Delaware Opened Applications for 2027 Business Program
Local entrepreneurs can now apply to the Reinventing Delaware initiative to refine business concepts.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Remote Work
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The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation has opened applications for its 2027 Reinventing Delaware program. The initiative aims to select business concepts that demonstrate the potential for measurable economic impact across Delaware.
Why it matters
The program connects participants with experts to pressure-test business models, a critical step for startups looking to scale operations or secure capital investments.
The Aternium facility in Dover represents a $226 million capital investment, while the broader local tech ecosystem includes 700 graduates from Zip Code Wilmington who have collectively seen $140 million in increased wages.
The players
Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation
A Delaware-based nonprofit organization that facilitates entrepreneurial programs and economic development initiatives.
Andrew Cottone
The founder of Aternium who serves as the honorary host for the upcoming 2027 program kick-off dinner.
Zip Code Wilmington
A local training organization focused on workforce development that has graduated 700 students for the regional tech labor market.
The details
Selected participants enter a yearlong process designed to evaluate and develop business ideas that address real market opportunities. During this period, founders engage with business leaders and advisers to refine their concepts for economic viability and operational scalability. The program culminates in a feedback-driven cycle intended to turn promising proposals into actionable business entities.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Application deadline for the 2027 Reinventing Delaware program.
November 18, 2026: The program kick-off dinner at The Wilmington Club.
Market Landscape
This development marks the latest cycle of the Reinventing Delaware program, which continues to function as a primary incubator for local startups. It follows a track record of workforce-linked economic initiatives, such as the training pipeline provided by Zip Code Wilmington.
Business owners should review their current growth plans to determine if the program's expert advisory access could accelerate their development timeline. Factor the November 18 kick-off date into your networking calendar if you intend to engage with this cohort of regional leadership.
The takeaway
The program demonstrates the value of vetting early-stage business concepts against expert feedback before executing large-scale capital projects. Operators should track the selected concepts this November to identify emerging market trends and competitive shifts in the state.
What happens next
Prospective applicants must submit their business concepts by the October 30, 2026, deadline.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional economic development, see our coverage on Remote Work.
More information
Submit your concept for consideration through the program application submission portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Delaware Business Times.
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