Governor Matt Meyer signed the Delaware Local Business Protection Act into law, establishing new measures to support small and locally owned businesses.

Key provisions: a 5% Local Business Preference on state contracts under $500,000; Commercial Rent Stabilization requiring 90 days notice for rent increases exceeding 10%; a $3 million Small Business Legal Defense Fund providing free or reduced-cost legal representation; and a ‘Delaware Local’ certification for businesses headquartered in-state with 50%+ in-state employees.

The bill passed with bipartisan support. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce praised it as ‘a meaningful step toward leveling the playing field for local entrepreneurs.’

Businesses can apply for certification at business.delaware.gov starting September 1.

Shani Watkins, founder of GreenCycle Delaware, has been awarded the 2026 Delaware Small Business Innovation Award and its $50,000 grant from the Delaware Division of Small Business.

GreenCycle provides commercial composting services to restaurants, hotels, and event venues across Kent and Sussex Counties. Since 2024, they’ve diverted over 800 tons of food waste from landfills, partnered with 45 commercial clients, and created 12 full-time jobs in Dover.

The grant will fund two additional collection trucks and expansion into New Castle County by October. ‘Shani represents exactly the kind of innovation Delaware needs — profitable, environmentally responsible, and creating local jobs,’ said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock.