Where to start.

The small business owner contacts the commercial loan officer at his or her bank and inquires about the LIFT program. The commercial loan officer then contacts the Delaware Economic Development Office.

If your banker does not participate in the LIFT program, ask him or her to contact the Delaware Economic Development Office 302-739-4271.

It's just a simple one-page application.

Once approved the State of Delaware will begin paying the interest on the existing line of credit for two years. After that, the business will repay the state the amount borrowed over the next five years at 0percent interest.