Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce celebrates grand opening of new headquarters, business incubator

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPHL) — August is Black Business Month, and on Tuesday morning the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC) celebrated with a grand opening of its new headquarters and business incubator in Wilmington’s East Side.

According to the founder, president & CEO Ayanna Khan, the DEBCC was formed five years ago at the height of the pandemic. During a Tuesday morning press conference, Khan said that Delaware is a great place to do business, but there is a need to support Black and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

With support from the WGU School of Business, the incubator will offer a business development program, at no additional cost, to help entrepreneurs grow their business.

Government leaders, including Congresswoman Sarah McBride and Wilmington Mayor John Carney, were in attendance, along with Maisha Thoms Ruff, an entrepreneur and the space’s first tenant.

“I’m so elated to be the first tenant here…I’ve always wanted my first office to be in an incubator space because I’m a big connector and collaborator. So, I really think it would be best for me to be in this space, and I’m just excited about it,” said Thoms Ruff.

The DEBCC’s new headquarters are located at 321 E. 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801.