, and community. Here is your guide to the must-attend festivals this season.Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (August 2-8)The 39th annual festival honoring Wilmington’s legendary trumpeter brings free world-class jazz to downtown for an entire week. This is the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast.Holy Trinity Greek FestivalSavor authentic Greek cuisine, watch traditional folk dancing, and browse imported goods at this beloved community celebration of Hellenic culture.St. Anthony’s Italian FestivalOne of the longest-running Italian festivals in the country, featuring homemade pasta, live entertainment, carnival rides, and that unmistakable aroma of sausage and peppers.Best of Delaware PartyDelaware Today’s annual celebration of the state’s finest restaurants, businesses, and people. The party of the summer.Whether you are a lifelong Delawarean or just visiting, these festivals showcase why Greater Wilmington is one of the best places to spend your summer!