Author: Delaware Prosperity Partnership

10 DE Companies Win Latest EDGE Grants

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10 Delaware Companies Win Latest EDGE Grants

Division of Small Business Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion awards have now provided more than $5M in funding to businesses statewide

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Small Business has recognized 10 small businesses as winners of the seventh round of the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) competition. Awardees in the latest round of the competition include a drone company in need of an indoor facility, a company developing a new product for next generation silicon solar cells and owners looking to bring a printing and artist co-working space to Kent County.

Governor John Carney, Deputy Secretary Kristopher Knight and Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell announced the companies at an event at Chase Field House in Wilmington, where Hx Innovations, one of this round’s winners in the STEM category, is located.

“The EDGE grant program helps small businesses get the ‘edge’ they need to expand and innovate by providing much-needed capital assistance that these businesses may not have access to otherwise,” said Governor Carney. “This program has been very successful over the last few years, and we look forward to seeing how these companies and business owners grow their businesses with their grants.”

“Small businesses in Delaware are job creators, innovators, help create economic diversity and reduce environmental impacts,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kristopher Knight. “The EDGE grants are driven by creativity and innovation – which is reflected by the diverse array of entrepreneurs and STEM-related businesses this round. With the help of the EDGE grants, we are fostering innovation with the necessary capital to help individuals start or expand their small business.”

Businesses that are less than seven years old and employ no more than 10 staff are eligible to apply for an EDGE grant. The grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. After thorough internal review, 16 finalists pitch their proposals to an outside expert panel of judges. From there, 10 companies are selected for awards. Five STEM-based companies each receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses each receive up to $50,000.

“The EDGE competition allows our Division to support small business owners in Delaware who are making significant scientific advancements, creating unique products and helping strengthen their local communities,” said Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell. “We are really pleased with the quality of applications received. For the next round, which will open September 1, we are working to increase the number of STEM applications we get, particularly from Kent and Sussex counties.”

EDGE is a matching grant program. The Division of Small Business matches a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis. The business can spend EDGE grant funds on expenses that help improve the company’s long-term chances of success, such as a marketing campaign to help acquire more customers or purchasing a needed piece of equipment that can increase production capacity.

Including this round, $5 million has been awarded to 80 promising Delaware small businesses since EDGE was first launched in 2019. Industries represented have ranged from wearable medical devices to farming to restaurants.

This is the seventh round of funding for the program. Approximately 130 businesses applied in March, and 16 finalists gave public presentations in May at Delaware State University. From those, the following recipients were selected:

Stem Class

Connect2Co Inc. (Wilmington)
Connect2Co is a cutting-edge business-to-business startup software tool that will revolutionize the digital workspace for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Its all-in-one platform seamlessly integrates external solutions, eliminating the need for toggling between various applications (For example, send an email with Gmail, download or share a document from Google Drive/Microsoft OneDrive, close an opportunity with Salesforce). The grant money enables Connect2Co to ramp up its initial operations by funding co-working space at The Mill in Wilmington, along with marketing and speeding the platform’s development timeline.

Doubly LLC (Middletown)
Doubly is a minority- and women-owned startup founded in 2023. Doubly is an innovative application that integrates seamlessly with enterprise messaging platforms like Teams and Slack to help boost productivity and connectedness as a result of remote work conditions. EDGE funding will be used to finalize the application’s development and conduct extensive user testing as well as hire software engineers and designers to expedite the application’s development.

TX Electromagnetic Materials LLC (Wilmington)
TX ElectroMagnetic Materials LLC is a science-driven company committed to advancing the development of cutting-edge electro and magnetic materials for the solar cell and semiconductor industries. The company is developing a new metallization silver paste specifically designed for future silicon solar cells. The EDGE Grant will be used to accelerate product development efforts, expand sales and marketing initiatives, develop product samples and successfully bring the product to market.

Hx Innovations (Wilmington)
Hx Innovations is a biomechanics testing and technology company with a patented assessment technique related to the stability and joint movement of the knee, ankle and foot. This led them to develop a neuromuscular predictive model for sports teams to help them create safe training regimens and recovery strategies for athletes. Hx Innovations is currently located in Chase Field House and is using its technology with athletic teams there. The EDGE funding will be used to expand the company’s presence at the Fieldhouse, build a more robust database for its platform and make the software for real-time injury monitoring mobile.

Leadership Excellence Academy for Nonprofits (Wilmington)
Leadership Excellence Academy for Nonprofits (LEAN) aims to make a transformational impact in the nonprofit sector. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, LEAN adopts a long-term approach to prioritize creating sustainable solutions. LEAN’s expertise helps nonprofits identify and address gaps in their operations, thereby making them more effective in achieving their goals. EDGE funding will be used to develop innovative app technology to provide a vehicle for encouraging next-gen donors to support nonprofits through giving.

Group photo of STEM Category EDGE Spring 2023 Winners

Spring 2023 EDGE Entrepreneur Category Winners

Entrepreneur Class

Droneversity LLC (Wilmington)
Droneversity hopes to revolutionize the aviation and STEM industries through comprehensive drone-related workforce development programs. A diverse range of offerings includes drone pilot ground and flight school for federal certification, STEMulation programs for hands-on education, international eSport drone soccer programs, professional development for educators and consulting services. EDGE funding will help secure a permanent indoor facility as opposed to temporary site hosts where internet connectivity and weather conditions can be challenging. The company’s planned location is in a downtown development zone.

G & R Industries LLC (Smyrna)
G & R Industries is a startup manufacturing company, located in Smyrna, that is bringing an innovative construction hanger to the market. The GRO Hanger provides a safer, faster, stronger and more cost-effective solution for installing piping and fixtures in steel joist construction. EDGE funding will support startup costs, including the purchase of assembly equipment; trade show marketing; testing and certifications; and the initial production run of GRO Hangers.

Paraklete Properties & Design LLC (Viola)
Paraklete Properties is a woman-owned and family-operated business that seeks to provide locally grown baled pine straw. Established in 2019, Paraklete Properties is committed to Delaware’s growth while preserving its natural beauty. EDGE funding will be used to purchase a proprietary pine straw baler as well as to construct a storage location for the straw. The funds will assist in providing an increased volume of densely packed pine bales, with minimally handled straw, as well as provide a protected area for storage before sale.

