The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce the 2023 City of York BLOOM Grant Program for Small Businesses.
Donor Name: BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
State: Pennsylvania
City: York
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/13/2023
Size of the Grant: $500 to $1,500
Details:
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 small business grants are funding made simple to help businesses create something that otherwise may not have been!
Priorities
Priority consideration will be given to:
- While they encourage past BLOOM recipients to apply again for new initiatives, priority shall be given to those who have not received prior BLOOM grants.
- Businesses owned by Veterans
- Businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color
- Businesses owned by Women
- Preference will be given to companies that use local businesses to fulfill the grant implementation, where applicable.
Funding Information
Grant amounts will range from $500 to $1,500.
Eligibility Criteria
- Businesses for this BLOOM Grant must operate and be located in the City of York, Pennsylvania and must have revenue generated as of April 30, 2023.
- Applications should be for projects that will improve productivity, expand/improve services, or grow to the next level.
- Applicants cannot have more than 50 full or part-time employees.
- Applicants must match 10% of the grant’s capital value to show commitment to the project being funded.
- Grant recipients must use the allocated funds within 6 months on the approved expense.
- Applicants cannot be an employee or board member of YCEA, Downtown Inc, or an affiliate board; cannot be a family member of an employee or board member.
- While they encourage past BLOOM recipients to apply again for new initiatives, priority shall be given to those who have not received prior BLOOM grants.
- Only for-profit businesses are eligible. Non-profits are not eligible.
- Applicants cannot be a federal, state, or municipal elected or appointed official.
Grant Criteria
- New Tangible improvements such as:
- Exterior façade or interior renovations
- Curb appeal/placemaking enhancements
- Lighting improvements; safety upgrades both interior and exterior
- Equipment such as improved commercial kitchen equipment, merchandising and display fixtures, point of sale technology upgrades to improve speed and customer experience.
- Space expansions/renovations
- Other material improvements to the business that would expand growth, business services, and business opportunity and/or make a positive impact on the overall local business environment.
- Business upgrades and adjustments related to COVID-19 recovery
- Adding or expanding outdoor seating or outdoor retail space
- Expenses related to marketing or advertising.
Ineligibility
BLOOM Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Owner compensation
- Payroll or payroll taxes
- Mortgage/lease or property tax payments
- Utilities, other recurring operating expenses
- Day to day operating supplies
- Credit card or other debt payment.
For more information, visit BLOOM Business Empowerment Center.
