BLOOM Grant for Woman-owned Small Businesses in York County Now Open

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 BLOOM Grant Program for Woman-owned Small Businesses in York County from Monday, November 4 at 8 a.m. through Monday, November 25 at 5 p.m. Application and details available here.

This program will award grants from $500 to $1,500 to small businesses owned and operating in the County of York, PA with at least 51% women ownership 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.
 
Applicant finalists will be required to participate in an in-person pitch competition held during the Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) Luncheon on Tuesday, December 10. 
An Informational Webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 13 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

Priority consideration will be given to:

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

 
“The application process was streamlined and smooth. It was such an honor to be a BLOOM Grant recipient,” said Stevie Storck, owner of Cross Quarter Club, recipient of the 2023 BLOOM Grant Program for Woman-owned Businesses. “I really appreciate what the BLOOM Grant is doing for small business owners in York County!” 
 
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, 264 BLOOM Grants totaling $630,000 have been distributed to small businesses/organizations in York County, Downtown York, York County Trail Towns communities, to woman-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of the BLOOM classes, with 50% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color and 75% going to woman-owned businesses.

Click here to learn more about the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
  
About the YCEA
YCEA drives York County’s economic growth by leveraging the collaboration, resources and expertise needed to create sustainable prosperity.

---

Katie Mahoney
Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer
717.771.4581
Kmahoney@yceapa.org