BLOOM Small Business Grant Program

The BLOOM Small Business Grant Program for the City of York is administered through the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center in partnership with local economic development stakeholders, including organizations such as the York County Economic Alliance. The program was originally developed to provide micro-grant funding to small businesses for targeted projects that support operational improvements and business growth. It is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the local economy by investing directly in small, revenue-generating businesses within the City of York, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the program is to assist established small businesses in enhancing productivity, expanding their product or service offerings, and improving overall operations. Funding is intended to support tangible business improvements that contribute to long-term sustainability and growth. Eligible projects include upgrades to furniture, fixtures, or equipment, technology improvements such as point-of-sale systems, interior or exterior renovations, and marketing or advertising enhancements. The program also supports professional development and training initiatives that help businesses scale or diversify their offerings. Grant awards are structured as micro-grants, with individual awards ranging from 500 to 1,500 dollars. Funding decisions are based on the applicant’s demonstrated need and the potential impact of the proposed project. Grant recipients are also eligible for additional promotional exposure through BLOOM and affiliated communication channels. Funds must be used within six months of disbursement and must align with the approved project scope. The program prohibits the use of funds for payroll, taxes, rent, utilities, debt payments, or routine operational expenses, ensuring that awards are directed toward growth-oriented investments rather than ongoing costs. The program requires applicants to contribute a minimum of 10 percent of the total project cost, demonstrating financial commitment and project viability. This cost-share requirement is mandatory and must be reflected in the submitted budget. Applications must include detailed documentation, such as an itemized budget, proof of business registration in Pennsylvania, profit and loss statements, tax returns, and a completed W-9 form. Additional documentation may be requested during the review process to verify eligibility and project feasibility. Eligibility is limited to for-profit businesses that are physically located within the City of York, Pennsylvania, and that have generated revenue as of September 30, 2025. Businesses must have no more than 50 employees and must not have received a BLOOM grant in 2024 or 2025. Applicants are also subject to conflict-of-interest restrictions, which prohibit participation by employees or board members of affiliated organizations, their family members, and government officials or City of York employees. Nonprofit organizations are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process includes a defined timeline, beginning with an application opening on April 13, 2026, and closing on May 8, 2026. Applicants may attend an optional virtual information session prior to submission. Following the application review, selected finalists are required to participate in an in-person pitch competition scheduled for June 1, 2026, as part of the final selection process. Applications are evaluated for completeness, eligibility, and the projected impact of the proposed project. The BLOOM Small Business Grant Program is offered periodically as part of ongoing local economic development efforts. By providing accessible, small-scale funding opportunities, the program aims to empower local entrepreneurs, support business resilience, and contribute to the economic vitality of the City of York community.