Office of Small Business Access will assist with licensing, permitting and regulatory challenges
DOVER, Del. — Delaware has launched a new office intended to give entrepreneurs and small-business owners a single place to seek help navigating state regulations, licenses, permits and other government requirements.
The Office of Small Business Access, known as OSBA, was created within the Delaware Division of Small Business under an executive order signed by Gov. Matt Meyer. Business owners can use the office to report problems, request assistance and connect with state programs designed to help businesses start, grow and secure financing.
“Entrepreneurs in Delaware are looking for simplified processes and easier access points to start and grow a business,” Meyer said. “The Office of Small Business Access brings state agencies together to identify barriers, design solutions and streamline processes — so small businesses can thrive.”
The office is designed to serve as a central contact for entrepreneurs who may otherwise have to work with several state agencies to resolve licensing, permitting, tax or regulatory questions.
Business owners can submit concerns through an online intake form at business.delaware.gov/osba. Cases will be tracked and referred to the appropriate state agencies for review and possible resolution.
OSBA Director Anastasia Jackson said business owners frequently describe the process of dealing with state government as confusing and time-consuming.
“As a former DSB business manager, I heard time and again from entrepreneurs that navigating state government could be confusing and time-consuming,” Jackson said. “The Office of Small Business Access gives business owners someone to call for help, while our upcoming Listening Tour ensures their experiences continue to shape improvements across state government.”
Listening tour begins July 22
As part of the office’s rollout, the Division of Small Business will hold nine listening sessions across Delaware’s three counties beginning July 22.
The sessions will allow business owners and other stakeholders to discuss regulations, licensing, permitting, state procurement, workforce development, available resources and government services.
State officials said the feedback will be used to identify recurring problems, recommend regulatory changes and shape future programs and policies.
Registration information is available through the OSBA website.
State agencies form liaison network
The state is also organizing a Small Business Liaison Network made up of representatives from Delaware agencies involved in taxation, permitting and regulation.
The network is intended to improve communication among agencies and provide a faster response when small-business owners encounter problems that involve multiple departments.
Jackson has worked with the Governor’s Office since May to identify a liaison within each participating agency and establish recurring meetings.
OSBA has also published industry-specific business roadmaps and checklists outlining common registration, licensing, permitting and regulatory requirements.
The guides are intended to help entrepreneurs better understand the steps required to open or expand a business in Delaware.
Additional reforms planned
Executive Order 21 directs state agencies to pursue several additional small-business initiatives.
Those include updating Delaware’s rules for cottage food and other low-risk food businesses, developing a joint inspection pilot program, paying qualifying small-business invoices within 15 days and creating a centralized clearinghouse for business financing, assistance programs and Opportunity Zone resources.
The clearinghouse is expected to be developed in partnership with the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.
The new office represents the first phase of the executive order’s implementation. Its effectiveness will likely depend on whether agencies are able to resolve complaints quickly and translate feedback from business owners into measurable changes.
Small-business owners can contact OSBA at [email protected], by phone at 302-672-6828 or by text at 302-922-3299.
The Delaware Division of Small Business is part of the Department of State and provides guidance, financing connections and other support to businesses across Delaware. The division also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity.
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