Downtown Visions released the Downtown Wilmington App, a one stop shop for all the happenings in Downtown Wilmington, DE.
Image Credit: Common Deer
We rely on our local businesses to create thriving neighborhoods for our residents and visitors every day. During this time of uncertainty, we need to do all we can to support these businesses, and their staff, by:
purchasing gift cards
following them on social media
spreading the word about their offers
posting a positive review
Please consider helping our small business owners and #ShopSmall during this crisis and always!
Downtown Visions mission is to create, manage, and promote a quality environment for business development within our neighborhood by providing small business assistance through various initiatives. We strive to inform our community of the free resources available to them by a number of local and national agencies. If you have any questions on starting, or growing, your businesses in Downtown Wilmington DE, don’t hesitate to contact us!
The Delaware Division of Small Business, part of the Delaware Department of State, is a service-focused agency committed to supporting businesses starting and growing in Delaware. Small businesses can reach out to the Division for assistance in connecting to the resources and advice to succeed. The Division is a champion for Delaware small businesses and is here to help take companies to the next level.
Features an online portal to find and connect to organizations in Delaware who assist small businesses. Click here to visit portal.
The Division of Small Business also EDGE grants to eligible businesses to encourage development, growth, and expansion. The EDGE Grant program gives qualified small businesses in Delaware an edge by offering access to significant capital like never before. The business must have been in operation less than 5 years. This will give them access to capital up to $50,000 for the Entrepreneur Class and $100,000 for Stem based companies!
The deadline is Friday, February 28, 2020.
For more information, click here.
NCCCC hosts “Open For Business” sessions on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30 am - 11:30 am for small business owners to meet with representatives from their partner organizations. Collectively, these organizations provide a range of services that help start-ups advance their business model, reach potential customers, land government contracts, secure loans, meet state regulatory requirements and generally mentor entrepreneurs striking out on their own for the first time.
Next event is Tuesday, February 25, 2020 located at 920 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE.
The event is free, registration is suggested. To register, click here.
Downtown Visions also hosts Downtown Merchant Meetings one Tuesday a month for business owners within the Central Business District share ideas and connect with each other.
The next Merchant Meeting is at 9:30 am on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Stitch House Brewery.
American Express® is teaming up with Main Street America to give 10 small business owners $10,000 each to help their businesses innovate in this evolving retail landscape. The American Express Future of Shopping Small Grant Program will celebrate small businesses across the country that are a vital part of their community. The program is intended to support small businesses that have demonstrated new approaches to traditional business strategies and those businesses looking to try out creative techniques, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial districts.
The deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
For more information, click here.
To see if your businesses is location within one of Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts (DDD), click here.
Every year, Delaware Today Magazine issues the Best of Delaware edition to spotlight local Delaware businesses in a variety of categories, ranging from food & drink to retail & services, that leave a lasting impression on their patrons. Readers and editors vote to recognize their favorite local establishments for their top-notch service and high-quality products.
Voting is now open for Delaware Today’s 2020 Best of Delaware class! To vote for you favorite Downtown Wilmington businesses, visit delawaretoday.com/vote and follow these simple rules:
1) Please limit your votes to Delaware-based businesses—no national chains
2) Businesses cannot incentivize votes with discounts, etc.
3) Votes originating from identical IP addresses will not be counted.
4) Please fill in the name and town of the business.
5) Please fill out at least 5 categories.
6) The Ballot closes on Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.
7) A special series of run-off voting will take place for the top vote-getters in the Food & Drink and Health & Beauty categories starting Feb. 3 and going weekly through March 15.
The results will be published in the July 2020 issue of Delaware Today and will be celebrated during their annual Best of Delaware Party, happening July 23, 2020 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.
Last year, 18 Downtown Wilmington businesses were awarded the Best of Delaware title all thanks to locals like you who voted for them. Spread the word about all of the great places in Downtown Wilmington DE and vote now!
The past few years on Market street have seen a surge of economic development with the opening of new restaurants, apartment communities, and more. The growth of businesses in Downtown Wilmington, DE has yet to slow down with 7 new establishments opening over this past summer (and 3 more just around the corner). Read up on the newest group of businesses that have chosen to call Wilmington home!
