Small Business Support Center
The city of Wilmington and the Division for Small Business encourages small business growth and expansion by offering small business assistance programs. Within the community there are also incubators and co-working spaces that include The Mill, Win Factory, Newcastle Chamber Incubator and shared services, business counseling, and startup events with the University of Delaware Program of Entrepreneurism. Much effort is given in the form of education as well as government programs.
Business Licenses
To operate within the City limits for the City of Wilmington Business owners must not only have a State business license but also they must obtain a city business license as well. If a business plans to bid for projects through the City of Wilmington’s procurement division and/or do business with the City of Wilmington they will need to complete a Vendor application.
City of Wilmington Vendor Application
Contact: Division of Procurement and Records
Phone: (302) 576-2423
Email: procurement@WilmingtonDE.gov
City of Wilmington Business License Application
Contact: Wage/Business License Division
Phone: (302) 576-2415
State of Delaware One Stop Business Registration and Licensing System
Contact: State of Delaware Division of Revenue
Phone: (302) 577-8778
Email: bustax@state.de.us
Commercial Parking Permit
Commercial Services Parking Permit Application
A Commercial Services Parking Permit may be issued by the City of Wilmington to a business, company, or corporation that operates within the city.
This permit authorizes the permit holder to be exempt from posted time limits such as 1-hour and 2-hour parking. The permit holder may also park in loading zones for up to 2 hours instead of the typical 1 hour limit.
The permit is not valid at parking meters. If a permit holder parks at a meter during posted hours of enforcement, payment will be required and the posted time limits must be observed.
The permit fee is $250 per vehicle for a full calendar year, but htis fe may also be pro-rated based on the month a permit is issued. See below.
Permit Fee (per vehicle)
| Month of Purchase | Fee |
|---|---|
| January | $250.00 |
| February | $229.17 |
| March | $208.33 |
| April | $187.50 |
| May | $166.67 |
| June | $145.83 |
| July | $125.00 |
| August | $104.17 |
| September | $88.33 |
| October | $62.50 |
| November | $41.67 |
| December | $20.83 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my permit expire?
All Commercial Services Parking Permits expire at the end of the calendar year; they do not automatically renew the next year.
How many permits may I obtain?
There is currently no limit on the number of permits a company may obtain. One application must be completed per vehicle. If all vehicles are registered to the same entity, a list of vehicles may be attached to the application. The permit fee applies to each vehicle for which an application is submitted.
How will I know when my permit has been approved?
If your permit is approved, you will be contacted via the information on your application. If your application is denied, you will be contacted via the information on your application and you will be given three business days to rectify the deficiency at which point we can proceed with processing your application. After three business days, you will be sent a letter indicating why your application was denied and a contact number to call for details.
The application indicates that all outstanding debt must be paid prior to applying for a permit. What are examples of outstanding debt?
Examples of outstanding debt include, but are not limited to:
- Parking citations
- Red light violations
- Real estate (property) taxes
- Licenses & Inspection fees
- Real Estate & Housing debts
Where do I place the permit?
Place the permit on the right rear bumper or the lower right rear window.
Small and Minority Businesses
Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration at www.sba.gov for small business resources.
Visit the Minority Business Development Agency at www.mbda.gov for information about the creation, growth and expansion of minority-owned businesses.
Tax Assistance
Visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Small and Disadvantaged Busness Utilization website for helpful resources.
Commercial and Residential/Mixed Use Property Tax Abatement Maps
Property Tax Incentive Exemption Application
Contact: Division of Revenue
Phone: (302) 571-4320
Entrepreneurial Support Network
White House Conference on Small Business
Small and Homebased Business Resources