For Delaware businesses
Start or grow a business in Delaware
Official places to start, register and get help with a small business in Delaware. This is general information, not legal or tax advice, and rules and programs change, so check each link before you act.
Start a business
- Form your entity with the Division of Corporations If you are forming an LLC, corporation or partnership, you file formation documents with the Delaware Division of Corporations online or by mail. A sole proprietor does not file here.
- Name a registered agent Delaware law requires every business entity to keep a registered agent with a street address and office in Delaware, open during business hours to accept legal papers. The agent must agree to the appointment before you file.
- Get an EIN from the IRS An Employer Identification Number is your federal tax ID. It is free from the IRS and most applicants can get one online in minutes. Never pay a website for one.
- Get a Delaware business license Anyone doing business in Delaware needs a state business license from the Division of Revenue when business begins. Delaware has no sales tax, but most businesses owe gross receipts tax.
- Register through Delaware One Stop One Stop is the state portal for applying for your business license. It can also register you with other state agencies at the same time.
- Check city and county rules Some cities, including Wilmington, require their own business license on top of the state license. The counties handle zoning and use permits. See Local government offices below.
Using a virtual office or business address
- What a business address is for A business address gives you a street address for mail, your website, listings and client meetings, and can keep your home address off public materials. It does not replace any state or local filing.
- Registered agent vs mailing address Your registered agent must have a physical Delaware street address and be open during business hours to accept service of process. A mailing address or mail service alone does not meet this. You can use one of the agents on the state's list, or act as your own agent if your business is physically located in Delaware.
- Local license location rules The City of Wilmington business license application asks for the actual physical location of the business and does not accept a P.O. box. Ask the local office whether your planned address meets its rules before you apply.
Local government offices
- City of Wilmington Businesses inside Wilmington city limits need a city business license in addition to the state license. Applicants attach a copy of their current Delaware business license.
- New Castle County Department of Land Use Handles zoning, permits and certificates of use in unincorporated New Castle County. Contact it before opening in a new space or changing how a space is used. Phone (302) 395-5400.
- Kent County Planning Services Kent County Levy Court's Planning Services handles zoning questions, site plans and home business permits outside incorporated towns. Phone 302-744-2471.
- Sussex County Planning and Zoning Handles zoning and land use in unincorporated Sussex County. Towns such as Georgetown have their own planning offices.
Free help
- Delaware Small Business Development Center Free one-on-one consulting and training for new and existing businesses, hosted by the University of Delaware.
- SCORE Delaware Free, confidential mentoring from volunteer business owners and executives, plus workshops. Based in Wilmington and serving the whole state.
- SBA Delaware District Office The U.S. Small Business Administration office for Delaware. It can point you to SBA loans, counseling and contracting programs.
- Delaware Division of Small Business State office whose business managers connect owners with resources, funding and programs, including the EDGE grants. Offices in Dover and Wilmington.
- Delaware Prosperity Partnership The state's economic development organization. Most useful for growing companies looking at sites, incentives and expansion.
Grants and loans
- SBA 7(a) loans The SBA's main loan program, made through banks and other lenders. It can cover working capital, equipment, real estate and buying a business, up to $5 million. Terms change, so check the program page.
- SBA 504 loans Long-term, fixed-rate loans for major fixed assets such as buildings and long-lived equipment, made through Certified Development Companies with a bank.
- SBA microloans Loans up to $50,000 made by nonprofit, community-based lenders approved by the SBA.
- Delaware EDGE grants Competitive state matching grants for young Delaware businesses, with STEM and Entrepreneur tracks. Applications were closed when we checked. Watch the page for the next round.
Chambers of commerce
- Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Statewide business association for networking, events and advocacy.
- New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Chamber for Wilmington and the rest of New Castle County.
- Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Chamber for Dover and Kent County.
Last checked October 23, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. Something changed? Report a correction.
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