Doing Business Here

Downtown Dover is growing — and now is the time to be part of it. Explore why investing here makes sense, see current initiatives, tap into incentives, and connect with the partners who can help you open, expand, or relocate downtown.

Consider Downtown Dover

New business start-ups can happen more easily and quickly in Dover. Why? Every place you need to register and license your business is practically within walking distance of downtown.

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Why Do Business Here?

Downtown Dover is positioned for growth and ready for investment. Here are four of the most compelling reasons to consider doing business here today:

A clear plan & momentum. Capital City 2030 outlines a multi-year transformation, including new housing, commercial space, mobility, and greenways—providing investors with a roadmap and confidence.
Active public investment. The plan has been catalyzed by significant state funding to jump-start key mixed-use and transportation projects.
Targeted incentives. Projects in Dover’s Downtown Development District can qualify for a state grant rebate of up to 20% of eligible construction costs (paid at completion).
Visible projects in motion. From the Mobility Center to a sequence of “critical improvements,” near-term wins are designed to keep progress visible and steady.

In addition to these key advantages, there are many more reasons why businesses choose Downtown Dover. From location and lifestyle to community spirit and customer base, here are ten more ways our downtown stands out.

1. People & Community

Dover offers a welcoming atmosphere with strong civic pride and an entrepreneurial spirit that supports new and growing businesses.

2. Business-Friendly Environment

All licensing, registration, and incorporation services — including the Division of Corporations — are right here downtown.

3. Special Events in a Historic Setting

From community festivals and "WinterFest Downtown Dover" celebrations to NASCAR weekends, events fill the calendar in Dover’s historic, welcoming setting.

4. Future-Ready Infrastructure

High-speed internet and modern connectivity are available throughout downtown.

5. Arts & Entertainment

Cultural anchors like the Capitol Theater renovation and the Dover Art League are helping shape Dover as an arts and entertainment destination.

6. Visitor Attractions

With six museums, historic sites, archives, and a visitor’s center, downtown draws tourists year-round.

7. Diverse Customer Base

Downtown businesses attract a wide range of local shoppers, visitors, and regional customers.

8. Business Support

The Downtown Dover Partnership offers programs and guidance for start-ups, expansions, and established businesses.

9. Tax Free Shopping!

Enjoy the advantage of Delaware’s tax-free shopping — a strong draw for residents and visitors alike.

10. Great Location

Close to major Northeast cities and just an hour from Atlantic beaches, Dover serves a regional market of 230,000+ people and is easily accessible from all directions.

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Small Business Workshops

Open for Business – Kent County – Are you in business, starting a business, or expanding into downtown Dover? The first step is to have a solid plan and know where to find support.

Open for Business is a free monthly session designed to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with the organizations, agencies, and resource partners who can help them succeed. Whether you’re launching or growing, this one-stop shop provides direct access to guidance, resources, and networking opportunities.

When: First Thursday of each month (except July)
Where: Kent County Levy Court Building, Room 220, 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Walk-ins are welcome!

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Resource Partners

Kent County Tourism

Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC)

Kent Economic Partnership, Inc.

Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)

Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP)

Delaware Technical Community College

Government Support Services (GSS) – Contracting Unit

Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD)

True Access Capital

U.S. Small Business Administration

Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED)

Delaware Division of Small Business

DE Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Downtown Development District (DDD) Grant Program

SCORE Delaware

University of Delaware Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships

USDA Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs

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Incentives & Grants

Downtown Dover offers a range of incentives and grant programs to support investment, expansion, and property improvement. Explore the options below and see which ones may apply to your project.

Downtown Development District (DDD)

In January 2015, Dover was designated as one of Delaware’s first Downtown Development Districts. Projects in this district may qualify for:

State Rebates – Up to 20% of construction costs for qualifying projects over $25,000 (rebate awarded after completion).
Kent County Match – Levy Court matches up to $10,000 for each awarded DDD grant.
City Incentives – Dover offers permit, impact fee, and utility incentives.
DDP Incentives – Façade grants and architectural support (budget permitting, priority for Loockerman Street and nearby areas).

Click Here for More Info about DDD on the State of Delaware Website

Program Overviews and Applications:

DDD Documents

Historic Tax Credit Documents

Historic Tax Credit Application (PDF)

DDP Façade Grant

Funds for Façade Improvement and Architectural Grant Funds are available, budget-permitting, and prioritized for Loockerman Street and streets closely adjacent to Loockerman. Please call the DDP office at 302-678-2940 to find out if funds are available.

DDP Architectural Grant

Critical Improvements Grant Program

Launched in 2022 with funding from the Delaware Community Reinvestment Fund (plus DDP and property owner contributions), this program helps bring Dover’s commercial building stock up to modern standards.

Priority funding areas include:

Life-safety upgrades
ADA compliance improvements
Preparing spaces for commercial kitchens
Improvements that lead directly to new leases and occupied storefronts

The second round of applications opened in December 2023 to support additional projects.

Questions about the Pre-Application process may be directed to DoverImprovements@gmail.com or by calling the Downtown Dover Partnership at (302) 678-2940.

Retention/Expansion Assistance Program (REAP)

The Business Retention/Expansion Assistance Program (REAP) offers mini-grants of up to $2,000 (budget permitting) for qualified downtown Dover business owners operating in a brick-and-mortar, non-residential location within the Central Business District.

REAP is designed to help businesses:

Expand square footage or product lines
Relocate within the district
Open additional business locations
Stabilize operations when a clear case is made for long-term success

Important Notes:

Awards are made at the discretion of DDP’s Economic Vitality Committee and/or Economic Development Funding Review Committee.
DDP may waive or permit variations to program guidelines.
Applicants must complete advisement or technical assistance through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or another approved training provider.
Funds are disbursed only after this training/advisement is completed.

Download REAP Application Here (PDF)