Girard & Faire kicked off the summer of development in Downtown Wilmington with not one, but two new establishments. First up, Girard Craft & Cork opened in April bringing an upscale liquor store to Girard Street (hence the name) with a keen focus on domestic and imported wines. Sneak through the back of the shop, and you enter Faire Market & Cafe - a gourmet grocery store and made to order counter serving delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Earlier this summer, co-owners of King Creative, Christopher Bruce and Dan Pierce, launched their newly formed Video Production House with a fully functioning Recording Studio at the corner of 8th and Market streets. This is the first of its kind in Wilmington with both a full-scale video production house and an audio recording studio. Above King Creative is also the brand new Studio Nurture offering yoga and meditation classes.
Offering fully customized products, from t-shirts and apparel to dog tags and coffee mugs, 3 Kings Customs can now be your one stop shop for promotional items just around the corner from Market!
Torbert Street Social, the newest venture by Big Fish Restaurant Group, brings a speakeasy-style bar and restaurant feel to Downtown Wilmington in a refurbished 19th century horse stable. Offering a nostalgic sense of class and history, Torbert Street Social brings together a fusion of elusiveness and complexity, serving only the finest spirits ans cocktails. offers a sophisticated cocktail lounge and patio. If you’re looking to disappear for a delicious bite to eat and a uniquely crafted cocktail, come in and see for yourself.
WHYY-TV has moved its newsroom from the Seventh and Orange streets location in Wilmington to Market Street! Serving the Philadelphia area, WHYY-TV covers local news and features many programs, including interviews with area politicians, shows from PBS and more, all seeking to inform and educate the community. This move puts the studio at the heart of the art and business scene in the city.
Although not quite open just yet, Makers Alley is a brand new bar and restaurant coming soon to Downtown Wilmington - complete with a classic Airstream travel trailer turned food truck. Self-proclaimed as a joint for bites, sips, and outdoor vibes, discovered off the beaten path. We can’t wait to see how they have transformed the 19th-century carpenter’s shop into a 21st-century hangout space!
The Chicken Spot is a brand new eatery taking over the location formerly occupied by Benjamin’s On 10th. The menu will feature different varieties of - you guessed it - chicken. The owner, Venu Gaddamidi, also manages Veritas Wine & Craft Beer and Ciro Food & Drink down on the Riverfront. We are excited to see what his newest venture will bring to Downtown Wilmington!
The opening of this hometown favorite on Market Street has been highly anticipated even since their exterior signage went up last winter. Rumor has it that construction is nearing completion, and El Diablo will soon be opening their doors to satisfy lunch-goers with fast-casual Mexican options.
Delaware Today has released their 2019 Best of Delaware winners and a number of Downtown Wilmington DE businesses have made the list! Both readers and editors have spoken and voted for their favorite local establishments in a variety of categories, ranging from Food & Drink to Retail & Services. The following Downtown Wilmington businesses were awarded their rightful place at number one and we couldn’t agree more!
Reader’s Choice Awards
Breakfast Place - Drip Cafe
Now with a location in Wilmington at 1201 N Market Street!
Candy/Chocolate Shop - Govatos
Coffee Shop - Brew Haha!
Cooking Class - Delaware Technical Community College
Food Truck - Mojo Loco
Also awarded best food truck in Delaware by Food Network!
French Cuisine - The Green Room at Hotel DuPont
Japanese Cuisine & Sushi - Mikimotos
Live Music Venue & Gala Fundraising Festival - The Grand Opera House
Men’s Business Attire - Wright & Simon
Men’s Formal Attire - Collars ‘n Cuffs
Tattoo Artist/Shop - Poppycock Tattoo
Editor’s Picks
Happy Hour - Tonic Bar & Grille
Mouth Watering Instagram Page, Nationally Nominated Restaurant, New Restaurant, & Spot for a Birthday Celebration - Bardea Food & Drink
Small Plates - La Fia
Fundraiser - Light Up The Queen Foundation’s Shine a Light
Local Treasure - Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Scenic Delaware Photography on Instagram - @Andrew_K__Photography
Place to See a Drag Show - The Queen
Also, we couldn’t help but mention our neighbors along the Riverfront who deserve some recognition too!
Reader’s Choice Desserts, Family-Friendly, Lunch Spot, & Best Restaurant in Wilmington - Big Fish Grill
Reader’s Choice American Restaurant, Brewpub, Outdoor Dining, & Water View Dining, and Editor’s Pick Kid’s Menu - Iron Hill Brewery
Editor’s Pick Seafood - Banks’ Seafood Kitchen
Reader’s Choice Thai Cuisine - Ubon Thai Cuisine
Reader’s Choice Pet Groomer & Pet Store - Riverfront Pets
