Invest with Confidence
The City of Delaware understands that investment requires confidence. That is why we, along with our state and regional partners, offer a pragmatic, performance-based suite of financial tools designed to lower startup costs and enhance your long-term return on investment.
We don’t offer “one-size-fits-all” handouts. We build customized incentive packages that align with your specific capital investment, job creation, and infrastructure needs. From local Tax Abatements (CRA) to state-level grants, our team works one-on-one with you to make the numbers work.
A Unified Network for Your Success
Local Development Incentives
Our local tools are designed to reduce the long-term carrying costs of your facility and support the infrastructure needed to get you up and running.
Community Reinvestment Areas
This is our primary tool for encouraging new construction and revitalization. The Tax Abatements (CRA) program provides real property tax exemptions for businesses that invest in new buildings or significant renovations. By reducing the tax burden on the increased value of your property, we lower your operating costs for up to 30 years.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
We use TIF to partner on public infrastructure. TIF districts capture the future growth in property taxes to fund the public improvements—such as roads, sewer, and water lines—necessary to make your site viable. This de-risks the site development phase and ensures high-quality infrastructure reaches your front door.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
Delaware businesses can leverage Foreign Trade Zone status to significantly reduce costs associated with international trade. Located within the service area of FTZ #138, local companies can defer, reduce, or eliminate Customs duties on imported goods, streamlining supply chain logistics and improving global competitiveness.
State & JobsOhio Programs
Through our partnership with JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development, we connect eligible projects to powerful state-level funding.
Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC):
A refundable tax credit for companies creating at least 10 new jobs with a minimum annual payroll of $660,000. This performance-based credit directly reduces your commercial activity tax liability.
JobsOhio Economic Development Grant:
Promotes growth for companies that are creating jobs and investing capital. These grants can be used for fixed asset investments like machinery, equipment, and real estate.
JobsOhio Small Business Grant:
Designed for eligible small businesses seeking to expand. This program offers up to $50,000 in grant funding to support facility improvements, machinery purchases, and other growth costs.
JobsOhio R&D Center Grant:
Supports the creation of new Research & Development centers. This grant funds fixed-asset investments, positioning Delaware as a hub for innovation.
Specialized Grants & Financing
Beyond standard tax credits, we offer targeted programs to help you optimize operations, improve safety, and lower energy costs.
Energy & Sustainability
- ODOD Energy Loan Fund: Provides low-interest loans (up to $2.5 million) for businesses implementing energy efficiency retrofits that reduce usage by at least 15%.
- ODOD Energy Efficiency Program: Offers financial incentives and technical assistance to help businesses audit their systems and upgrade to efficient technologies.
- PACE Funding: Provides 100% fixed-rate funding for energy-related improvements in commercial, industrial, and non-profit properties. It enables owners to upgrade buildings (HVAC, lighting, solar) with no money down, often resulting in positive cash flow.
Safety & Innovation
BWC Safety Innovation Grant: We care about your workforce. This program provides up to $40,000 (or 75% of project costs) to purchase equipment that reduces the risk of workplace injuries.
Ohio Third Frontier: For tech-focused startups, this fund supports the validation and commercialization of new technologies developed at institutions like Ohio Wesleyan University.
Access to Capital
- SBA 504 Loan Program: Designed for major fixed-asset purchases, the 504 program provides small businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for real estate or heavy machinery. This program typically requires a lower down payment (often only 10%), preserving your working capital for operations.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program: Through local partners, we facilitate access to federal loans up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, or real estate.
ECDI Microloans: Our partner, the Economic and Community Development Institute, provides microloans ranging from $750 to $500,000 for entrepreneurs who may face barriers to traditional banking.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Incentives are complex, but accessing them shouldn’t be. Contact our Economic Development team for a confidential project consultation and eligibility review.