Character-based lending is fueling entrepreneurs in Delaware

For Donald Maull, launching Maully Maull's Lawn Service in Georgetown, Delaware, was about more than starting a business: it was about turning years of hands-on experience into personal independence, creating local jobs, and proving the power of second chances. 

"Launcher gave me the confidence to take the skills I developed over years of working for others and pursue my dream of owning my own business," Maull shared. "This opportunity can help me invest in the equipment and resources needed to grow and serve more residential and commercial clients." 

Maull also participated in The Way Home, a Georgetown-based reentry organization that supports formerly incarcerated individuals as they rebuild their lives. Ronald Tate, Maull’s advisor at The Way Home, said seeing Maull’s progress toward business ownership “was a highlight of his year.” 

While capable entrepreneurs across Delaware have the preparation, work ethic, and skillset to succeed, traditional financing models often create an insurmountable barrier. Standard underwriting relies heavily on credit scores and traditional collateral, leaving many early-stage entrepreneurs unable to access the low-cost capital needed to buy inventory, upgrade equipment, or transition into commercial storefronts.

To bridge this gap, state leaders, non-profits, credit unions, and corporate partners gathered in Wilmington, DE on July 30, 2026 to announce a game-changing $450,000 revolving loan initiative offering 2% interest business loans of up to $10,000 for current and future graduates of West End Neighborhood House’s Launcher Entrepreneurship Program.

Rather than evaluating loan applications solely through automated credit scores, this new initiative introduces a character-based lending approach. The model evaluates an entrepreneur’s demonstrated commitment, performance throughout Launcher’s rigorous 14-week training curriculum, business readiness, and willingness to engage in continuous business coaching. 

"A 2% business loan that recognizes an entrepreneur's performance, commitment and readiness, rather than relying primarily on a credit score, is an extraordinary and highly unusual opportunity that becomes even more powerful when paired with Launcher's continued coaching and support," said Emily Duran, Director of the Launcher Entrepreneurship Program.

To ensure long-term sustainability, loan recipients receive monthly business coaching from Launcher and financial coaching from Stand By Me, with Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union serving as the program's fiduciary. This continuous mentorship helps business owners deploy their capital responsibly, establish business credit, and build financial resilience. 

“Access to capital expands opportunity and strengthens communities,” said Blanche Jackson, CEO of Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union. “Through this loan program and partnership, Stepping Stones will help Launcher graduates build financial stability and long-term success across Delaware.”

Creating sustainable economic opportunity for small businesses requires activating philanthropic support alongside a full suite of strategic tools. To help back Delaware's local entrepreneurs and make this loan program a reality, Capital One deployed its full toolkit, combining associate pro bono expertise, philanthropic grant funding, and capital investment:

• Pro Bono Expertise: Capital One associates worked side-by-side with Stepping Stones CFCU and West End Neighborhood House to design the program mechanics, financial modeling, and loan process.

• Philanthropic Grant: Capital One awarded a $200,000 grant to West End Neighborhood House to fund three years of continuous financial and business coaching for loan recipients.

• Capital Investment: Capital One placed a $250,000 Certificate of Deposit at Stepping Stones CFCU to back and scale the credit union's local lending operations.

This targeted multi-pronged approach builds upon Capital One’s long-standing presence in Delaware, where more than 1,800 local associates live and work. Since 2018, Capital One has contributed over $851 million to Delaware communities, with associates volunteering more than 9,800 hours last year alone. Through its broader Community Benefits Plan, Capital One is deepening this commitment with $35 million in philanthropic grants to Delaware non-profits over five years.

The $450,000 loan pool combines private corporate support with a $469,000 award from the Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund (DCIVF). Established through Delaware Senate Bill 83—introduced by State Senator Darius Brown and passed in 2025—the DCIVF was created specifically to expand access to capital in low- to moderate-income census tracts across the state. 

"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 State Senator Darius Brown. "Economic prosperity starts with creating opportunities for local businesses to grow, create jobs, and provide stability that our families and neighbors depend on." 

This cross-sector alignment between legislative leadership, community-based non-profits, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and corporate anchor institutions offers a national blueprint for equitable economic development.

"Creating lasting opportunity for small businesses takes a true cross-sector approach," said Joe Westcott, Vice President & Delaware Market President at Capital One and Board Member at West End Neighborhood House. "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."

Since its launch, West End's Launcher program has trained and supported more than 1,500 entrepreneurs across Delaware, helping launch or strengthen over 650 businesses and support more than 1,265 local jobs.

By lowering the barrier to entry for capital and pairing 2% loans with wraparound coaching, the new initiative is expected to fund up to 45 local businesses in its initial phase—transforming individual business dreams into neighborhood stability and corridor revitalization across Delaware. 

To learn more about the Launcher Entrepreneurship Program, visit launcherde.org. To explore Capital One’s broader community impact in the First State, visit our Delaware page: www.capitalone.com/about/delaware/.