DELAWARE’S SECRET WEAPON: SMALL BUSINESSES + SMART MONEY = BIG IMPACT

By Ivan C. Thomas

In a packed studio buzzing with real talk, raw advice, and unapologetic energy, Delaware’s small business community got a masterclass in what it really takes to build wealth, scale smart, and secure capital in 2025.

Hosted by media visionary Ivan Thomas and the ever-charismatic Steven Johnson, the latest episode of The Small Business Innovation Podcast, powered by the Delaware Small Business Chamber, served up more than just soundbites, it dropped strategy.

And at the heart of it all? Access. Relationship banking. And mission-driven funding.

Enter Del One Federal Credit Union, represented by their dream team of financial experts: Laura Whistler, Commercial Loan Officer, and John Chartrand, Chief Banking Officer, two community-minded leaders who are helping redefine what banking means for entrepreneurs in Delaware.

From Red Tape to Real Talk

Forget what you thought you knew about business lending. This episode flipped the script.

“We’re not just writing loans, we’re building legacies,” said Chartrand. “At Del One, you’re not a number, you’re a member. Our job is to serve, not gatekeep.”

The conversation covered everything from SBA loans and SSBCI-backed funding to micro-loans as small as $3,500. Whistler emphasized the importance of smart funding: “We don’t do strings. We do relationships. If you’re not ready, we’ll help you get ready. But we’re not here to hit your credit if it’s not time.”

That energy echoed throughout the room: partnership, not predatory lending. And a real commitment to equity, particularly for Delaware’s Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

Numbers Don’t Lie, But They Can Tell a Story

One of the most powerful takeaways? Know. Your. Numbers.

“You either tell your money where to go, or you wonder where it went.” said Whistler

That message hit hard. Many small business owners, especially first-generation entrepreneurs, struggle with financial literacy. Del One is leaning in to fix that, with in-house credit counselors, financial coaches, and bilingual support across branches. Chartrand’s take? “Timing is everything. You want capital? Cool. But show us the plan. Your credit is your business until your business is strong enough to stand alone.”

Real People. Real Stories. Real Growth.

What made the episode unforgettable were the success stories. From affordable housing developer Wally Rushdan to Dr. Keenan Dorsey’s Innovative Kids Academy, these weren’t just loan recipients. They’re community changemakers, fueled by Del One’s resources and belief.

And the impact is tangible.

“Small businesses give 250% more to their communities than large corporations,” said Chartrand, citing a Forbes study. “We’ve seen it. We live it. We fund it.”

With programs like the Banking on Business initiative, SSBCI funding, and customized business credit tools, Del One is proving that community-based financing isn’t just possible,it’s powerful.

It’s Not Just Money. It’s Movement.

Ivan Thomas closed with a reminder to Delaware’s business community:

“There’s nothing noble about suffering in silence. You don’t have to thug it out alone. There’s money on the table. There are people who care. You just gotta reach out.”

Want in?
Visit www.del-one.org or DM “member” on any of Del One’s social platforms.
Or, text BIZ to 810-796-1624 to join the growing movement of entrepreneurs building, scaling, and thriving across Delaware.

And remember:
When small businesses win, Delaware wins too.

Story courtesy of DETV & The Small Business Innovation Podcast. For more insights and episodes, visit www.detvch.com.