BLOOM Grant: York County Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, in cooperation with the York County Economic Alliance, has launched the 2023 BLOOM Grant Program to encourage the growth of women-owned small companies. The program, which is open for applications until 8 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 1, intends to give financial support to encourage women entrepreneurs in York County.

Women-owned and run small enterprises are eligible for grants of up to $1,500 for projects targeted at increasing productivity, extending services, or driving the firm to the next level. The award amounts will be calculated by assessing the need and the potential effect of the submitted initiatives.

Projects eligible for BLOOM grant monies include signage upgrades, physical renovations to company premises, marketing campaigns, training and certification for new services, and the purchase of new equipment.

Businesses that satisfy the following criteria will be given priority consideration:

• Previous BLOOM grant initiatives did not provide funds.
• Are owned by women or people of colour from the Black, Indigenous, or Indigenous communities.
• Are owned by veterans of the military.

The BLOOM Grant Program has granted 207 awards totaling over $445,000 to companies in York County and adjacent regions since its launch in 2018. Notably, over half of the awards went to firms owned by people from different backgrounds, and 72% went to women-owned businesses.

Finalists in the application process will have the chance to propose their ideas in person at the Women Business Center Organization (WBCO) luncheon on December 12, at noon. The BLOOM Grant Program exemplifies the dedication to promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the entrepreneurial scene.