New Castle County launches small business e-commerce program

NEW CASTLE – The New Castle County Office of Economic Development has announced a new e-commerce training program for small businesses adapting to the online marketspace.

The program will provide small business owners with comprehensive information about the e-commerce industry and how its use can help businesses grow by discussing website-based marketing strategies. 

A web development assistance grant will be funded to qualifying small businesses, which will be provided by New Castle County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Eligible small businesses must be located in unincorporated New Castle County and have fewer than 25 full-time employees.

“These seminars are an opportunity for our small and growing businesses in New Castle County to learn how to expand their business through e-commerce,” New Castle County Executive Meyer said in a statement. “E-commerce is an outstanding way to market and sell products not just to people who walk through their doors but have the opportunity to sell their products and services globally. We’re proud to partner with the New Castle Chamber of Commerce to bring this opportunity to our local businesses.” 

Businesses of all shapes and sizes had to leverage new ways to connect with consumers on digital platforms to combat the rise of the growing industry as e-commerce sales represent 14.3% of all retail sales in the first quarter of 2022, according to a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Commerce Retail Indicator Divison.

“The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be partnering with the New Castle County Office of Economic Development to provide the local small business community with the opportunity to learn about e-commerce and how it can help scale their business in a cost-effective way,” Alysse Bortolotto, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Economic Development and Business Incubation said. “Attendees will walk away with a better grasp of their specific e-commerce needs, how to create the best online experience for their customers, and if they qualify for web development assistance.”

The events are hosted by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Enterprise Center in partnership with the New Castle County Office of Economic Development. The Chamber’s Director of Economic Development and Business Incubation, Alysse Bortolotto will lead the workshops. 

The workshops are free and open to the public on Wednesday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesday, June 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.