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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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Lawn Pride

Lawn Pride, a Neighborly company, is a rapidly growing lawn care services franchise. With us, your path to business ownership can experience greener pastures

$50,000 Min Cash Required

Cooper's Scoopers

Ready for a rewarding new opportunity? Coopers Scoopers is growing nationwide Take control of your schedule, be your own boss, and make a difference in the lives of pet owners. Were here to guide you every step of the way

$40,000 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. Request more information now

$30,000 Min Cash Required

PostalAnnex

Today's busy lifestyles demand the services PostalAnnex offers. Capitalize on this demand and open your own business After retiring from the printing business PostalAnnex founder Jack Lentz began working out of his home as a business consultant. He soon realized the need for mailing faxing copying shipping and other services to belong under one roof. As a result he created the first PostalAnnex store business franchise located next door to a post office in the University City neighborhood of San Diego CA. Our franchises serve a growing customer base of small and home-based businesses that lacks the resources our stores offer. Today's hectic lifestyle requires a one-stop service center for businesses that don't have an administrative assistant to take care of those daily errands. Saving our consumers time is what keeps them coming back. By being a local neighborhood business

$70,000 Min Cash Required

Insulation Commandos

Now is the time to seize the advantages of the insulation industry. By becoming a part of Insulation Commandos, you're not just entering a market you're joining a movement. Step into an industry that empowers you to make a difference while securing your financial future.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Mr. Electric

Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading residential and commercial electrical services franchise. With us, business ownership is shockingly simple

Starting a Small Business in Delaware