BLOOM grants totaling $18,000 awarded to Hanover businesses

Twelve downtown Hanover businesses will receive funding totaling $18,000 to improve productivity, expand business services, or help grow to the next level. 

The York County Economic Alliance, in partnership with Main Street Hanover, said the 2022 Downtown Hanover BLOOM Grant is part of ongoing efforts by the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, under the York County Economic Alliance, to promote entrepreneurship and expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover.

Three of the selected businesses receiving funding either women-owned or BIPOC-owned, the York County Economic Alliance said. 

The 2022 Downtown Hanover BLOOM Grant Recipients are: 

• Fat Bat Brewing Company, LLC – For the purchase of stairlift to increase access to HIDEaWAY area 
• Ikigai Coffee LLC – For the kitchen expansion and improved kitchen equipment  
• Jimmy Akinrosotu Agency Farmers Insurance – For coordinating a marketing campaign 
• Let’s Play: Games and Hobbies LLC – For the purchase of updated signage and equipment 

• Panebaker Funeral Home – For the purchase of a new printer and materials to improve services 
• Snacktown Kitchens Co – For updated kitchen equipment and marketing materials 
• Soul Meets Body Treatment Center, LLC – For the purchase of equipment to expand services 
• The Cake Bar LLC – For lobby renovations and the purchase and installation of new signage 
• The Sea Gypsy – For website development 

• The Succulent Hippie – For event costs and increased inventory 
• Vault Video Games – For lobby renovations and the purchase and installation of new signage 
• Wolf & Wolf Restaurants dba Oak – For the purchase and installation of signage 

 
The BLOOM Grant Program was first created in 2018 to help businesses address a tangible need that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level.  

Since its launch, 129 BLOOM Grants totaling $333,978 have been distributed to small businesses/organizations in York County, Downtown York, York County Trail Towns communities, to women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of the BLOOM Small Business Development courses, with 54% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color and 65% going to women-owned businesses, the alliance said.