eNTREPRENEUR
& SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Wilmington Alliance collaborates with multiple partners to support entrepreneurs in the city and reduce barriers many underserved small business owners face on their path to success. In 2024, we completed the last year of the National League of Cities’ City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Network (NLC CIE). Wilmington Alliance was the lead agency responsible for working with the City of Wilmington administration and other partners to execute the work related to the implementation of milestones outlined by NLC CIE. To continue with the strategies learned through this four-year participation, Wilmington Alliance is an affiliate of the Kauffman Foundation, bringing their nationally recognized FastTrac entrepreneurial training program to Delaware.
In partnership with Riverfront Ministries, we opened the first commissary kitchen in Wilmington in January 2022. There are now four locations in Wilmington that address the needs of culinary businesses. Culinary entrepreneurs are provided with a low-cost, commercial kitchen for use. Members work to move from informal to formal businesses and are guided through all certifications, as we help to remove the financial barriers by covering the initial costs of licensures and permits. Members also receive training, access to workshops, and opportunities to apply for direct financial support that allows them to expand and grow, while working with our community partners to develop business plans. Using knowledge and experience gained through Wilmington Kitchen Collective, we are working to create an affiliate network to impact more culinary entrepreneurs in different cities and states.
Started during the pandemic in 2020 as a “shop local” campaign and online small business directory, WilmingtonMADE has grown to assist local entrepreneurs through training, individualized coaching, business development, and backend support services. Approved business owners are matched with contracted vendors to provide these services, free of charge. Wilmington Alliance also hosts monthly learning opportunities and workshops, where local entrepreneurs can receive training from paid subject matter experts. These professional services can lead to business stability and growth and improve operations while increasing customer engagement.