The Nest Play Cafe (Middletown)
The Nest Play Cafe is an innovative establishment for parents to take their young children, to explore a fun, exciting play area while they relax or interact with other parents in an upscale café lounge and seating area. With a holistic, eco-friendly and Montessori-inspired approach, The Nest Play Café offers programming, including baby sign language; Spanish; Mandarin; sensory play; arts and crafts; and milestone development classes taught by a pediatric occupational therapist. EDGE funding will enable to owners to do Phase 2 of their construction plan for an additional restroom, add plumbing and buy equipment for an organic coffee and smoothie bar area.

Studio B (Harrington)
Studio B seeks to establish a unique fusion of commerce and art by serving as an ultra-fast turnaround print-on-demand hub and a supportive community workspace. The company will offer convenient access to top-notch print work such as restaurant menus, business cards, flyers, banners and more. Additionally, Studio B will extend its services to artists and individuals, providing access to professional assistance, a supportive creative environment and high-end tools and equipment that are typically out of reach for independent creators. EDGE funding will help the company acquire equipment and professional website assistance for effective outreach, marketing and online sales potential.

This article was originally posted on the Delaware.gov website at: https://news.delaware.gov/2023/07/19/dsb-awards-edge-funding-to-10-de-companies/

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Innovative DE Ag Projects Receive $665K

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Delaware Department of Agriculture Awards Over $665,000 for Innovative Projects to Improve Food Supply Chain

DOVER, Del.  — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) today announced it is awarding $665,872 in funding to 12 projects through the First State Food System Program. The program, managed by the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy, strengthens the local food system by supporting the broad food supply chain spectrum.

“We have had an outstanding response to the funding available through the First State Food System Program, demonstrating the continuing need to strengthen Delaware’s food supply chain infrastructure and create new and expanded markets for our farmers and producers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse.

The First State Food System Program is designed to highlight the interconnection of systems and processes that shape nutrition, food security, health, community development, and agriculture. Since this program began in 2022, nearly $350,000 has been awarded to projects addressing community food access and approximately $500,000 to projects improving processing capacity across the state.

T.A. Farms, LLC received Cycle 1 funding for their “Poultry Revamping Project.” Producer Elizabeth Carter shared, “We would process roughly 450 birds in about five hours with our old system. Our new system can process about 700 birds in the same amount of time. Especially during our holiday season, this allows us to process the birds efficiently, allowing for a fresher product. The beneficiaries are all the consumers looking for fresh local meat, the organizations we have donated to, and our family members. Creating a physically easier work environment allows our family members to think about the future. It allows us the mindset to think long-term in the meat business.”

Awards are approved to support projects in each county. Each awarded project is designed to help Delaware’s food supply chain. The planned work will focus on one or more of the following: food processing, distribution, community access, and food production. In this year’s funding for Cycle 2:

  • 50% of projects were awarded to Delaware farms.
  • 34% of the projects were awarded to community organizations focused on community development, nutrition education, and food access.
  • Many of the projects related to processing, storage, and distribution include the collaboration of two or more food supply chain operators.

The First State Food System Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. Passed by Congress, ARPA was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.

Projects funded in Cycle 2 include the following:

Production

  • Bennett Orchards LLC, Wind Machine Freeze Protection to Mitigate Climate Change Effects and Strengthen Local Fruit Supply

Transportation

  • Marvelous Produce, Strengthening Delaware’s Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain – Farm to End User

Markets and Industry

  • Powers Farm, Farm Store Expansion

Food Waste

  • Food Bank of Delaware, Compact Membrane Fresh Produce Preservation Phase 2

Processing

  • Fifer Orchards, Local Food System – Farm-to-Table Kitchen
  • Dittmar Family Farms LLC, Vegetable Processing and Cold Storage Expansion (Also includes storage and distribution)
  • D & J Custom Cutting, Ready-to-Eat Meat Processing
  • TA Farms LLC, Value-added Products

Storage and Distribution

  • Love-in-Deed Community Development, Food Closet Capacity Building & Super Foods Urban Garden Project

Community Access

  • La Red Health Center, Sussex County Community Fridge Program
  • Teach a Person to Fish Society, Milton Pantry Garden Beds
  • Wilmington Alliance, Growing West Center City: 7th & West Streets Community Garden

Last year, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market (HLFM) received funding for their project – Strengthening the Farm to Pantry Food System in Sussex County. HLFM Volunteer Nancy Staisey stated, “Volunteers and farmers both embraced the expansion of this program. The small farms are very enthusiastic about this program as they can sell more product while being able to feed those in need.”

The Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy plans to open the window for the last round of funding under the First State Food System Program beginning in February 2023. Complete program information can be found at https://farmandfood.delaware.gov.

The Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets, Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their communities, and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished.

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Jalaal Hayes, Ph.D., Founder of Elyte Energy

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An Ongoing Series Highlighting Delaware Innovators

At 22, Dr. Jalaal Hayes made Delaware State University (DSU) history as its youngest doctoral degree candidate. The native of North Philadelphia earned this honor in 2015 by successfully defending his thesis “Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Alkali-Metal Doped Lithium Amide-Magnesium Hydride Hydrogen Storage System.”

He then taught in Philadelphia for the Universal Companies and Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School for nearly two years in pursuit of his teaching mission to make science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) simple. He spent the following two years as a visiting assistant professor of physical chemistry at DSU and then was an assistant professor of chemistry at Lincoln University for almost four years.

In 2020, Hayes founded Elyte Energy, a Dover, Delaware-based clean-energy company that uses patent-protected hydrogen technology to build a highly efficient power supply for fixed and portable devices. The startup won an Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Grant from the Delaware Division of Small Business in 2021. The grant helped fund laboratory space and equipment to develop a commercial prototype of Elyte’s hydrogen-based system, and the technology has application in the greater global vehicle market.

Dr. Jalaal Hayes, second from left, accepted a 2021 EDGE Grant for Elyte Energy during a ceremony with Governor John Carney in 2021.

