New Castle, DE – New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced a $5 million competitive grant program funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act today. This grant program was developed by New Castle County’s CARES Act: Support Small Business Committee (SSB). The SSB spent July researching ideas to problem solve and support business recovery. The grant seeks to fund solutions to COVID-19 problems and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Examples of competitive proposals include unique ideas to contract trace positive cases, commercial cleaning technology and solving problems stemming from the coronavirus. Groups encouraged to apply include small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, health and science organizations. Entities must be based in New Castle County. Funding will be disbursed to the highest scoring proposals for the implementation of their idea.
"This horrific disruption to our community, to our health and safety and to our economy also creates opportunities to innovate, to redefine our community." said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “This grant is a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs, scientists and social entrepreneurs to create an exciting new future for Delawareans."
Innovators interested in this funding opportunity should visit caresact.nccde.org for more information.
“The Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been committed to driving innovation and economic impact for over 35 years,” said Denita L. Henderson, Associate State Director of the SBDC. “I was most pleased to expand our collaborative working relationship with Director Morris-Foulkes and the New Castle County Economic Development Office by supporting the development and deployment of the Innovation Grant program. Programs like this underscore the importance of our shared goal of advancing entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the County, the State, and the Delaware Valley Region. I am looking forward to watching the program unfold and witnessing the positive impact it will have on the innovation community and local economy.”
The New Castle County’s CARES Act: Support Small Business Committee launched on July 1, 2020. The New Castle County Director of Economic Development, Tamarra Foulkes co-chaired the committee. The committee members include: Co-chair Lee Mikles, Denita Henderson, Damian DeStefano, Kurt Foreman, Patrick Callahan, Desa Burton, Matt Parks, Rob Herrera, Nakishia Bailey, Jason Aviles, Ed Capodano, Jeff Flynn, DaWayne Sims, Thomas Coleman, Mike Quaranta, Kwame Guy, Councilman John Cartier, Councilman Tim Sheldon, Givvel Marrero and Jessica Gibson Brokenbaugh.
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