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Starting a Small Business in Delaware

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Delaware Franchise Directory! Here, you’ll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in The First State. If you’re considering starting a small business in Delaware, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Delaware Franchise Search Tool.

Delaware Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Delaware economy’s most significant industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Credit Card Issuing (Revenue: $13.7 billion)
Commercial Banking (Revenue: $12.4 billion)
Drug, Cosmetic & Toiletry Wholesaling (Revenue: $10.1 billion)
Hospitals (Revenue: $5.4 billion)
Meat, Beef & Poultry Processing (Revenue: $4.1 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $3.9 billion)
Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue: $3.8 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $2.6 billion)
Real Estate Loans & Collateralized Debt (Revenue: $2.5 billion)
E-commerce & Online Auctions (Revenue: $2.4 billion)

Delaware Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Delaware, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and creating more jobs.

The three sectors contributing most to Delaware’s GDP in 2022 were Finance & Insurance; Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; and Manufacturing. Combined, these three sectors represented 54.7% of the state’s GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Delaware’s GDP included:

Finance & Insurance (Value: $15.2 billion* | Annual growth: 0.9%)
Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing (Value: $12.4 billion* | Annual growth: 3.9%)
Manufacturing (Value: $5.0 billion* | Annual growth: 1.6%)
Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $5.0 billion* | Annual growth: 0.7%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $4.4 billion* | Annual growth: 1.4%)
Retail Trade (Value: $2.6 billion* | Annual growth: -0.5%)
Management of Companies and Enterprises (Value: $2.1 billion* | Annual growth: 6.4%)
Construction (Value: $2.1 billion* | Annual growth: 1.4%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $1.9 billion* | Annual growth: 5.6%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $1.8 billion* | Annual growth: 1.8%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $1.2 billion* | Annual growth: 4.9%)
Information (Value: $1.2 billion* | Annual growth: 2.1%)
Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $1.2 billion* | Annual growth: 3.5%)
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (Value: $835 million | Annual growth: 5.7%)
Utilities (Value: $832 million | Annual growth: -3.9%)

*Approximately

Delaware Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. Doing so lets you decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Delaware included:

New Castle (Population: 564,800 | Annual growth rate*: 0.3%)
Sussex (Population: 253,700| Annual growth rate*: 2.5%)
Kent (Population: 188,100 | Annual growth rate*: 1.2%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Delaware Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Delaware economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The First State! Starting a small business in Delaware is an exciting journey, and we know you’re probably eager to start. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you’ll always have the “opportunity” to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called “Franchise Opportunities,” and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Delaware below!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

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WetFuel

WetFuel delivers on-site fuel services that keep fleets movingpower a scalable business built on convenience and demand. Learn more now

$150,000 Min Cash Required

CartCapital - Subscription Based E-Commerce Store

Did you know you could partner with a company to build out your entire e-commerce store, from product research to inventory acquisition to marketing? Yep You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income when we build your e-commerce empire and money-making machine from the ground up All it takes is an upfront investment, and our team will do the rest. By this time next year, you could be sitting on a 7 figure empire. Learn more now

$30,000 Min Cash Required

NTV360

NTV 360 presents a turnkey digital advertising franchise opportunity that delivers a high-margin, recurring revenue model. NTV 360's model allows entrepreneurs to place indoor digital billboards in high-traffic venues, such as restaurants, gyms, and medical offices, at no cost to the business owner. Franchisees generate revenue by selling ad placements to local businesses, tapping into a proven advertising model that requires no employees, inventory, or storefront.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

The Ecom Direct

We will build, manage, & scale a 100 done-for-you Amazon FBA E-Commerce business. Giving you truly hands-free passive income. Our company utilizes partnerships with established brands, & exclusive pricing with our vetted wholesale suppliers. We leverage an in-house team of digital marketing analysts to find, acquire, and sell inventory. You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income while we build your e-commerce Amazon business.

$25,000 Min Cash Required

Mattress By Appointment

Get started for as little as 19,000. Make an investment in your future. No franchise fees, setup fees or training costs. 100 of your investment goes to your business.Do you need work that can fit around your family commitments? As a dealer with Mattress By Appointment, you work independently and create your own schedule.

$19,000 Min Cash Required

SiteSwan

Start your own web design business with SiteSwan. Create & sell websites to small businesses in your area with our easy-to-use, private label website builder. Set your own prices - keep 100 of the sales. Our turnkey platform is designed for anyone looking to sell websites to small businesses - no experience needed.

Starting a Small Business in Delaware