Calling All Kent County and Sussex County Entrepreneurs

    DOVER, DE, August 02, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF) is now accepting applications from Kent County and Sussex County entrepreneurs for their Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (E3).

PDFF can expand their entrepreneurial support to small business owners and continue to grow the ecosystem in lower Delaware thanks to a $200,000 grant from anchor funder Barclays and a $100,000 grant from Bank of America.

Through E3, statewide leaders come together to vet, incubate, and accelerate Delaware small businesses, with an emphasis on supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs eager to boost their business growth are encouraged to apply.

Those selected will receive technical support within the five key entrepreneurial lifecycle focus areas:

1. Coaching and Business Planning
2. Marketing and Promotion
3. Information Technology and Infrastructure
4. Space Planning and Design
5. Access to Funding Sources

The open application cycle in Kent County and Sussex County follows the success of the application cycle in New Castle County this past May. In New Castle County, seven small businesses were selected for the first phase of E3 and are eligible to receive professional services valued up to $10,000 each.

Applications for the next Kent County and Sussex County cohorts can be submitted through August 11, 2021. An informational webinar will be held on August 5, 2021 from 11:00-12:00 pm for anyone who may have additional questions about E3, the process, or the application. A Regional Council composed of PDFF Board Members, regional leaders, funders, and successful minority business owners will review the applications.

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.

To access the E3 application, register for the information session, or to learn about becoming an E3 partner, visit www.petedupontfreedomfoundation.org.

Subscribe to the PDFF e-newsletter to receive announcements regarding E3 entrepreneurship activity in Delaware.

About the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation:
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring to life bold and innovative ideas that create jobs and make Delaware a better place to live, work and raise a family. The Foundation is committed to carrying out the legacy of the late former Governor Pete du Pont by focusing on the opportunities for success in Delaware. To learn more, visit www.petedupontfreedomfoundation.org.

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