Cornerstone West CDC announces next round of the West Side Small Business Innovation Grant for small businesses on the West Side of Wilmington
Wilmington small business owners with commercial spaces or looking to open commercial spaces on the West Side can apply
Wilmington, DE: Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation (CDC) is announcing the next round of its West Side Small Business Innovation Grant. In previous rounds, a total of 25 businesses were awarded between $1,000 and $10,000 to make minor repairs to their storefront, purchase new equipment, or open a new space in a commercial vacancy. Cornerstone has committed to reopening the application to provide this grant to another group of businesses this spring.
There are an estimated 300 small businesses on the West Side, with many located on Lincoln Street, Union Street, Fourth Street, and Lancaster Ave. Cornerstone aims to support and expand existing neighborhood businesses through grants and other resources, attract new businesses through entrepreneurship training, and increase customers through events and programming. Other resources are also available to local business owners, powered through operating partnerships with Wilmington Alliance, Launcher, and Kiva.
Since its inception, the West Side Small Business Innovation Grant recipients have received nearly $250,000. There have been four funding rounds so far, with an average amount of $7,900 awarded to businesses for improvements. This funding was made possible through funding from the City of Wilmington American Rescue Plan Act.
How to Apply: Business and property owners on the West Side of Wilmington or those interested in opening a commercial space in the West Side can review eligibility requirements and apply for the West Side Small Business Innovation Grant by visiting westsidegrows.org/small-businesses. Applications will be accepted through May 8th, 2024. There will be up to 10 awards granted with awardees being announced on May 22nd, 2024. Business owners can connect with Cornerstone on social media Instagram and Facebook or subscribe to the West Side Business District Newsletter to remain current for upcoming programs and events.
About Cornerstone West CDC: Cornerstone West CDC was established by a partnership between St. Francis Hospital and West End Neighborhood House in 1999, focusing primarily on housing development for low- to moderate-income families. Cornerstone West CDC develops housing that meets the needs of New Castle County’s low to moderate-income families and serves as a proactive catalyst for community revitalization in Wilmington’s West Side.
