Economic Development Week is Upon Us! From May 6th - May 10th, Join the Wilmington Office of Economic Development in Celebrating Wilmington’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

In 2016, the International Economic Development Council established Economic Development Week (EDW) to celebrate the importance of economic development initiatives, professionals  and organizations in fostering economic vitality both at a local and a global scale. From May 6 to May 10 this year, we honor the economic development catalysts that help Wilmington, Delaware – its people and businesses– thrive.

Wilmington offers fertile ground for entrepreneurs and businesses to grow. And economic development has played a crucial role in its sustained growth and prosperity. The actions and initiatives of economic development organizations involve everything from attracting new enterprises to bolstering existing ones, generating fresh job opportunities and fostering our community's overall well-being.

"Economic development efforts are the foundational force that keeps a community thriving," says Peter Weir, Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Wilmington, DE. "Everything we do aims to provide unwavering support to businesses and the community in Wilmington."

Understanding the Role of the Wilmington Office of Economic Development

Economic development is crucial in enhancing Wilmington, DE's economic well-being, wealth, and overall quality of life. At its core, economic development involves various activities to attract, create, and retain jobs to foster a resilient and growing economy. This collaborative effort requires close coordination between businesses, government entities, and various community stakeholders to achieve sustainable success.

The Wilmington Office of Economic Development dedicates itself to supporting businesses in Wilmington, DE. Our services include:

• Business Retention & Expansion (BRE): Support existing businesses to thrive and expand, creating jobs through infrastructure improvements and resource access.
• Marketing & Attraction: Develop and execute campaigns to attract businesses and talent, showcasing community strengths to internal and external audiences.
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development: Support small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to capital, space, and technical assistance.
• Real Estate Development: Engage in projects like industrial parks and incubators to stimulate economic growth.
• Incentives: Help businesses access financial services and incentive programs for growth and expansion.
• Workforce Development: Collaborate with agencies to ensure a skilled talent pool, understanding and addressing company workforce needs.

Driving Economic Development in Wilmington

The Wilmington Office of Economic Development provides a comprehensive suite of services and incentives to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing companies in the city. It offers customized solutions, financial assistance programs, tax exemptions, and property incentives to reduce the cost of doing business in the area. The office also actively promotes Wilmington’s strategic location, skilled workforce, strong sectors and growing tech industry. With a focus on connecting and empowering businesses and entrepreneurs, the Wilmington Office of Economic Development also facilitates access to resources like small business assistance programs, startup incubators, co-working spaces, entrepreneurship education and networking events.

Collaborating for Wilmington’s Business Growth and Development

With its supportive, business-friendly approach, the Wilmington economic development team creates an attractive environment for companies of all sizes to thrive and contribute to the city’s economic vitality. As Economic Development Week unfolds, we recognize the dedication of our economic development professionals and community leaders, who work hard to foster economic growth and enhance our community’s well-being. Join us as we honor their contribution to our community and learn more about how economic development helps Wilmington thrive.

To learn more about how The Wilmington Office of Economic Development can support your business or to get involved in our economic development initiatives, visit https://www.choosewilmingtonde.org or contact us at (302) 576-2120.