York, PA – The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center is pleased to announce the 2025 BLOOM Grant Program for Woman-owned Small Businesses in York County. As an initiative under the York County Economic Alliance, BLOOM’s micro-grant program serves as an opportunity to support women small business owners who are looking to grow their business.
This program will award grants up to $1,500 to small businesses in York County with 51% or more woman-ownership for a project that will help them enhance productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Since its foundation, the BLOOM Grant Program has awarded over $660,000 to 288 York County small businesses.
2023 BLOOM Grant recipient Lisa Novak, co-owner of Fig & Barrel Pub in Downtown York, shared that the project had a significant impact on her business: “… (we have) much better visibility to our customers because of the sign, and we are able to accommodate more guests with the additional tables. Our sales figures have increased”. Additionally, “sales have increased since we paid to build the website,” said Mel Anderson, owner of Heal’N Garden, a 2024 BLOOM Grant recipient. “I’ve gotten the chance to take on more kinds of projects,” shared Emily Arndt of Em’s Lens, another 2024 recipient.
A highlight of the event is the live pitch competition, where finalists will have up to one minute to pitch their business to attendees of the Women’s Business Center Organization’s December Luncheon.
Key Dates for 2025 BLOOM Woman-owned Small Business Grant Program
- Application Opens – Wednesday, October 8 at 8:00 AM
- Virtual Information Session – Wednesday, October 15 at 5:00 PM
- Application Closes – Wednesday, November 5 at 5:00 PM
- Pitch Competition – Tuesday, December 9 at 12pm
Women small business owners in York County are encouraged to apply and seize this opportunity to invest in their future growth. Register for the virtual information session, find additional details, and submit an application at www.bloomyork.org/grants.
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center hosts a suite of services for entrepreneurs to access education, access to capital, and networking opportunities to accelerate their small business startup, sustained growth, and continued success.
