BLOOM Grant Program launches for small businesses

Small businesses are getting a boost from a Central Pennsylvania grant program. 

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is partnering with the City of York and York County Community Foundation to launch the BLOOM Grant Program for small businesses.

The program starts today and runs through May 8.

Grants up to $1,500 will be awarded 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. According to a release, the BLOOM Grant Program has awarded more than $672,000 to 296 York County small businesses with $413,450.00 awarded to 158 small businesses located in the City of York.

“Our partnership with the YCEA’s BLOOM Business Empowerment Center provides funding opportunities, such as this one, directly to our City’s small business owners who strive to enhance their business,” City of York Mayor Sandie Walker said in a statement. “From my ‘6 in 2026′ goals, Grow York Local – Small Businesses. Big Impact, we want to see our small businesses grow, succeed and work with the city. I encourage each small business owner in the City of York to explore how this program can invest in their growth.”

2025 BLOOM Grant recipient Steph Holmes Artist Studio in the WeCo district of Downtown York used her award to enhance business signage.

“This project has helped my collectors find my new art studio space effortlessly and definitely given me more visibility with passing traffic,” said Holmes. “Collectors often comment about how they knew I had moved but didn’t make the connection to where until they were passing by and saw the signage.”

One of the highlights of this program is the live pitch competition, where finalists present their business and project proposal to a panel of community stakeholders to determine funding awards.

The following are important dates for 2026 BLOOM Grant Program for Small Businesses in the City of York

• Application Opens  – April 13 at 8 AM
• Virtual Information Session  –  April 21 at 5:30 PM
• Application Closes  –  May 8 at 5 PM
• Pitch Competition  –  Monday, June 1 from 4-7 PM

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center hosts services for entrepreneurs to access education, access to capital, and networking opportunities to accelerate their small business startup, sustained growth, and success.