Delaware Launches Small Business Joint Inspection Pilot
The pilot consolidates state permit and license applications for new businesses into one coordinated process.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you trust your state government to make starting a small business easier?
Delaware has launched the Small Business Joint Inspection Pilot, led by the Office of Small Business Access. The pilot replaces multiple agency websites and applications with a single process and streamlines inspection visits for new business owners.
Why it matters
New business owners previously had to apply for permits and licenses across several state agencies using different websites. The pilot is designed to reduce that burden for businesses that have not yet opened in Delaware.
The pilot covers five participating state agencies and eleven eligible business types, selected because they were the highest-volume new business types. Only new businesses that have not yet opened and still need agency applications qualify.
The players
Office of Small Business Access
The Delaware state office that leads the pilot and was established under Executive Order 21 to help small businesses navigate state requirements.
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)
The Delaware state agency responsible for environmental regulation and natural resource management, participating in the pilot's joint inspection process.
The details
Participating agencies include the State Fire Marshal office, the Delaware Division of Public Health through the Department of Health and Social Services, DNREC, DelDOT, and the Office of Alcohol and Beverage Control. Eligible businesses include retail stores, salons, restaurants, coffee shops, childcare facilities, fitness centers, laundromats, and small manufacturing and distribution facilities.
Timeline
Delaware launched the Small Business Joint Inspection Pilot on November 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
Executive Order 21 created the Office of Small Business Access, which now runs the joint inspection pilot as its first coordinated product. The pilot extends that order by consolidating agency-by-agency applications into a single process for new businesses.
New business owners in eligible categories can complete state permit and license applications through one process rather than several agency websites. Owners who have not yet opened will work with state liaisons from each participating agency.
The takeaway
Owners planning a new business in Delaware in an eligible category should check whether the joint process applies before filing separate agency applications. Consolidated applications can reduce repeated paperwork across state agencies.
Further reading
For more on new business openings across the state, see Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Delaware Public Media.
Live Poll
Do you trust your state government to make starting a small business easier?
