FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 30, 2026
Contact: Jenna Greenlee (302) 307-2602
DOVER, DE – Senator Darius Brown joined Delaware Bank Commissioner Lisa Collison, Adam Hanif from the Delaware Council on Banking, and representatives from Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union, Capital One, and Launcher, an initiative of the West End Neighborhood House, to celebrate significant investments coming to Delaware’s small business ecosystem.
Through the Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund, a program established by Sen. Brown’s Senate Bill 83 in 2023, Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union is receiving $469,000 to provide accessible lines of credit to small businesses and community-based organizations.
During today’s event, Sen. Brown formally recognized the Launcher for its role in advancing economic opportunity and highlighted the importance of programs that build partnerships between entrepreneurs and local organizations that provide vital resources.
“If we are to strengthen our communities and revitalize our neighborhoods, we must begin by investing in the small businesses and entrepreneurs that drive our local economy,” said Senator Darius Brown, prime sponsor of SB 83, which established the Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund. “Economic prosperity starts with creating opportunities for local businesses to grow, create jobs, and provide stability that our families and neighbors depend on. Through the work of West End, Stepping Stones, and Launcher, this investment will expand access to capital that will build lasting economic opportunities from the inside out.”
Representatives from local banking institutions were also present, including Joe Westcott from Capital One, Blanche Jackson from Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union, and Emily Duran from their affiliated Launcher Program. The press conference focused on the anticipated programs and support made possible through the recent investments, and how they plan to expand the current pathway towards economic prosperity.
“This investment will provide vital loan capital to support small-business owners and sole proprietors in Delaware’s low- to moderate-income census tracts,” said Blanche Jackson, CEO of Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union. “In partnership with West End Neighborhood House’s Launcher Entrepreneurship Program, this initiative will strengthen opportunities for both current graduates and future entrepreneurs by pairing affordable financing with the technical assistance needed to launch, grow and sustain successful businesses.”
“Capital One is deeply committed to empowering local entrepreneurs and building a Delaware where every community can thrive,” said Joe Westcott, Vice President & Delaware Market President at Capital One. “Creating lasting opportunity for small businesses takes a true cross-sector approach. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Senator Brown, West End, and Stepping Stones to give Launcher graduates the character-based loans and hands-on coaching they need to grow their businesses and help our state thrive.”
The Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund reflects the General Assembly’s commitment to improving and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as their dedication to providing financial tools that can grow and sustain Delaware businesses. With collaboration between state government, financial institutions, and mission-driven community organizations, we are able to close existing gaps between small businesses and their access to capital that leads to economic development.
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