State & Local News
Delaware Lt. Governor Engages Small Businesses
March 23, 2026
Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay convened discussions with nearly 100 small business leaders statewide to identify collaboration opportunities and address challenges including funding, workforce development, and regulatory barriers. Partnering with local chambers of commerce such as the Bethany-Fenwick Area, Central Delaware, and New Castle County Chambers, these roundtables aim to strengthen support mechanisms for small businesses and enhance economic growth across Delaware.
- Why this matters: Procurement professionals should note the state's focus on small business engagement and potential policy or program developments that could impact contracting opportunities and resource allocation.
- The involvement of multiple chambers indicates a coordinated approach to addressing small business needs, which may influence future procurement outreach and supplier diversity initiatives.
- Businesses and contractors can anticipate increased state efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and expand workforce support, potentially affecting contract requirements and vendor qualifications.
- Organizations should consider building relationships with Delaware's small business networks and government contacts to align with emerging state priorities and partnership opportunities.
Relationships are the Delaware Way. Every time we take the time to sit with our neighbors to discuss work and life challenges, whether over coffee, in a board room, at the beach, or in the Capitol, we are able to create meaningful solutions. Like a car that cannot operate without a driver and engine, Delaware cannot thrive if government leaders and small business owners do not collaborate with each other. We are grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Lt. Governor Gay and look forward to more conversations as we build towards progress together.
— Lauren Weaver, Executive Director, Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce
Delaware’s strong business community is connected by a shared commitment to serve their neighbors well, but they can only do so much on their own. The challenges that they currently face at the county, state, and national level demand the attention and influence of someone in authority. This is why the conversation with Lt. Governor Gay was a great step in fostering relationships that can and, I believe will expand opportunities not just for Kent County business leaders, but for all Delawareans.
— Dr. Dina Carol Vendetti, President, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware’s small businesses serve communities across our state, and their commitment to invest in the First State should not go unnoticed. Through these roundtables I learned more about how the State can better support our small business owners. Across counties and sectors, there is much to celebrate, but certain barriers to success demonstrate that there is still much to be done. We will build from these conversations — connecting partners, expanding resources, and creating solutions to enhance the small business experience and ultimately drive Delaware forward.
— Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay
Agencies
Office of the Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce