Delaware — Export Delaware, a division of the Delaware Department of State, will open applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Compass Grant Program beginning July 1. The initiative is designed to support small businesses across Delaware in entering and expanding within global markets through financial assistance for international trade activities. Eligible companies can apply for funding to cover expenses related to overseas trade shows, business development travel, marketing translation, foreign compliance testing, and similar global outreach efforts.
The program aims to help businesses overcome financial and logistical barriers to exporting. To guide applicants, Export Delaware will host a one-hour informational webinar on Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. The session will outline eligibility, offer application strategies, and feature real-life examples of how Delaware companies have successfully used the grant to secure international sales. Data from last year’s grant cycle shows tangible results.
Export Delaware reimbursed over $85,000 in business expenses, leading to more than $27 million in actual export sales and over $51 million in projected sales. Grant-supported activities helped create 50 new jobs and retain 77 positions statewide. A total of 33 grants were awarded, with 31% of recipients identifying as minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned businesses. The Compass Grant is administered through export.delaware.gov/compass-grant.
