PHOTO RELEASE: Rep. McBride Visits University of Delaware Small Business Development Center, Highlights Cost of Living on Small Businesses

NEWARK, DE -Today, Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) visited the Delaware Small Business Development Center (DSBDC) at its Newark headquarters, where she met with business advisors and heard directly from the team supporting thousands of Delaware entrepreneurs each year. The visit focused on DSBDC's efforts to bolster small business growth and resilience, especially as families and entrepreneurs navigate rising costs. Small businesses make up 98% of all businesses in the state, and employ nearly 230,000 Delawareans.

"When we talk about the cost of living, we can't forget the cost of doing business," said Rep. McBride."From cyber threats to supply chain shocks to the threat of new tariffs, Delaware's small business owners are under pressure. But the work happening at DSBDC shows what's possible when we invest in entrepreneurs-not just with slogans, but with support."

The Delaware SBDC advised more than 1,800 clients, supported over 5,300 jobs, and helped raise $47 million in capital in 2024 alone. As the only nationally accredited program of its kind in the state, DSBDC offers no-cost consulting, tailored training, and direct assistance to startups, legacy businesses, and minority-owned enterprises.

Rep. McBride's visit comes as small business owners across the country face the potential economic fallout of the Trump Administration's proposed tariffs, including on goods critical to entrepreneurs and manufacturers alike. The Congresswoman has led and joined efforts to exempt essential child care items and other consumer staples from tariff hikes that would raise costs for working families and Main Street businesses.

"Delaware is a state of neighbors-and a state of small businesses. They're the backbone of the First State's economy from Wilmington to Georgetown," said Rep. McBride."At a time when costs are rising and global instability threatens supply chains, our job is to make life easier for entrepreneurs-not harder. That means fighting against harmful tariffs, expanding access to capital, and protecting programs like the SBDC that provide real results."

During the visit, Rep. McBride met with:

• Mike Bowman, DSBDC State Director
• Tom Thunstrom, DSBDC Center Director for Kent & Sussex Counties
• Marisa Tranchitella Foltz, DSBDC Cybersecurity Program Manager
• Lou DiNetta, DSBDC Innovation & Tech Program Manager
• Troy Farmer, DSBDC SSBCI Program Manager

Discussions covered DSBDC's work on artificial intelligence, cyber readiness, technical assistance for underserved communities, and federal grant advising. The discussion also expanded to the urgent need to combat cuts to the Small Business Administration. DSBDC also previewed strategic priorities from their 2025 roadmap, including expanded digital access, AI-enabled advising, and increased engagement with underrepresented entrepreneurs.

###

Delaware's Congresswoman Sarah McBride serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittees on Europe and on Oversight & Intelligence, she also serves on the House Space, Science and Technology Committee and its subcommittee on Research and Technology. She serves as a Deputy Whip for Policy in the Democratic Caucus.