About Delaware
Delaware’s business community
is shaped by its small size, strategic location and unusually strong role in corporate formation, finance, legal services and professional services. Wilmington remains the state’s main commercial center, with deep ties to banking, credit cards, insurance, law, accounting and corporate governance, while New Castle County benefits from access to the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington corridor. The state also has a meaningful science, technology and life sciences presence, supported by research assets, university connections and Delaware’s long history in chemicals, materials and innovation. State economic development leaders continue to emphasize science, technology and R&D as growth areas for Delaware companies.
Beyond Wilmington, Delaware’s economy becomes more diverse and locally driven. Dover is anchored by state government, health care, education, military activity and small business activity, while Sussex County has a strong agricultural, food production, tourism, construction and real estate base. The beach communities support hospitality, retail, restaurants, professional services and second-home related businesses, while poultry, farming and agribusiness remain important in southern Delaware. Health care is also a major growth driver statewide, with Delaware labor officials noting that several of the state’s fastest-growing occupations are in health care fields.