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WBCO appoints 3 advisory board members, announces grants
Paula Wolf//January 13, 2022
The Women’s Business Center Organization, a program of the York County Economic Alliance, appointed three new members to its advisory board:
- Margaret Eckles-Ray, program director for White Deer Run York Assessment Center.
- Tara Houser, vice president of marketing with First Capital Federal Credit Union.
- Nicole Shaffer, director of her traditions with Traditions Bank.
The WBCO also began its 2022 season by allocating $10,000 in Bloom grant funds to six women-owned businesses in York County.
The money comes through the Bloom Business Empowerment Center, which aims to “accelerate small business ownership and success, promote Pathways to Prosperity for talent development, and advance representation in leadership and access to opportunities,” a news release said.
The recipients are:
- Revolt Style Studio, for signage and marketing for 717 fest, a weekend-long, vintage-only vendor market offering curated clothing, accessories, home decor and more.
- Sara Ellen Event Venue, to support event venue startup and marketing.
- Lash Up, for business improvements to make clients feel safer and more welcome with the addition of extra lighting in the parking lot and other outside areas.
- Velvet Beauties, for off-street parking for customers; business improvements; and renovations for a better fitting room.
- The Curious Little Playhouse, for an outdoor music system.
- Portraits of Beauty by Gretchen, for continuing education to better serve clients through an Elite Enhancement 3 Day Training course on Eyebrow Ombre Powder Brow Training.
Since 2018, 93 small businesses have received a combined $275,000 in Bloom grants – with an average amount of $2,900 each. Fifty-four percent of the enterprises are owned by a person of color, and 64% by women.
