West Side Innovation Fund

West Side Innovation Fund

Funder: City of Wilmington via American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, administered by Cornerstone West CDC with partners True Access Capital and Wilmington Alliance

Status: Multiple rounds funded; first round awardees announced January 2024

Geographic Scope: West Side of Wilmington, Delaware, including Union, Lincoln, and 4th Streets

Award Amount: $1,000 - $10,000 grants

Focus Areas:
For entrepreneurs seeking to open businesses in commercial vacancies, property owners seeking potential tenants, and existing businesses:

Facade improvements

Interior & exterior security cameras

Exterior signage

Indoor seating renovation and expansion

Mobile business vehicle renovation

Storefront repairs and improvements

Equipment purchases and upgrades

Eligibility:

Entrepreneurs seeking to open businesses in commercial vacancies on the West Side

Property owners seeking potential tenants

Existing businesses making minor repairs

BIPOC-owned small businesses (priority focus)

Businesses located on West Side corridors (Lincoln Street, Union Street, Fourth Street, Lancaster Ave)

Program History:

First round (2024): 10 businesses awarded

Notable awardees: HillTop Smoked BBQ, Hell's Belles Bake Shop, Orion's Auto Repairs, Taco House & Pizza, The Vision Campus, Union Press Printing, Walter's Steakhouse, and others

Part of broader "Building From Within" program addressing racial disparities in business lending

Program Goals:

Infuse West Side corridors with investment

Support BIPOC-owned small businesses specifically

Achieve visual impact on neighborhood main streets

Support businesses that persevered through COVID-19 pandemic

Contact Information:

Gabrielle Lantieri, Economic Development Manager

Email: hello@westsidegrows.org

Phone: (302) 888-5346

Address: 1512 W. 4th Street, Suite 2, Wilmington, DE 19805

Funding Source: City of Wilmington American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds