DOVER — The Delaware Division of Small Business is accepting applications for the Site Readiness Fund from qualified businesses or local governments.

Established through Senate Bill 127, the fund promotes economic growth and stability by investing in the development or improvement of commercial and industrial sites to attract job-creating businesses.

“There is significant competition between Delaware and surrounding states to attract and keep vital businesses that create and maintain employment opportunities,” said Jordan Schulties, director of the Division of Small Business. “The Site Readiness Fund is an important tool we can use to stay competitive and incentivize those businesses to locate in our state.”

The fund provides grants, loans or other economic assistance to qualified businesses or local governments that invest in constructing, renovating or improving commercial, industrial sites that are readily available to new businesses, established businesses that are considering moving to the state or existing businesses that need additional sites to remain or expand in Delaware.

An information session will be held for interested applicants Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Registration is required here.

Applications are available here. Once completed, they must be emailed to business_finance@delaware.gov by Feb. 18.

“The Site Readiness Fund creates more viable options for companies looking to locate or expand right here in Delaware,” said Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership. “The fund provides an investment in ensuring that sites throughout the state are ready for the kinds of development and job growth we all value.”