Economic Gardening in Delaware with Help from the SBA

Gardening usually conjures up thoughts about planting flowers or growing vegetables. But economic gardening focuses on growing local companies and the local economy. Each type of garden must be sustained. Both take dedication, effort and support. Commitment and passion for your idea must accompany both. And you must be ready for the long haul, because small businesses, like gardens, require a lot of work.

To begin an economic gardening program, one must develop an inventory of community and business assets available. What is the ‘wealth’ in Delaware? What organizations can you tap into or partner with? Your list of assets should include the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), the Women’s Business Center, your local chamber of commerce and economic development agency. These organizations contain individuals who have skills and expertise in many areas of business. They offer classes, mentoring, and community forums to meet with local experts.

At SBA, we’ve had great success growing small entrepreneurs into larger companies that employ lots of people. We believe that effective economic development truly begins at the neighborhood level, right here in your community. For example, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Delaware has become one of the most-watched and well-respected breweries in the country thanks in large part to Sam Calagione’s unconventional brewing methods. With the help of an SBA 7 (a) loan, they grew from a small neighborhood business into a thriving company that now employs 120 people.

Small businesses are the key to the health and diversity of a neighborhood and the nation’s well-being. They account for a significant share of local employment and overall U.S. economic production. The latest statistics from the Office of Advocacy show 27.3 million small businesses in the United States and over 70,000 are right here in the state of Delaware. Small firms make up over 90% of this state’s employers.

That’s a lot of small businesses! And why grooming local entrepreneurs will lead to greater payoffs and create more local jobs right here in Delaware.

Just like growing plants and vegetables for a garden, growing entrepreneurs and creating jobs is important for your community. Both are essential nutrients for economic development and sustainability.

SBA is open for business. We stand ready to support you. Come see us. Make an appointment with a SCORE counselor to kick around your idea, or with an SBDC counselor to develop a new business plan, or a plan for expansion. And if you need a loan to advance your idea, buy a building or equipment, we have lender relations specialists ready to lend a hand. To begin your research on business topics, visit the SBA website. Happy gardening!

By A. John Shoraka
SBA Regional Administrator for Region 3

A. John Shoraka was appointed Regional Administrator for the United States Small Business Administration by President Barack Obama in November, 2010. As Regional Administrator for Region 3, Shoraka is responsible for the delivery and management of SBA’s small business programs, financial assistance, and business development program initiatives throughout the region, serving a population approaching 29.5 million in the seven SBA districts of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pa.; Wilmington, Del.; Baltimore, Md.; Clarksburg, W.V.; Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C.

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