Hayes previously founded Elyte Universal Network, a STEAM-based content entity that focuses on making difficult and complex sciences simple and accessible to all communities. He also has authored two books and spoken at numerous events, including TEDxWilmingtonSalon, delivering “The Chemistry of Community Building,” and the Innovative Applied Energy Conference held at the University of Oxford in England. In addition, he released a documentary about his journey to becoming the youngest applied chemistry Ph.D. candidate in America called “Exploding Dreams: A STEAM Story” in 2021.

Speaking with Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Hayes shared his views on innovation in Delaware along with advice he’d give to hungry innovators.

Why is Delaware a great state to be an innovator?

Due to the state’s cost-effective living and growth potential, economically and socially, Delaware is a great state to innovate, communicate and elevate the status quo of the country for generations to come.

In your view, what qualities should a successful innovator have?

Excellent communication skills, the ability to see and create the future and the ability to provide solutions and opportunities to their respective industries and communities – financially, socially, etc. Along with these qualities, you must be resilient and willing to learn and apply lessons fast in every trial and tribulation that comes your way that tries to block you from achieving your minimum viable product or even that first contract to pay for your idea. In addition to the qualities above, production, quality and speed are the keys to innovation, especially in our current times.

What advice would you give innovators just starting?

When discussing your innovation, be clear and concise on how your technology or idea can apply to specific problems and make things easier, better, faster or cost-effective for the overall “big picture.” For innovators just starting, draw or write out your idea and ask people if they would buy into it and why. You can start with friends, but you’ll need to ask outside your trusted group. If there’s a positive response, go for it and begin to build the most cost-effective product possible. Get a team or expert advisors to assist with every checkpoint along the journey. In addition, it helps to constantly check your technology readiness level for your technology as you gain more information and new results from each experiment and iteration.

How do you decide whether a new idea is worth pursuing or should be set aside?

You need to ask the following questions:

  • Is it the right time to solve this problem?
  • How many people can buy into the idea? Is it greater than 100 people? If so, go for it. If not, what is next?
  • Are you willing to disrupt the status quo for the greater good?

Once you answer these questions and the answers indicate that you are ready to move forward, begin setting up SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals for the development of the project.

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BSDE Call Hub Creating 227 Delaware Jobs

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Nonprofit Chooses Wilmington, Delaware, for $2.3M Medical Scheduling Center That Will Create 227 Jobs for Economically Vulnerable Individuals While Helping with Post-Pandemic Staff Shortages

BlindSight Delaware Enterprises plans regional hub to train and employ Delawareans with visual and other disabilities, Delaware veterans and statewide Promise Communities residents in on-site and remote positions

WILMINGTON, Del. – Blindsight Delaware Enterprises (BSDE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social business enterprise founded in 2021, has chosen Wilmington, Delaware, as the site for a $2.3 million regional medical scheduling hub that will train and employ more than 225 Delawareans with economic vulnerabilities while helping to alleviate staffing shortages created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BSDE’s call center will be located in the CSC Station coworking space, which is adjacent to Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station in downtown Wilmington. It will provide on-site and fully remote jobs to Delawareans with physical and socioeconomic challenges while serving healthcare providers throughout Delaware and beyond and generating revenue to support local social service programming.

“The BlindSight Delaware Enterprises medical scheduling hub will not only create more than 200 good jobs for economically vulnerable Delawareans, but also will help solve a healthcare staffing problem to support services for our state’s blind and visually impaired residents,” said Governor John Carney. “This project builds on Delaware’s strong healthcare foundation and is a great example of how innovative Delaware’s business and nonprofit communities are.”

Blindsight Delaware Enterprises call center

BSDE will hire 227 Delawareans who are blind or visually impaired, have other disabilities, are military veterans and/or live in economically disadvantaged Promise Communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties by the end of 2025. Most of these employees will be full-time medical schedulers, whose duties will include scheduling and confirming appointments, answering questions, providing directions and reminders and resolving problems for patients of Beebe Healthcare and other providers that contract with BSDE.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome BlindSight Delaware Enterprises to Wilmington,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “Governments and businesses strive for excellence in customer service every day, and having a locally based scheduling center in Wilmington will not only improve the experience of individuals looking to schedule medical appointments, it will also provide good jobs to hundreds of Delawareans in need of just such an opportunity. The City stands ready to support this effort in any way that we can, and we wish BlindSight Delaware Enterprises much success.”

Nationwide, the demand for medical schedulers has increased dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic escalated turnover in hospital staffing. BSDE’s call center will help solve this problem in Delaware while also helping to alleviate underemployment among some of the state’s most economically vulnerable populations and generate income to support other social service programming for local residents who are blind or visually impaired.

Delaware Prosperity Partnership has worked with BSDE for several months as the organization has explored programs to enable these plans. Today, DPP supported BSDE’s application to the Council on Development Finance for a Jobs Performance Grant of up to $608,000 from the Delaware Strategic Fund. Distribution of grants from the Delaware Strategic Fund are dependent on the company meeting commitments as outlined to the CDF, which reviewed and approved the organization’s request.

DPP’s Joseph L. Lewis II, Kurt Foreman and Bryan Mack joined BlindSight Enterprises Executive Director and CEO John Baker, center right, for the Delaware Council on Development Finance meeting.

DPP’s Joseph L. Lewis III, Kurt Foreman and Bryan Mack joined BlindSight Enterprises Executive Director and CEO John Baker, center right, for the Delaware Council on Development Finance meeting.

“As a former commercial banker and a 30-year Delaware not-for-profit leader providing direct services to those in need along with employment throughout Delaware, I have been honored to lead this social business enterprise to both employ and serve Delawareans and our high-priority industries, while drawing contracts from Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, Baltimore and Chicago to make Delaware the call center hub of our region,” said John Baker, BSDE executive director and CEO. “We could not do this without the support and vision of DPP, the CDF and other visionary Delaware leaders.”

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About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; to build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and to support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent.

About BlindSight Delaware Enterprises Inc.

