Supporting Your GOALS
BLOOM Small Business Grant PROGRAM
The BLOOM Small Business Grant Program was originally created in 2018 by a group of summer interns to offer a unique funding opportunity to small businesses. These micro-grant programs have been utilized by existing small businesses for projects to improve operations or expand services, such as new signage, façade improvements, new equipment, and much more.
Previous grant rounds have been held with a focus on small businesses located in Downtown York, Downtown Hanover, and Trail Town Communities as well as small businesses owned by women, graduates of our small business development program, businesses who are YCEA members, and start-up childcare businesses.
Making a Difference
296 York County Small Businesses have received over $670,000 from BLOOM Grant programs.
77% of all grants were awarded to businesses owned by women.
50% of all grants were awarded to businesses owned by persons of color.
City of York Small Business Grant Program
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Application Opens – Monday, April 13
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Virtual Information Session – Recording here
- Application Closes – Friday, May 8
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Pitch Competition – Monday, June 1
County of York Small Business Grant Program
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Full details available – Monday, July 13
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Application opens – Monday, July 20
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Virtual Information Session – Wednesday, July 29 at 5:30pm Register Here
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Pitch Competition – Monday, September 14
Woman-owned Small Business Grant Program
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Full details available – Monday, October 12
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Application opens – Monday, October 19
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Virtual Information Session – Tuesday, October 27 at 5:30pm Register Here
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Pitch Competition – Tuesday, December 8
City of York Small Business
BLOOM Grant Program
Guidelines AND APPLYING
The City of York Small Business BLOOM Grant Program will award grants up to $1,500 to established small businesses operating and generating revenue in the City of York for a project that will enhance productivity & operations, expand product or service offerings, or otherwise grow to the next level.
Eligibility
- Businesses for this BLOOM Grant program must be located in the City of York, Pennsylvania and must have revenue generated as of September 30, 2025.
- Applicants cannot be an employee or board member of the YCEA, Downtown Inc, or an affiliate board; cannot be a family member of an employee or board member.
- Applicants cannot be a federal, state, or municipal elected, or appointed official or City of York employee.
- Businesses that have received a BLOOM Grant in 2024 or 2025 are not eligible to apply for this program.
- Only for-profit businesses are eligible. Nonprofits are not eligible.
- Grant recipients must use the allocated funds within 6 months of grant disbursement on the approved expense.
- Applicants cannot have more than 50 full or part-time employees.
Eligible Grant Uses
- Tangible upgrades of furniture, fixtures, or equipment.
- Examples include: commercial kitchen appliances, upgraded lighting, new signage, or other enhancements to improve customer experience.
- Point of sale or other technology upgrades.
- Exterior facade, curb appeal, or placemaking enhancements.
- Interior renovations or expansions.
- Expenses related to marketing or advertising strategies. May include costs related to website development or enhancement.
- Professional development or industry training programs.
- Expenses related to expanding product or service offerings.
Please note, any request for consumable items must have a replenishment plan.
BLOOM Grants cannot be used for:
- Owner compensation or payroll
- Business taxes, including payroll or other federal, state, or local tax obligations
- Mortgage/lease or property tax payments
- Utilities, other recurring operating expenses
- Day-to-day operating supplies
- Consumables for existing needs or that have no replenishment plan
- Credit card or other debt payment
Budget
Applicants must use the provided template to submit a detailed budget for the proposed project. Please find an example here.
Applicants must show a 10% of the grant’s capital value to show commitment to the project being funded. The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center reserves the right to make the decision to partially fund applicants.
Pitch Competition
If selected as a finalist, the business owner or a representative of the business must be available in the evening of Monday, June 1, for an in-person pitch competition. More details will be shared with finalists.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center reserves the right to ask applicants for additional documentation for clarification purposes.
Itemized Budget using BLOOM Grant-provided template to support grant request.
Documentation showing business filing registration with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A copy of an EIN document from the IRS is not acceptable.
A Profit and Loss Statement for the Business from September 30, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Full 2025 Business Tax Return. If 2025 tax return is not available, please submit 2024 tax return and a profit & loss statement for 2025.
Completed and signed W-9 form.
Business logo.
Further in the review process, we will contact you for a voided check from the Business Bank Account. If your business is awarded, funds will not be deposited in a personal bank account.