Following a successful pilot, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, in partnership with Wilmington Alliance, is accepting applications for the next round of entrepreneurs in New Castle County, through the Foundation’s Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (E3), supported by Barclays. Entrepreneurs eager to take their business to the next level can apply to receive support and financial resources towards their business growth.
E3, launched in March of 2020, was designed to create an equitable landscape for all businesses to succeed. In the E3 pilot, three small businesses, NERDiT Now, Kpelle Designs, and Spekciton Biosciences, were selected to receive customized business coaching along with a comprehensive wrap around service plan to accelerate their business.
E3 enables entrepreneurs to engage with experienced, knowledgeable experts from public and private sectors to help build and boost their businesses. Through E3, statewide leaders come together to vet, incubate, and accelerate Delaware small businesses, with an emphasis on supporting Black and brown business owners.
Those selected will receive support within the five key entrepreneurial lifecycle focus areas:
- Coaching and Business Planning
- Marketing and Promotion
- Information Technology and Infrastructure
- Space Planning and Design
- Access to Funding Sources
Applications for the next New Castle County cohort will be accepted from May 1, 2021 through May 14, 2021. An informational webinar will be held on May 10, 2021 from 12:00-1:00 pm for anyone who may have additional questions. Click Here to register for the webinar. Applications will be reviewed by a Statewide Advisory Committee composed of PDFF Board Members, regional leaders, funders, and successful minority business owners. Those selected will be notified by May 30, 2021.
CLICK HERE to access the E3 application for New Castle County Entrepreneurs
Additionally, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation is actively recruiting entrepreneurial service providers, consultants, and vendors to join our network. These vendors will have the opportunity to work with E3 entrepreneurs across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties, at various levels of support. Specialties must include at least one of the five key entrepreneurial focus areas. Click Here to apply, or contact Stephanie Johnnie at [email protected] to learn more.
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