BlindSight Delaware Enterprises Inc. (bsdenterprises.org) is a nonprofit joint venture established in 2021 by BlindSight Delaware (formerly the Delaware Association for the Blind) and The Chicago Lighthouse, two social service agencies supporting the blind and visually impaired in Delaware and Illinois respectively. BSDE’s mission is to empower Delawareans who are blind, visually impaired, disabled or veterans by providing employment opportunities that enhance quality of life and support independent living. BSDE was created to provide training and employment opportunities for mission-related individuals in Delaware. BSDE operates as a social enterprise, and the revenue it generates supports social programs of the founding organizations.

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Agilent Investing $22M in Delaware Site

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Agilent Chooses Delaware for $22M Investment in Manufacturing to Meet Growing Demand for Biopharma Consumables

Investment in Newport facility will support economic and job growth over next decade

WILMINGTON, Del. – Agilent Technologies Inc., a global leader in analytical instrumentation development and manufacturing and one of Delaware’s largest private-sector employers, has chosen to modernize and expand its Newport, Delaware, manufacturing facility to meet growing global demand for its biopharma consumables.

Agilent plans to invest nearly $22 million to increase the capacity of its lab-based manufacturing site in Newport, leasing 12,000 square feet adjacent to its existing facility and fitting out 9,900 square feet as lab space with new infrastructure, equipment and instrumentation. Over half of the remaining square footage will become a warehouse, storage and shipping/receiving area, and the balance will be used for offices.

This latest expansion follows another investment by Agilent last year to its Wilmington-area Little Falls R&D labs. Agilent employs 18,000 people worldwide, including more than 950 in Delaware. The Newport site employs 110 workers, and the expansion is expected to create additional new jobs over the next 10 years.

“Delaware has a strong manufacturing history, and this latest investment by Agilent Technologies confirms the company’s commitment to innovating in the First State,” said Governor John Carney. “We are pleased Agilent will be expanding and bringing more good-paying jobs to the state’s strong science, technology and biopharmaceutical sectors.”

The Newport facility, one of several Agilent manufacturing sites across the United States, produces liquid chromatography columns used for chemical and biochemical analysis, drug discovery, environmental control and analytical chemistry. Growing worldwide demand for these analytical consumables led the company to review its U.S. facilities to determine the best opportunity to grow production capacity. Agilent’s decision to invest in its Newport site in New Castle County reflects confidence in Delaware’s dynamic business environment and the large pool of regional talent.

“Agilent’s latest expansion is proof that New Castle County is a great place to create and grow your business,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “It’s become well known that we have the resources and the talent to continue to be a leader in the chemical and biopharma industry.”

DPP’s Noah Olson, left, and Megan Kopistecki, joined Agilent Technologies Manufacturing Site Manager Graham Margetts, center, in presenting to the Delaware Council on Development Finance.

DPP’s Noah Olson, left, and Megan Kopistecki, joined Agilent Technologies Manufacturing Site Manager Graham Margetts, center, in presenting to the Delaware Council on Development Finance.

Delaware Prosperity Partnership has been engaged with Agilent as the company explored growth possibilities in Delaware. Today, DPP supported Agilent’s request to the Council on Development Finance for a Delaware Graduated Lab Space Grant of up to $693,000 from the Delaware Strategic Fund. Distribution of grants from the Delaware Strategic Fund are dependent on the company meeting commitments as outlined to the CDF, which reviewed and approved Agilent’s request.

“Agilent has been operating in Delaware for more than 20 years, and we are pleased to continue investing in our manufacturing and R&D facilities in the First State,” said Henrik Ancher-Jensen, Agilent’s Order Fulfillment and Supply Chain president. “We are honored to be part of this dynamic community that supports innovation and growth and attracts top talent.”

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About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; to build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and to support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services and expertise that provide trusted answers to customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.85 billion in fiscal 2022 and employs 18,000 people worldwide. More information about Agilent is available at agilent.com.

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Theresa Litherland of Resonate Forward

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Theresa Litherland, Co-Founder and President of Resonate Forward

An Ongoing Series Highlighting Delaware Innovators

When assessing if a new idea is worth pursuing or should be abandoned, Theresa Litherland looks at whether the idea needs a new business model.

“It’s all about keeping close to the customer need and how the product or service will fit that need,” she says. “It also depends on the innovator’s mission: Is it to be a millionaire or is it to make an impact? If you can’t find a business model or idea that fits your own personal mission, you should abandon the idea or change the business model.”

Litherland received her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University and then went back to school 15 years later to earn her MBA in entrepreneurship from the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics at the University of Delaware.

She’s spent the past two decades at AstraZeneca, starting with leading a team that built eDetailing, eSampling and Key Opinion Leader extranets across multiple countries and continued with innovative packaging, Connected Devices and Commercial Innovation – an effort that resulted in winning multiple marketing excellence awards for her pioneering work in that area.

Litherland has led Resonate Forward – which has the challenging goal of delivering breakthrough medical device technology for people with Parkinson’s disease – for the last seven years. When she met co-founder Dr. Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff at the University of Delaware and saw the clinical data on an early version of Resonate Forward’s device, “I knew that I needed to be a part of bringing this technology to market because it could make such an impact for people with Parkinson’s.”

Resonate Forward was a 2021 STEM Class winner in the Delaware Division of Small Business Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Grant program. The company also placed first in the Life Sciences Category and was a Blue Hen Prize winner in the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP)-led Startup302 competition in 2022.

Whether for Resonate Forward or with AstraZeneca, Litherland’s inspiration is developing extraordinary patient experiences that deliver improvements in patient outcomes by building partnerships with leading healthcare systems, payers and startups. Speaking with DPP, she recently shared her thoughts about innovating in Delaware and what every innovator needs to succeed:

Why is Delaware a great state to be an innovator?

Delaware is a great state to be an innovator, especially in the sciences, because there are so many resources and established networks here to support new ideas, new businesses or any challenge. I’ve been able to tap into so many different resources and experts. We have partnered with the University of Delaware for research and engineering help, and there are opportunities for office space, lab space and clean rooms. I’ve worked with the Horn Entrepreneurship program for legal expertise in the areas of intellectual property, grant writing and manufacturing. I’ve always found that with the close networks in Delaware, everyone is very willing to help and is also willing to leverage connections in Philadelphia, Boston, D.C., and New York. If you can’t find an answer to a question or resource someone can usually connect you with an expert close by.

