Georgetown is hosting a free business development session for startups and existing businesses in Sussex County on April 19. Volunteers will provide assistance on everything from licenses and permits to business plan writing and marketing.

The "Open for Business" event is sponsored by the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee Inc. and hosted by the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, located at 21911 Rudder Lane in Georgetown at the Delaware Coastal Airport.

“Whether you’re a startup or established business looking for assistance in writing a business plan, marketing, business continuity planning or working with financial institutions, you can find it at Sussex County’s Open for Business,” said Scott Thomas, executive director of Southern Delaware Tourism, an Open for Business service provider.

The event launched in 2010 and has supported a number of established businesses in Sussex County.

“Open for Business introduced me to local representatives from SCORE Delaware," said Ken Norman, owner of Floral Inspirations and a past attendee of Sussex County’s Open for Business. "SCORE and its mentors were instrumental in guiding me with confidence to the opening of my new business. From negotiating the lease to financing for the renovation and everything in between they were there for me every step of the way.”

More information is available at www.sedac-de.org/open.