Sussex County Office of Economic Development

10/02/2026

Today is National Manufacturing Day, a great opportunity to recognize the important role manufacturing plays in Sussex County’s economy.

From fabrication and construction to aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, craft brewing and bottling, manufacturing in Sussex County is diverse and growing. These businesses create jobs, support our local workforce and contribute to the strength of our communities.

Today we celebrate the businesses, employees and entrepreneurs who are making things right here in Sussex County and helping move our economy forward.

10/02/2026

Last week we attended ALOFT AeroArchitects 50th Anniversary in Georgetown and the Fells Point Surf Co grand opening in Dagsboro. Businesses of all ages contribute collectively to our local economy!

09/28/2026

We are excited to share that Governor Matt Meyer has nominated additional census tracts in Milford and Millsboro for designation as Opportunity Zones.

Opportunity Zones are designed to encourage private investment in communities by providing valuable federal tax incentives to investors who support economic development projects in designated areas.

The Sussex County Office of Economic Development submitted several recommendations for consideration and is pleased to see two new Sussex County locations included among the Governor's nominations.

If approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these new Opportunity Zone designations would take effect on January 1, 2027, creating additional opportunities for investment, business growth, job creation, and community development in Sussex County.

We look forward to working with our state and federal partners to bring new investment and economic opportunities to the communities that can benefit most!

09/25/2026

What was once the former Milford Memorial Hospital is now home to a growing hub of health, wellness and community services.

Representatives from Sussex County Council and County staff recently toured the Milford Wellness Village to learn more about how the 22-acre property has been transformed since Bayhealth relocated to its new Sussex Health Campus.

Today, the Milford Wellness Village brings together nearly three dozen organizations offering everything from skilled nursing and rehabilitation to primary care, behavioral health services, daycare, hospice care and workforce training. Even more impressive, more than 850 jobs have been created since the first phase opened in 2019.

It’s a great example of finding a new purpose for an existing property while creating jobs and expanding important services for our community. We look forward to seeing the Milford Wellness Village continue to grow!

09/22/2026

We’re back from the Site Selectors Guild Fall Forum in Cleveland, where we joined our friends from Delaware Prosperity Partnership to help spread the word about Sussex County.

It was a great opportunity to connect with some of the world’s top business location decision-makers and share what Sussex County has to offer. Sussex County is already an easy sell for business. Sometimes it’s just about getting the word out.

09/18/2026

This is for all emerging developers in Sussex County. Be part of the Fall 2026 Jumpstart Sussex Cohort! The deadline has been extended until Tuesday, September 22nd.

09/16/2026

If you’re looking to start or grow a food business in Sussex County, the Sussex Kitchen Delaware is a great resource to have right in your own backyard.

And it’s about much more than kitchen space. Kitchen Manager Jim Richards shares some of the resources, guidance and support available to help local food entrepreneurs build their businesses. Reach out, we would love to work with you!

09/10/2026

Tomorrow, September 11, is the application deadline for the latest round of the Delaware Division of Small Business EDGE Grant. We’d love to see more Sussex County businesses take advantage of this opportunity!

09/04/2026

Last month, we had the opportunity to attend the first Women's Business Enterprise Center East networking event in Sussex County, held in Lewes! It was great connecting with Dr. Pat Smith and learning more about the work she is doing to help women-owned businesses grow and thrive.

Sussex County has so many valuable resources and opportunities for businesses to learn, connect, and grow and we’re always glad to help spread the word!

09/02/2026

Our partners at Delaware Small Business Development Center are hosting a virtual webinar in a couple of weeks on the ins and outs of starting a business in Delaware. Tune in for resources to help get you started!

Ready to turn your business idea into a plan?

Join the Delaware SBDC on September 16 for our How to Start a Business webinar. We’ll cover the key considerations for starting a business in Delaware, including business licenses, insurance, legal structures, funding, business planning, and more.

You’ll also have the opportunity to get answers to your most pressing startup questions.

🔗 Register now: https://clients.delawaresbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=10460032