The Delaware networks welcome and support new businesses and new members with tangible resources, including the Delaware BioScience Association’s bi-monthly BioBreakfasts, the Delaware Innovation Space at the DuPont Experimental Station, the Horn Entrepreneurship center, UD’s STAR Campus, the Small Business Development Center and the state’s EDGE Grant program. These programs bring together people, knowledge and resources from large established science businesses with undergraduate and graduate students looking for new opportunities and startups and growing business to build networks that help you solve multiple challenges and identify areas where you can strengthen your business.

John Rabolt and Theresa Litherland accept a 2021 EDGE Grant for Resonate Forward from state Representative Jeff Spiegelman and Governor John Carney.

What qualities should a successful innovator have?

Successful innovators need:

  • Optimism and grit to stay the course they know is right, even when others tell them their idea is crazy or won’t work; when they’re sitting alone working tons of hours to meet a customer demand; or when it feels like there isn’t a way forward.

  • Passion for the customer they are trying to serve as their North Star.

  • Flexibility to go in new or unexpected turns to survive pandemics or find a new business model when the first one doesn’t work.

  • Humility and smarts to hire a team or find business partners that can balance their weaknesses.

  • Persistence to get you to your goals.

What advice would you give innovators just starting?

If you encounter a challenge you can’t solve, reach out for ideas. You will be really surprised at who will offer help and support.

Talk to your customers often and keep good records of their feedback, whenever you need a little inspiration or direction, go there first.

Partner with people who have different views and different skills, so you don’t need to carry the full burden of a new idea on your own.

Prepare. This may take much longer than you expect but appreciate the journey. I’ve learned more than I ever expected, I’ve been able to do more than I ever expected and I have met many amazing experts who have guided me.

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DTP Hub to Grow Delaware Life Sciences

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Photo courtesy of South Duvall

LIFE SCIENCE SYNERGY

New facility at the Delaware Technology Park has major potential for UD and Delaware

For more than 20 years, the Delaware Technology Park (DTP) in Newark has been one of the state’s main economic drivers, bringing jobs in research and development and helping to educate and train future innovators through synergy and partnerships with the University of Delaware.

The park will build on that rich history of success on the eastern edge of the UD campus by leasing out the final parcel for construction of a three-story, 100,000-square-foot facility that aims to become a hub for life science and research companies. In addition, it could potentially provide wet-lab space for commercial spinouts from the University.

“The life sciences community continues to grow in Delaware and the region, with UD contributing critical research, innovation and workforce development,” UD President Dennis Assanis said. “Our previous partnerships with DTP companies have yielded outstanding opportunities for students, such as internships, guest lectures and employment. We anticipate that the companies in this new facility will open new avenues for federally funded research collaborations with UD’s faculty and research centers.”

The developer, Rockville, Maryland-based South Duvall, has signed an agreement to begin construction on the last remaining parcel — a nearly seven-acre piece of land fronting Wyoming Road. The property’s adjacency to UD was a major factor for the company, said Robert Scheer, South Duvall’s president and a life science real estate industry veteran. Among the reasons for his excitement: the University’s elite engineering programs, the potential to house UD facilities and that university research parks have proven to be dynamic spaces for growth across the country.

“We are excited to play a role in the next stage of the Delaware Technology Park’s growth,” Scheer said. “An impressive ecosystem has been built in Newark and this building will foster continued growth in Delaware’s life science community.”

Mike Bowman, president and CEO of DTP, said its management and board have wanted to fill the remaining parcel with a signature multi-tenant life science building for a while, but have been waiting for the right market conditions.

“That time has arrived,” Bowman said. “Several local companies are seeking to expand, and new ones are interested in coming to Delaware. The proximity to UD is vital for tenants to collaborate with UD’s facilities, research talent and future workforce.”

Like the other five buildings at the technology park, the new facility will have a multitude of benefits for UD and its faculty and students.

Bringing more companies close to campus provides students — especially those who don’t have access to private transportation — the ability to take advantage of experiential learning and employment. Also, DTP@STAR, the incubator on STAR Campus, has limited space and is best suited for very small businesses. The new building will enable growth for these and other companies and encourage job retention in Delaware.

South Duvall officials expect to bring in the first of its tenants — which will join 10 others at Innovation Way — at some point in 2025.

Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), lauded the University, Delaware Technology Park and South Duvall for their efforts, which will further DPP’s mission to attract, grow and retain businesses in Delaware.

“Increasing Delaware’s inventory of affordable, high-quality lab space invites companies from both within and outside the state to choose to grow here will support Delaware’s continued momentum in life sciences and other lab-based fields,” said Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of Delaware Prosperity Partnership. “DPP appreciates DTP’s decades of leadership in promoting the long-term growth of Delaware’s science and technology sector through projects like this and welcomes South Duvall’s recent engagement that will bring their considerable industry expertise to our state’s innovation ecosystem.”

This article by Peter Bothum was originally posted by the University of Delaware at: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2023/june/science-research-technology/

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View DPP’s 2022 Annual Report

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Partnership, Prosperity & Progress: Year in Review 2022

Partnership, Prosperity & Progress is Delaware Prosperity Partnership’s most recent annual report. For a snapshot of the DPP team’s accomplishments during 2022, please click on the image to view a flipbook. Please direct any comments or questions to Susan Coulby, DPP’s senior manager, communications, at scoulby@choosedelaware.com.

To download a PDF copy of the report, click here.

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Delaware is #1 Entrepreneur-Driven Economy

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Entrepreneurs Are Driving the Most Economic Growth In These 10 U.S. States, According to Shopify Internal Data

A recent report found that Delaware, Wyoming, and California were leading in entrepreneurial contributions to their local economies in 2022.

Being an entrepreneur or self-starter doesn’t just mean you’re contributing to your own financial success, you’re also contributing to the local economy.

