Delaware is proving to be one of the strongest hubs for Black entrepreneurship in the country. As the nation recognizes National Black Business Month, a new analysis by B2B Reviews highlights Delaware as the second-best state for Black-owned businesses in 2025, a remarkable achievement that underscores the state’s growing culture of innovation, inclusivity, and economic opportunity.
Why Delaware Stands Out
Delaware’s ranking as the #2 state for Black-owned businesses is driven by several powerful indicators:
- High concentration of Black-owned businesses – Delaware boasts the eighth highest percentage of Black-owned businesses in the nation at 17.12%, well above the national average of 10.15%.
- Rapid business growth – Between 2023 and 2024, Delaware saw a 36.16% increase in Black-owned businesses, placing it ninth in the nation for year-over-year growth.
- Strong Black population presence – 22.11% of Delaware’s population is Black, ranking eighth nationally and more than double the U.S. average of 11.01%.
- Higher income equity – Black households in Delaware earn 75.39% of the state’s median income, exceeding the national equity average of 70.19%.
Black Entrepreneurship on the Rise Nationwide
According to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), there are around 5 million Black entrepreneurs in the United States, making up 14.5% of all business owners. Collectively, Black-owned businesses have created over 1.3 million jobs and contributed more than $207 billion to the national economy. These businesses not only generate wealth but also serve as critical pillars in local communities, increasing inclusivity and expanding opportunities across industries.
A Community of Opportunity
These numbers paint a clear picture: Delaware is not just welcoming to Black entrepreneurs—it is actively fostering an environment where they can thrive. With a sizable Black population, equitable income distribution, and a rapidly expanding business landscape, the state has become a model for inclusive economic growth.
As the momentum builds, Delaware continues to show that supporting Black-owned businesses means supporting stronger communities, more job creation, and greater shared prosperity.
