When you meet Anastasia Jackson, one thing becomes clear, her story is deeply rooted in Delaware’s soil, and her mission is to help small businesses, especially Black-owned ones, grow from that same ground.
View this post on Instagram
From Milford to Dover: A Foundation in Family and Community
Born and raised between Milford and Dover, Anastasia credits her hometown for instilling in her a deep sense of community.
“My hometown had a strong sense of community that instilled in me the importance of supporting youth and families,” she said.
Entrepreneurship runs in her family’s DNA, her great-grandfather was a hog farmer and chicken raiser in Sussex County, her aunt, Dr. Pamela Morrison, owned multiple daycares and a mental health practice, and her grandmother, Fannie Morrison, also ran a home daycare. Her mother continued that legacy with a successful cleaning business.
It’s no surprise Anastasia grew up seeing enterprise not just as business, but as a form of service.
Education, Leadership, and Perseverance
A proud graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, Anastasia learned early on the power of perseverance and leadership through extracurricular involvement.
“It taught me the value of hard work and perseverance,” she shared. “Hosting our 20-year class reunion this year and reconnecting with so many former classmates was amazing.”
She went on to attend the University of Delaware, first studying Information Resource Management before switching to Human Resource Management. Today, she’s completing the final two courses of her MBA in Business Administration, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to growth and learning.
Inspiration and Career: Building Up Others
Anastasia’s late aunt, Dr. Morrison, remains one of her biggest inspirations.
“I witnessed her dedication and the impact she had on our community,” Anastasia said. “It motivated me to pursue a career supporting small businesses.”
That passion led her to her current role as Kent County Regional Business Manager and Delaware on Main Street Coordinator for the State of Delaware’s Division of Small Business, where she champions small business owners across the state.
Inside the Work: A Day of Impact
Her daily work involves meeting with entrepreneurs, connecting them to funding and mentorship resources, and coordinating with state agencies to strengthen Delaware’s economic ecosystem.
Through her efforts, she helped create Delaware’s first-ever Business on Main Street Accelerator Program, in partnership with Launcher DE. The program provides small business owners with the tools and networks to expand and thrive in downtown areas statewide, a major milestone for community-based entrepreneurship.
Overcoming Challenges, Creating Opportunities
Anastasia acknowledges the unique challenges that small and Black-owned businesses face, from limited access to capital to a lack of mentorship opportunities.
Her approach: bridge those gaps through education, networking, and resource connection.
“Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “Resilience is key.”
Kent County’s Hidden Advantage
When asked what makes Kent County special, Anastasia highlights its strategic position and community spirit.
“We’re the center of the state, home to the capital, have three colleges, and a strong manufacturing base,” she explained. “There’s a true sense of collaboration between legislators, development agencies, and business owners. That makes Kent County a great place for both locals and tourists.”
Awards, Recognition, and Staying Grounded
Anastasia’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, she received the Frank J. Masley Champion Award, recognizing her leadership and dedication to Delaware’s business community. She also earned a spot on the Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40 list, a testament to her influence as a young professional shaping the state’s economic landscape.
“These recognitions are reminders that our efforts matter,” she reflected. “But I stay grounded by focusing on the real people behind the businesses, their stories keep me motivated every day.”
Final Words of Wisdom
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Anastasia’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Start by researching your market and understanding your customers. Don’t hesitate to seek advice, and remember that resilience is key.”
From her roots in Milford and Dover to her leadership across Kent County, Anastasia Jackson is proof that when community, hard work, and heart come together, small businesses, and the people behind them, can achieve big things.