A recent report by the e-commerce platform Shopify analyzed the economic impact of entrepreneurs worldwide by measuring how people in the platform’s ecosystem contributed to jobs supported (the number of jobs sustained by entrepreneurs who use Shopify’s platform to sell goods and services), GDP impact (value of goods and services produced by merchants), and business activity (merchant revenue plus the revenue of suppliers who provide materials and services).

Overall, entrepreneurs in Shopify’s ecosystem supported 5.2 million jobs globally in 2022 (an 8.3% increase from 2021) and generated $490.5 billion in economic activity (+8.6%).

Leading Shopify’s global ranking was the U.S., with over $270 billion generated from business activity, 1.1 million jobs supported, and a GDP impact of $128.7 billion. The second and third spots were both in Eastern Europe — Lithuania (No. 2) and Romania (No. 3) — followed by the United Kingdom (No. 4) and the Czech Republic (No. 5).

In the U.S., Delaware was the top state for entrepreneurial contribution to the economy with business activity of $2.2 billion, 9,280 jobs supported, and a GDP impact of over $1 billion.

After Delaware, the Mountain States dominated the ranks, with three out of the top five across the country being in the region: Wyoming (No. 2), Montana (No. 4), and Utah (No. 5). California ranked No. 3, and was also independently leading for the most jobs created across the country at 134,024.

Here are the top 10 U.S. states where entrepreneurs in Shopify’s ecosystem are generating the most business for their economy:

Delaware:
Business activity: $2.2 billion
Jobs Supported: 9,280 jobs supported
GDP Impact: $1 billion

Wyoming:
Business activity: $912 million
Jobs Supported: 3,710
GDP Impact: $416 million

California:
Business activity: $57.6 billion
Jobs Supported: 235,237
GDP Impact: $26.6 billion

Montana:
Business activity: $694 million
Jobs Supported: 2,838
GDP Impact: $325 million

Utah:
Business activity: $6.9 billion
Jobs Supported: 28,081
GDP Impact: $3.1 billion

Nevada:
Business activity: $3.4 billion
Jobs Supported: 13,885
GDP Impact: $1.5 billion

Alabama:
Business activity: $2.6 billion
Jobs Supported: 10,832
GDP Impact: $1.2 billion

Florida:
Business activity: $15.5 billion
Jobs Supported: 63,560
GDP Impact: $7.2 billion

Idaho:
Business activity: $1.3 billion
Jobs Supported: 5,612
GDP Impact: $639 million

Hawaii:
Business activity: $826 million
Jobs Supported: 3,380
GDP Impact: $389 million

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15 Ventures with Underrepresented Founders Share $198,000 In Startup302 Grant Prizes

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15 Ventures with Underrepresented Founders Share $198,000 In Startup302 Grant Prizes

Startup302 logo with DPP logo | Delaware Prosperity Partnership

First in-person finals conclude Delaware’s annual funding contest for technology and tech-enabled startups led by members of underfunded groups

April 28, 2023

WILMINGTON, Del. – Fifteen tech-enabled startups with at least one team member from an underrepresented demographic are sharing $198,000 in non-dilutive grant funding from Delaware’s third Startup302 competition, which was coordinated by Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) and partners from throughout Delaware and beyond.

Finalists competed in five primary categories and represented multiple industries in the final pitching round, which took place in person for the first time in Startup302’s three-year history. The funding contest launched in December and attracted 169 applicants from throughout Delaware and across the United States as well as Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Italy, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The April 27 finals, which were sponsored by UD Horn Entrepreneurship and featured lunch by Out of the Ordinary Catering of Middletown, Delaware, was held at Theatre N in downtown Wilmington.

“What an exciting day! Having the chance to recognize innovative startups, both those from Delaware and around the country, at an event here in Wilmington in conjunction with our partners in the community, was an immensely rewarding experience, and a great chance to show off Delaware to our competitors from outside the First State,” said DPP Director of Innovation Noah Olson, who led organization of the competition with DPP Innovation Manager Erica Crell and a steering committee made up of key players in Delaware’s startup community.

All three finalists in each category received a monetary award as follows:

FinTech
Sponsors: Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Discover Bank, JP Morgan Chase & Co., M&T Bank

  • 1st: KidVestors® (Louisville, Kentucky) – $21,000
  • 2nd: Stakana Analytics (Seattle, Washington) – $11,000
  • 3rd: Fleri (Columbus, Ohio) – $6,000

Clean, Green and Blue
Sponsors: Delmarva Power, DuPont, FMC Corp., The Innovation Space

  • 1st: Ecotone Renewables (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) – $25,000
  • 2nd: New Breed Meats (Atlanta, Georgia) – $14,0000
  • 3rd: Frontline Waste (Delray Beach, Florida) – $6,000

Early Stage
Sponsors: Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Delaware State University, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

  • 1st: SomnOSA (Baltimore, Maryland) – $10,000
  • 2nd: MiraHeart (Baltimore, Maryland) – $6,000
  • 3rd: BASEstud.io (Los Angeles, California) – $4,000

Life Sciences
Sponsors: Delaware Bioscience Association, Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Highmark Delaware, The Innovation Space

  • 1st: ReHeva BioSciences (Dublin, Ohio) – $22,000
  • 2nd: MyoGene Bio (San Diego, California) – $12,000
  • 3rd: GelSana Therapeutics (Boulder, Colorado) – $6,000

Delaware Tech-Enabled
Sponsor: Delaware Division of Small Business

  • 1st: Toivoa (Wilmington, Delaware) – $22,000 + one-year World Trade Center Delaware membership
  • 2nd: College Essay App (Bethany Beach, Delaware) – $13,000 + one-year World Trade Center Delaware membership
  • 3rd: Rush Roto Studio (Dover, Delaware) – $6,000 + one-year World Trade Center Delaware membership

Finalists with University of Delaware-affiliated founders also were considered for the Blue Hen Prize, which was sponsored by UD Horn Entrepreneurship. Winners, all with founders/co-founders who are UD alumni, were as follows:

  • 1st: SomnOSA (Baltimore, Maryland) – $7,000
  • 2nd: Toivoa (Wilmington, Delaware) – $5,000
  • 3rd: Stakana Analytics (Seattle, Washington) – $2,500

Bios for each of the competing startups are here.

