Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay Sits Down with Small Business Leaders Across the State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Monday, March 23, 2026

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DOVER -In a week's time, Lt. Governor Gay sat down with nearly 100 small business owners across all three counties to identify new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen Delaware's economy and communities at-large.

"Delaware's small businesses serve communities across our state, and their commitment to invest in the First State should not go unnoticed," said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay. "Through these roundtables I learned more about how the State can better support our small business owners. Across counties and sectors, there is much to celebrate, but certain barriers to success demonstrate that there is still much to be done. We will build from these conversations - connecting partners, expanding resources, and creating solutions to enhance the small business experience and ultimately drive Delaware forward."

These roundtable conversations, in partnership with Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, and the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, covered top-of-mind issues for small business owners like, accessing funding opportunities, workforce recruitment and retention, regulatory barriers, and childcare and education needs across the state.

"Relationships are the Delaware Way. Every time we take the time to sit with our neighbors to discuss work and life challenges, whether over coffee, in a board room, at the beach, or in the Capitol, we are able to create meaningful solutions," said Executive Director Lauren Weaver, Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. "Like a car that cannot operate without a driver and engine, Delaware cannot thrive if government leaders and small business owners do not collaborate with each other. We are grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Lt. Governor Gay and look forward to more conversations as we build towards progress together."

Each discussion expanded beyond specific geographic and sector issues - focusing on statewide efforts to tackle large-scale policy challenges in education, healthcare, public safety, and other policy areas. Participants emphasized the importance of fostering thriving communities to best support their goals to further invest in the First State.

"Delaware's strong business community is connected by a shared commitment to serve their neighbors well, but they can only do so much on their own. The challenges that they currently face at the county, state, and national level demand the attention and influence of someone in authority. This is why the conversation with Lt. Governor Gay was a great step in fostering relationships that can and, I believe will expand opportunities not just for Kent County business leaders, but for all Delawareans." said Dr. Dina Carol Vendetti, President of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.

The week also included intimate conversations with the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce and La Plaza Delaware, to further identify comprehensive solutions to account for the unique experiences of diverse small business owners throughout the state.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Delaware's economy. This roundtable creates an important opportunity for business owners to share their experiences directly with state leadership, and we're proud to partner with the Lieutenant Governor to ensure their voices help shape a stronger, more resilient economy," President and CEO Yvonne Deadwyler, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

In these spaces, Lt. Governor Gay affirmed her commitment in leveraging her office initiatives and partnerships to uplift the successes and tackle the challenges facing Delaware's vast small business community.

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