FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 14, 2025
Contact: Sarah Fulton (302) 401-1114
NEW CASTLE — Dozens of local entrepreneurs and business professionals gathered at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center for the first session of the Opportunity LIVES Here Learning Lab Series.
Organized by the Office of Senator Darius Brown, this interactive session featured presentations from Shavonne H. White, Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity, Courtney Strickland, the State Contract Procurement Administrator, and Alison Pedigo, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Analyst with the Delaware Department of Transportation.
“Opportunity lives in Delaware — but it thrives when it is cultivated by the members of our community and by leaders in state government,” said Sen. Brown, founder of Opportunity LIVES Here. “We’re hosting this series of learning labs so that local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can learn about the state government resources available to them.”
Presenters discussed several aspects of state contracting, including:
- Information about the Office of Supplier Diversity certification, specifically regarding how this certification can benefit businesses seeking to contract with the state.
- Guidance for potential vendors about how to start their state procurement efforts
- Tips about how to do business with the state, including detailed information about contracting and DelDOT’s DBE Certification.
Following the presentations, potential vendors were able to ask questions of the presenters and receive further guidance on their state contracting journeys.
Today’s event was the first in a free three-part series. More information about the upcoming events can be found below.
Session 2: Delaware Grocery Initiative
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This workshop will be facilitated by CJ Bell, Director, Division of Small Business & Tourism. Participants will have the chance to learn about the newly launched Delaware Grocery Initiative and its details.
Session 3: Downtown Development Districts
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This workshop will be facilitated by David L. Edgell, AICP, Director, Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Downtown Development Districts (DDD) program.
Learn more about Opportunity LIVES by visiting their website and to register directly for upcoming events.
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