Sylvester Mobley, managing partner of Plain Sight Capital and founder of Coded by Kids, delivered the event’s keynote address. His talk advised entrepreneurs to avoid getting caught up in perfectionism and instead take responsibility for outcomes, expect to be wrong and to “mess things up,” to remain coachable, to always default to action and to focus on what’s important.

Another feature of the day was an investor panel discussion featuring Mark Crawford of NEVA SGR, Holly Flanagan of Gabriel Investments, Lauren Graupman of AE Industrial Partners, Martin Hunt of Swanlaab USA Ventures and James Massaquoi of Osage Venture Partners. Troy C. Farmer of Delaware State University’s The Garage Maker Space served as moderator.

Judges included Cynthia Cai of Viva BioInnovator, Will Cruz of The Innovation Space, Leilani Decena-Shepherd of Goldey-Beacom College, Emiliano Espinosa of Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center, Dan Freeman of the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship Program, Edgar Monroy Gonzalez of Delmarva Power, Dr. Jalaal Hayes of Elyte Energy, Anastasia Jackson of the Delaware Division of Small Business, Katherine Lakofsky of Delaware BioScience Association and Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Sarah Mailloux of Small Business Development Center of Delaware, Lauren Markell of FMC Corp., Regina Mitchell of the Delaware Division of Small Business, Dwayne Parker of Highmark Delaware, Deb Travers of The Innovation Space, Alexandr Vinokurov of M&T Bank and Raghu Vudathu of JP Morgan Chase & Co. Pitch session moderators included Alysse Bortolotto of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Dora Cheatham of the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Association (DESCA), Joseph Lewis III of DPP, Linda Walck of UD Horn Entrepreneurship and Marcie Reilly of The Innovation Space.

Startup302 is coordinated by DPP and steered and sponsored by key innovation-supporting businesses and organizations. Steering committee members include representatives from Big Idea Ventures, First Founders Inc., the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship, Delaware State University, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Business Center at True Access Capital, the Emerging Enterprise Center, The Innovation Space, the Small Business Development Center of Delaware and StartOut.

Startup302 competitors must be technology-based or -enabled with at least one founder from an underrepresented group: women; people of color, including African Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans; and members of the LGBTQ+ community – all of whose ventures are underinvested in relative to their demographic’s percentage of overall United States population. Because Startup302 aims to foster diverse perspectives, promote inclusive and equitable consideration and attract diverse communities of founders to the region, participants aren’t required to be located in Delaware.

“Delaware is a very inclusive and diverse community with many resources and opportunities to help empower and lift up startup companies,” said Crell. “To have these amazing startups from all backgrounds converge, engage and network with each other here in the City of Wilmington in this beautiful theater, is what Startup302’s mission has been since the start. Startup302, DPP and Delaware recognize the economic potential in and outside the state by supporting and prioritizing our underserved startup communities. I am proud to say that Startup302 is allowing these communities to have a voice and is leading the charge in Delaware on driving the investments to those that are underfunded.”

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About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) leads Delaware’s efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support employers in place-marketing Delaware to potential employees. Collaborating with economic development partners throughout the state, the DPP team works with site selectors, executives and developers focused on where to locate or grow a business and helps with reviewing potential sites, cost-of-living analyses and funding opportunities, including available tax credits and incentives. DPP advances a culture of innovation in Delaware, working with innovators and startups to connect them with resources and showcase their successes. DPP and its partners support and advance the missions of companies of all sizes and sectors.

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Fisher’s Popcorn to Expand in Delaware

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Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware Chooses Delaware for Major Expansion of Manufacturing and Wholesale Operations

WILMINGTON, Del. – Fisher’s Popcorn, which has produced hand-crafted gourmet popcorn in Delaware for 40 years, has chosen Frankford, Delaware, as the location for a new $4.85 million facility that will more than quadruple space for its manufacturing and wholesale operations.

The company’s current production facility in Fenwick Island, Delaware, is approximately 2,000 square feet, and the new 17-acre site on Delaware Route 20 just off the U.S. Route 113 corridor is almost 10,000 square feet. The additional space will allow Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware to utilize new equipment – including two kettles and a large packaging machine – that will increase production capacity many times over. For example, bag-packing capabilities will rise from eight bags per minute to 30 to 35 bags per minute.

Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware currently has 22 full-time employees staffing its manufacturing, retail, wholesale and e-commerce operations, all of which are in Sussex County. The company plans to create 20 additional wholesale jobs at the new site over the next three years.

“Fisher’s Popcorn has been a part of the Delaware beach experience and the Sussex County business community for 40 years, and we’re glad the company has chosen to expand here for its next phase of growth,” said Governor John Carney. “Delaware is a great place for manufacturing. This new facility will enable Fisher’s Popcorn to better serve its existing customers and grow its production and wholesale operations.”

Fisher’s Popcorn was founded in Ocean City, Maryland, in 1937, and a branch of the founder’s family began operating Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware independent from the original company in 1983. Still family-owned and -operated, Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware has retail shops in the resort towns of Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. The company also sells its products online and in more than 2,000 grocery stores across the United States, including many Giant, Weis, Food Lion and Fresh Market locations.

Fisher’s Popcorn officials presented to Delaware’s Council on Development Finance an application for a Jobs Performance Grant of $60,000 and a Capital Expenditure Grant of $145,500 from the Delaware Strategic Fund to support the company’s investment in construction, fit-out costs and new equipment.

Distribution of grants from the Delaware Strategic Fund are dependent on the company meeting commitments as outlined to the CDF, which reviewed and approved Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware’s request for up to $205,500 in total grant funding.

“We’re very grateful for the opportunity to expand our operations while still being part of our local community here in Delaware,” said Vice President Russell Hall, who runs the company’s wholesale and e-commerce divisions. “This expansion will enable us to bring the classic flavors of the Delaware beach resorts to more people around the country while adding quality jobs in Sussex County. The grant assistance from the state is a key component to making this happen.”

