Supporting a Thriving Culture OF ENTREPRENEURS
Small Business Funding in York, PA
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers enhanced technical support, attainable capital, and access to opportunity which instills York with a thriving culture of entrepreneurship defined by our rate of business births, women owned businesses, and minority business enterprises.
Since its launch, BLOOM Grants 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.
207 BLOOM Grants totaling nearly $445,000
72% of all grants have been awarded to women-owned businesses.
49% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color.
Meet the TEAM
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center is led by Sully Pinos, Executive Director, and Marlena Schugt, Program Manager. Leveraging the whole bench of the team of the YCEA, the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center team is here to help navigate small business paths – whether you are starting out, have a new idea, or are ready to expand.
Sully Pinos
Executive Director
BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
717.771.4577
Marlena Schugt
BLOOM Program Manager
717.771.4579
BLOOM ADVISORY BOARD
Meet the community leaders who make up BLOOM’s Advisory Board.
Loans
Access to Capital is a vital component for a business’s life span. To help startup and existing small businesses in York County accelerate and maintain their growth, the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers a variety of small business funding financing options that can eliminate barriers to capital. Through our educational programming services and one on one meetings, BLOOM can offer interested applicants with financial training and a step by step approach to seeking capital for their business.
Grants
Help your business blossom with a BLOOM grant. Grants make the impossible possible. Since the development of this micro-grant program in 2018, 170 BLOOM grants totaling $387,978 have been distributed so far. Read to start or expand your business? Learn more about unique funding opportunities.
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center believed in me and granted me their very first business loan because they saw something in me that other lending institutions were missing. They were attentive to my story from beginning to end.
JEN HEASLEY
Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce & Cooking with the Pros
I appreciate these courses BLOOM has put together to help us to become even better entrepreneurs.
MICHELLE WRIGHT
Luxe + Mane
I really enjoyed the fact the material was available after the sessions. Being that I work full time and have school in the evenings it was a blessing to be able to go back to watch and take notes.
BLOOM CLASS GRADUATE
I think it’s important for entrepreneurs to feel supported with knowledgeable people who are ready and willing to help, and this program offers that.
BLOOM CLASS GRADUATE
Register for a CLASS
Developed with local partners in small business development, these multi-week classes are offered at no-cost to support entrepreneurs in launching their business and small business owners in growing their business.
Explore OUR BUSINESS SERIES
Join us for virtual workshops on the third Wednesday of each month to discuss a range of topic such as marketing, finance, customer service, local trends, and more.
Consider a MENTORSHIP
Through partnerships with SCORE, WBCO, and more, mentorships provide opportunities to pair with existing business leaders for peer-to-peer support.
Helping YOU Succeed
Resources that HELP YOU SUCCEED
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers a variety of resources to support small business growth and foster inclusive economic development in York County. From startup to mentorship to guidance through coursework, workshops, and talent development. Ready to get started?
When do classes start?
I have a business idea, where do I start?
Check out our Business Plan.
How do I register a business in PA?
How can I fund my business idea?
We offering many funding opportunities. Explore our loan options.
How can I meet other entrepreneurs?
Meet likeminded individuals through our networking resources. Learn more.