Downtown Inc, an organization enhancing and encouraging investment in York’s central business district, recently announced the 10 recipients of the 2021 Downtown Bloom Grant.
Recipients will share $25,000. Six businesses are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOOC)-owned, and seven are owned by women.
The YoCo Bloom Grant Program helps downtown businesses address a tangible need to improve productivity, expand/improve services and grow the business.
“We have seen time and time again how vitally important these grants have been to the small businesses in our community, to ensure that they continue to grow and thrive,” Elaine Bonneau, Downtown Inc director, said. “We are excited to put these funds directly into the hands of small business owners with this new round of Downtown Bloom Grants.”
Downtown Inc’s 2021 Give Local York campaign raised funds for the grant.
The organization has awarded $265,000 to 89 small businesses or nonprofit organizations since the grant program was founded in 2018. More than 62 percent were women-owned or led, and more than 53 percent were BIPOC-owned.
Downtown Inc is a joint venture between the York Business Improvement District Authority and Main Street York. The organization works to advance economic development, public safety, promotions, and placemaking.