County economic development office outlines workforce study, small-business supports and Claymont Steel planning
Loading...
Summary
Jeff Berman and Helen Foster updated the subcommittee on a county workforce study with the New Castle County Chamber, small-business outreach and the Small Business Enterprise goal (150 certified vendors), and noted Grow NCC referrals and strategic planning for the former Claymont Steel site.
Jeff Berman, director of economic development for County Executive Marcus Henry, briefed the New Castle County Economic Development Subcommittee on Dec. 2 about ongoing workforce and small-business initiatives and corridor planning.
Berman said the county is conducting a workforce study with the New Castle County Chamber to estimate current and future needs across key sectors, and highlighted healthcare and innovative manufacturing as priority areas. He described small-business engagement through roundtables and announced a program providing 10 small businesses with a one-year Chamber membership; the administration received more than 70 applicants and announced recipients on Small Business Saturday.
On financing, Berman said the economic development office submitted 12 referrals to the Grow NCC loan program, with one application currently in underwriting for a loan "in the $250,000 range." He said Grow funds can be used for working capital, employee wages and other operational needs and encouraged council members to connect struggling businesses to Grow representatives for consultative review.
Helen Foster, the county's Small Business Enterprise coordinator, said the county is aiming for 150 certified SBEs in the vendor portal by the end of the fiscal year and reported the office had reached 135 registrations ("90%" toward the goal). Foster emphasized outreach tactics including library office hours and pre-bid meeting participation with Public Works and Procurement to increase vendor diversity and SBE participation on county projects.
Berman also noted corridor revitalization planning for a large redevelopment opportunity at the former Claymont Steel site (listed as a 425-acre opportunity in the presentation) and said the county is working with the Claymont Renaissance Development Organization, industry experts and local stakeholders to create community-focused economic growth for the site.
Council members asked clarifying questions about program eligibility and use of funds; Berman and Foster offered to follow up with direct contacts for businesses that need assistance. No formal county funding action was taken at the meeting.
