The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 BLOOM Grant Program for Small Businesses in York County from Monday, July 22 at 8 a.m. through Monday, August 12 at 8 p.m. Application and details available here.

This program will seek to will award grants from $500 to $1,500 to small businesses owned and operating in the County of York for projects that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Grant amounts will be considered based on need and potential impact. Examples of projects funded through other BLOOM grant funds include improving signage, physical improvements to business location, marketing, training & certification for new services, or purchase of new equipment. The application and guidelines are available in English and Spanish.

Priority consideration will be given to:

  • Businesses that have not received funding from previous BLOOM grant programs.
  • Businesses owned by Women, or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  • Businesses owned by Veterans.
  • Businesses that use local businesses to fulfill the grant implementation, where applicable.

The BLOOM Grant Program was first created in 2018 to help businesses address a tangible need that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Since its launch, 235 BLOOM Grants totaling $480,000 have been distributed to small businesses/organizations in York County, Downtown York, York County Trail Towns communities, to women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of the BLOOM classes, with 49% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color and 78% going to women-owned businesses.

“The application process is easy to follow, and the platform offers a convenient way to provide requested information. Follow up emails were a major help to keep us on track,” said Montika and Halman Smith, owners of Comfort Zone Mattress, recipients of the 2023 Business in Boroughs BLOOM Grant Program. “You all are a true blessing to our business.”

The deadline to apply is 8 p.m. on Monday, August 12. Applicant finalists will be required to participate in an in-person pitch competition held in the evening of Tuesday, August 27.

An Informational Webinar will be held on Wednesday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. We encourage anyone interested in the program to join us as we walk through the guidelines and answer any questions. Please register here
Click here to learn more about the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center