Program aims to give entrepreneurs one pathway for permits, licenses and pre-opening inspections across multiple state agencies

DOVER — Delaware has launched a pilot program designed to make it easier for new small-business owners to navigate state permits, licenses and inspections before opening their doors.

The Small Business Joint Inspection Pilot creates a coordinated process intended to replace what can be a confusing series of applications, agency websites and separately scheduled inspections.

The initiative was ordered by Gov. Matt Meyer under Executive Order 21, signed in May as part of a broader effort to reduce regulatory barriers facing small businesses. The order created the Office of Small Business Access and directed state agencies with inspection authority to develop common checklists and coordinated inspection scheduling.

“Opening a small business takes courage and hard work. Navigating state government should not add to the challenge,” Meyer said. “This pilot means fewer websites, fewer delays, and one clear path from an idea to an ‘open for business’ sign.”

The program does not eliminate permits, licenses, inspections or health and safety requirements. Instead, it seeks to coordinate the process and give business owners a clearer understanding of what they need before opening.

One point of coordination

The Office of Small Business Access, led by Director Anastasia Jackson, will manage the pilot with participating state agencies.

Business owners entering the process through Delaware One Stop will be told about the voluntary program and can choose whether to participate.

Those who opt in will use the state’s ServiceNow system, which identifies the permits, licenses and applications that apply to their type of business and provides links to the appropriate applications.

Agency liaisons also are notified when a participating business enters the system, allowing agencies to identify potential requirements and begin coordinating reviews.

The Office of Small Business Access was established earlier this year to serve as a central point of contact for entrepreneurs dealing with state government, including licensing, permitting and regulatory issues.

Business owners also will be able to arrange meetings with agency representatives and receive contacts for local planning, zoning and business licensing officials based on where the business will operate.

Coordinating inspections

One of the most significant changes involves inspections.

Rather than requiring entrepreneurs to independently schedule inspections with several agencies, the pilot allows the Office of Small Business Access to help coordinate those visits.

Executive Order 21 specifically directs agencies to offer coordinated scheduling so required inspectors can visit during the same general window when requested by the applicant. It also says agencies generally should not require another agency’s approval before scheduling an inspection unless health or safety considerations require it.

The participating agencies are the Delaware Department of Transportation; Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control; Delaware State Fire Marshal; Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public Health; and Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner.

Which businesses qualify?

The pilot covers a variety of relatively small new businesses, including retail stores and markets; art galleries; hair salons, barbershops and spas; independently owned restaurants, bars and taprooms; coffee shops and cafes; childcare facilities; fitness centers; furniture stores; ice cream shops; laundromats; and certain small manufacturing, packaging and distribution operations.

Only businesses that have not yet opened and still need applications or approvals from participating state agencies are eligible.

Participants also must create a my.delaware.gov account.

Not every business will need approval from every participating agency, and applications remain subject to the normal agency review process before inspections are scheduled.

The joint inspection effort is one part of a larger small-business initiative established by Executive Order 21. The order also directs the state to develop plain-language requirements for common business types, examine regulations that may unnecessarily impede small businesses and improve coordination among state agencies.

TO GO

• • What: Delaware Small Business Joint Inspection Pilot
  • Who qualifies: New businesses that have not yet opened and require permits, licenses or inspections from participating state agencies
  • How it works: Eligible owners may opt into a coordinated process through Delaware One Stop and ServiceNow
  • Participating agencies: DelDOT, DNREC, State Fire Marshal, Division of Public Health and Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner
  • Requirements: Participants must create a my.delaware.gov account. Existing permit, licensing, health and safety requirements still apply.

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