WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) applauded Small Business Administration Secretary Maria Contreras-Sweet's announcement that Wilmington is one of 28 winners of the first ever Startup in a Day Competition totaling $1.6 million in cash prizes. Just last month, both Senators Carper and Coons hosted Secretary Contreras-Sweet for a walking tour of businesses in downtown Wilmington.

Startup in a Day is an initiative announced by the President earlier this year designed to help cities and Native American communities streamline the licensing, permitting, and other requirements needed to start a business in their areas, with the goal that an entrepreneur can apply for everything necessary to begin a business within one business day.

Wilmington was awarded one of 28 “Start Small” prizes that comes with a $50,000 award. These prizes were awarded to 25 cities and two Native American tribes in order to help these communities develop a streamlined, centralized business formation platform. 

When announcing Startup in a Day, President Obama stated: “I’m calling on city halls across the country to join the initial eleven mayors in a simple but powerful pledge to entrepreneurs and small business owners: If you want to start a business, we’ll make it so easy to navigate the license and permitting system online, that you’ll be off and running within 24 hours.”

“The Small Business Administration helps many businesses throughout Delaware benefit from the loans and services it provides. Last year alone, Delaware SBA lending closed at a record-breaking $58 million, so we know the SBA is doing something right,” said Sen. Carper. “SBA loan programs fund themselves through fees and points and do not require taxpayer subsidy, which is a win-win for businesses and taxpayers. Now, with its innovative approach to helping Delawareans start businesses like ‘Startup for a Day,’ the SBA is reaching out to even more people and helping drive the small business economy forward.”

“Businesses younger than five years old are a critical driver of our economy, creating the majority of our new jobs in recent years,” said Senator Chris Coons. “However, too many startups don’t have access to the resources or support they need to get off the ground. That’s why I’m thrilled Wilmington won the Startup in a Day grant from the Small Business Administration to help business just starting out build the foundation and fulfill the requirements needed to grow a successful small business that will contribute to Delaware's economy for years to come.”

“When I started my businesses, it was overwhelming,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. “I had to set up a legal structure, find office space, learn local zoning laws, apply for multiple licenses and permits, and navigate a maze of city, county, state and federal requirements before I could even open my doors. That’s why I’m proud to join the White House in announcing the winners of the Startup in a Day prize competition, as we work to make it easier than ever before to get started.”

SBA is conducting the Startup in a Day initiative in partnership with the National League of Cities (“NLC”), which represents thousands of municipal leaders around the country.  Following the awarding of the prizes, NLC will lead a cohort of winners to share best practices and build community around development and implementation of startup solutions. 

The SBA is announcing the winners of the Startup in a Day competition at the White House Demo Day today. The full list of winners is below. 

Cities are still encouraged to get involved by taking the Startup in a Day pledge.  Please visit www.sba.gov/startup for more details or e-mail startup@sba.gov to learn how to become involved.