Delaware Pilot Makes Opening a Small Business Easier

State of DE - Opening a new business in Delaware could soon mean a lot less running around. On October 19, 2026, Governor Matt Meyer announced that the state has launched a new program that puts state permits, licenses, and pre-opening inspections into one coordinated process.

The program is called the Small Business Joint Inspection Pilot. It comes from Section 5 of Executive Order 21, which the governor signed to make state government easier for small business owners to work with.

In the past, people opening a new business often had to deal with several state agencies on their own. Each agency had its own website, its own application, and its own rules to figure out. The pilot brings all of that together in one place.

"Opening a small business takes courage and hard work. Navigating state government should not add to the challenge," said Governor Matt Meyer. "This pilot means fewer websites, fewer delays, and one clear path from an idea to an 'open for business' sign."

The Office of Small Business Access, known as OSBA, is running the pilot with the help of several state agencies. That office was also created by Executive Order 21 and is led by Director Anastasia Jackson.

Under the order, those agencies must put out a standard list of the most common types of new small-footprint businesses. Each business type will come with a plain-English checklist of what the state requires.

When someone registers a new business through Delaware One Stop, they will learn about OSBA's services. Taking part is up to them.

Owners who sign up register through ServiceNow. That system shows them exactly which permits, licenses, and applications they need, with a direct link to each one. It also alerts a contact person at each agency as soon as a new business signs up, so the agencies can plan ahead and work together on their reviews.

OSBA works with those agency contacts to sort out requirements and speed up approvals. Business owners can also set up meetings with agency contacts and reach local government officials to get answers or fix permit problems.

When it is time for inspections, OSBA helps owners and agencies line up the visits. The goal is fewer scheduling conflicts and fewer delays. Owners may also get contact information for local planning, zoning, and business licensing offices based on their business address.

Five state agencies are taking part. They are the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware State Fire Marshal, the Division of Public Health within Delaware Health and Social Services, and the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner.

The pilot is open to many kinds of businesses. Retail stores and markets, art galleries, hair salons, barbershops, and spas all qualify. So do non-franchise restaurants, bars, and taprooms, along with coffee shops and cafes.

Childcare facilities can take part too, including ones run out of a home. Fitness centers, furniture stores, ice cream shops, and laundromats are also eligible, as are small manufacturing, packaging, and distribution facilities owned by small businesses.

To qualify, the business must not be open yet, and the owner must need to complete applications with the participating state agencies. Owners will also need a my.delaware.gov account.

Not every business will need every application. Applications must be turned in by an authorized person, and each agency will review them before any inspections are scheduled.