Page 109 - Innovation Delaware 2021

FINANCING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Whether you’re hoping to invest in Delaware, start a business or grow
an existing business in the state, Delaware’s solid network of funders, contractors and economic-development organizations can help.
ANGEL VENTURE FAIR
www.angelventurefair.com
Marc Kramer mkramer@angelventurefair.com
This annual conference is the largest gathering of angel investors and entrepreneurs in the Mid-Atlantic region.
BIOADVANCE
www.bioadvance.com
Barbara Schilberg
610-230-0544
BioAdvance works with entrepreneurs to build strong bioscience companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.
DELAWARE.MONEY
www.delaware.money
This site aggregates information about the wealth of financial resources available in Delaware, allowing users to search for the agency that best fits their financing needs.
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DIVISION OF SMALL BUSINESS (DSB) business.delaware.gov
Joe Zilcosky business@delaware.gov 302-739-4271
This state agency connects small businesses and entrepreneurs with resources to help them start, grow and succeed. It also works to attract new businesses to Delaware and help them
get established here. Incentive programs administered by DSB include EDGE Grants, the Delaware Technical Innovation Program, the Angel Investor Tax Credit and the R&D Tax Credit.
DELAWARE PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP
www.choosedelaware.com
Kurt Foreman innovate@choosedelaware.com 302-310-4292
This public-private partnership leads economic-development efforts for the state, tapping into private-sector expertise along with state resources.
DELAWARE PTAC (PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER) www.delawareptac.org
Dr. Walt Blaney info@delawareptac.org 302-831-0780
PTAC connects businesses with the information and resources they need to navigate the complex government- contracting process. Its services are provided at little or no charge.
DELBIZ ON MAIN
www.delawaremainstreet.com
Patricia Cannon patricia.cannon@delaware.gov 302-577-8485
DelBiz on Main is part of the Delaware Division of Small Business and a Main Street America Coordinating Program. It focuses on helping businesses
take advantage of opportunities for revitalization and development in Delaware’s towns and cities.
EXPORT DELAWARE
export.delaware.gov
Beth Pomper
export@delaware.gov
302-577-8464
Export Delaware provides First State companies with the resources they need to expand into overseas markets. That includes organizing overseas trips to meet potential customers.
FINANTA
www.finanta.org
Daniel Betancourt finanta@finanta.org 267-236-7000
This nonprofit, community-based lender provides funding up to $50,000 to businesses in all three Delaware counties.
FIRST STATE INNOVATION
www.firststateinnovation.org
Ernie Dianastasis info@firststateinnovation.org 302-690-1260
First State Innovation focuses
on increasing Delaware’s entrepreneurial capacity by helping tech-based and early- stage businesses find seed capital, alternative funding, skilled staff and other resources.
DESCA: A Major Catalyst in the Innovation Ecosystem www.desustainablechem.org
DESCA was formed in 2010 to enable Delaware to become a globally recognized center of excellence in the chemical sciences by building upon the state’s strong existing foundation of chemistry and materials
science within the region.
Between 2010 and 2019, DESCA began to drive its mission through its Innovation 2 Invoice (I2I) Programming, gradually evolving along
the way as it uncovered regional opportunities. Today, DESCA’s focus areas include:
• Acting as a major catalyst in the innovation ecosystem by helping early-stage startups focus their energies on viable technology applications and collaborative partnerships with strategic partners and investors.
• Driving the conversation around the adoption of digital technologies in the chemistry,
DORA CHEATHAM
biochemistry, agriculture, animal health and nutrition industries, which will be a key driver in sustainability for the future. Specifically, this means bringing together the science industry with the technology industry so that each can understand the core competencies and needs of the other to build a better end solution, and attracting new investors and investment models to the area.
•Harmonizing the development of talent with the validated needs of the industry largely at the post-graduate level.
Since its inception, DESCA has reached over 300 individuals through
its programs geared to university students, and worked with over 35 startups
through its programs, enabling them to refine their technology focus, access mentors, develop advisory boards and/or present at DESCA’s Annual Investor Forum.
“The innovation landscape is changing in our region, and our goal is to convene and connect the various stakeholders — the talent, the startups, the strategics — at the right time to accelerate innovation and economic development,” says Executive Director DORA CHEATHAM.
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