Delaware Prosperity Partnership began helping Fisher’s Popcorn explore how it could continue to grow in Delaware in 2022. Providing additional assistance throughout the site search and other location processes was Bill Pfaff, director of economic development for Sussex County.

“We are so excited that Fisher’s Popcorn’s new manufacturing facility is calling Sussex County its home,” Pfaff said.

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About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) leads Delaware’s efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support employers in place-marketing Delaware to potential employees. Collaborating with economic development partners throughout the state, the DPP team works with site selectors, executives and developers focused on where to locate or grow a business and helps with reviewing potential sites, cost-of-living analyses and funding opportunities, including available tax credits and incentives. DPP advances a culture of innovation in Delaware, working with innovators and startups to connect them with resources and showcase their successes. DPP and its partners support and advance the missions of companies of all sizes and sectors.

About Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware

Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware (fishers-popcorn.com) got its start in 1937, when Everett Fisher began making and selling copper kettle caramel popcorn on the Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland. More than 40 years later, Everett’s granddaughter, Marty Fisher Hall, and her husband, Bill, opened the first Fisher’s Popcorn store in Delaware. Today – independent of the Maryland operations since 1983 – the Halls and their children run production and e-commerce operations and Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach retail locations along with a wholesale division launched in 2012. Each batch of Fisher’s Popcorn is still made now as it was in 1937, but a wide variety of flavors have been added, including Caramel with Peanuts, Butter-Flavored, White Cheddar, Old Bay®-Seasoned Caramel, Kettle Corn, Caramel Dusted with White Cheddar and the seasonal flavor Caramel Pumpkin Spice.

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Cora Castle of OmniPotential Energy

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Cora Castle, Founder and CEO of OmniPotential Energy Partners

An Ongoing Series Highlighting Delaware Innovators

Considering Delaware’s status as a state where innovation prospers, Cora Castle begins by quoting late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Louis Brandeis, who is credited with saying “states are the laboratories of democracy.”

The founder and CEO of Wilmington-based OmniPotential Energy Partners says the quote suggests it is “difficult, dangerous or both to make broad changes without evidence that they produce the anticipated benefit. This sentiment is equally applicable to new economic activity, products and services as it is to innovative legislation or new governing principles.”

The 1995 graduate of the University of Delaware’s electrical engineering program leads a company committed to a world where practical and cost-saving electrical vehicle (EV) ownership does not require a garage or high-income zip code. OmniPotential’s approach to EV charging works for all communities regardless of parking style, and its decision to not charge for its Curbstar hardware or installation makes home EV ownership a great choice for underserved communities.

OmniPotential, a winner in last year’s Startup302 pitch competition for ventures with underrepresented founders and one of Technical.ly’s 2023 RealLIST Startups, developed the Curbstar publicly shared residential charger in 2020. Castle subsequently helped pass Delaware Senate Bill 187, which requires large municipalities to issue permits for the installation of EV charging stations, in 2022 – a great first step for a company entering its commercialization phase.

Castle recently discussed innovation in Delaware with Delaware Prosperity Partnership and shared her advice for budding and current entrepreneurs.

Why is Delaware a great state to be an innovator?

Size matters. Delaware is a comfortably sized laboratory where ambitious projects can be undertaken, even (perhaps especially) if they require legislative action. OmniPotential’s mission is to shift the entire EV fueling paradigm for day-to-day charging away from unfair and inconvenient public charging to one of ubiquitous, fair, convenient and affordable home charging for everyone. This is a heavy-lift mission, with both product and public policy facets. It is impossible for me to imagine a state besides Delaware where I could have expected to get a state legislator to seriously consider my proposal, much less pass it with a bipartisan supermajority with no prior advocacy, legal or legislative experience more substantial than YouTube videos and “Law & Order” reruns.

In Delaware, a good idea needs less overall signal boost to distinguish itself from background noise and competitors. In particular, if your innovation is reliant upon a shift in public policy, Delaware is uniquely suited for your work.

In your view, what qualities should a successful innovator have?

Passion, confidence, patience and ego.

  • I cannot imagine a more valuable quality for innovative success than an inextinguishable passion for what you’re doing. Until and unless your business becomes commercially successful, the only payout you’re likely to receive is the satisfaction of moving one more inch up the field. You really need to care about your subject matter more than commercial success.
  • Confidence (bordering on fearlessness) is, anti-intuitively, more important to successful commercialization than product quality. Both are important, but if you want to move your product or service out of your garage, you need confidence.
  • As for patience, just know that you’re in for a long road trip filled with random landmines of things you never considered when your journey began. It is audacious to think that willpower and creativity alone will ensure your idea or company one day wins grants, receives headlines or signs customers.
  • Self-doubt and imposter syndrome will interfere with your ability to process your success. You will need a healthy ego to process these feelings. Accept your success and traction at face value. Take bows when you can and always remember to clap for your entrepreneurial peers when it’s their turn to win awards. Remember that you may reapply next year for the grant you didn’t win this year.

If you aren’t passionate and confident about a new venture you’re considering, I would wait for another opportunity.

What advice would you give innovators just starting?

  • Get out of the office. Go meet interesting people who support you and your mission. Join the a chamber of commerce, go to events, attend town halls, do it all. You can’t succeed from behind a desk.
  • Don’t trailblaze when you don’t have to. Read the blogs and press releases of area startups that are showing success. They have laid a trail for you to follow. What awards, grants and recognition have they won? Do the same things.
  • Look for deep insight. Research your area of interest deeply. Spend six months in your area of interest reading the top 10 stories every day and collecting the top 10 headlines every week. Make a word cloud on those headlines. Find the problem in the cloud. When you think you really understand the root cause of the problem, solve it. If you can’t find the satisfaction in this kind of research on a topic you’re passionate about, then entrepreneurism will be a challenge for you.
  • Validate your understanding. Talk to 100 people you believe might give you money to solve the problem. Ask each of them 10 questions focused on assumptions that can destroy your conclusions about the problem or solution. Do not lead the respondents to their answers! Record the answers. This insight will save you a lot of money and years of your life.

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