$17,500 Awarded to Woman-owned Small Businesses in York County

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, as part of the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce $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. After receiving a record number of applications, finalists were invited to a pitch competition at the December WBCO Luncheon. Attendees of the luncheon voted in live time following the pitch presentation to determine funding awards. 
 
Businesses awarded specialize in various goods and services such as 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 and BLOOM Class Alum, Melanie Santiago, owner of Yumm’s Catering in the City of York says, “The grant will allow Yumm's Catering to invest in the proper equipment, improving efficiency and enhancing the quality of our offerings. This will enable us to take on more events, expand our services and better meet clients demands.” 
 
Other 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  

 
Since its launch, the BLOOM Grant Program has provided 279 small local businesses with nearly $650,000 in micro-grants, representing 500 jobs. Visit www.bloomyork.orgfor information on more educational, capital, and connection opportunities in 2025. 
 
 
About the YCEA
YCEA drives York County’s economic growth by leveraging the collaboration, resources and expertise needed to create sustainable prosperity.

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Katie Mahoney
Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer
York County Economic Alliance & Downtown Inc
144 Roosevelt Avenue
York, PA 17401
O: 717.771.4581
C: 412.601.2649
www.yceapa.org
We Make Things Happen.