York’s woman-owned small businesses gain empowerment awards

Women-owned small businesses in York County are looking to benefit from empowerment funding.

As part of the York County Economic Alliance, the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, announced Tuesday that $17,500 has been awarded to 15 woman-owned small businesses located and operating in York County. The BLOOM Grant Program for small businesses in York County awarded grants up to $1,500 for projects proposed by businesses that would improve their productivity, expand their services, or grow their business to the next level.

Finalists from the record number of applications were invited to a pitch competition where attendees voted to determine funding awards.

Businesses receiving awards specialize in goods and services including catering, photography, specialty donuts, hand-made jewelry, event planning, childcare, closet design, personal services and much more. Examples of projects include upgrading equipment, adding new signage, renovating indoor and outdoor spaces, training and certification for new services, and the purchasing of new inventory.

In this grant round, 60% of awards were distributed to BIPOC-owned businesses and all awardees were first-time BLOOM Grant recipients.

One of the grant recipients is BLOOM Class Alum Melanie Santiago, owner of Yumm’s Catering in the City of York.

“The grant will allow Yumm’s Catering to invest in the proper equipment, improving efficiency and enhancing the quality of our offerings,” Santiago said in a statement. “This will enable us to take on more events, expand our services and better meet clients demands.”

Along with Yumm’s, grantees include:

• Chevy’s Bead Bling & Creative Things – Downtown York
• Concierge Financial Advisory, LLC. – Springettsbury
• Crimson and Ivy Studio LLC – Manchester
• Em’s Lens – Springettsbury
• Good Life Nutrition Bar – Downtown York
• Heal’N Garden – City of York
• King’s Country Kids – West Manchester
• KO Beauty LLC – City of York
• New Concept Hair Studio – City of York
• Phoenix’s Rose – City of York
• River Rock Provisions – Wrightsville
• Susquehanna Closet & Garage Design – York Township
• The Reverie Cafe of York – Downtown York
• Zodiac Donuts LLC – Hanover

The BLOOM Grant Program has provided 279 small local businesses with nearly $650,000 in micro-grants, representing 500 jobs.