Hanover, PA — Small businesses and nonprofit organizations across York County have two exciting funding opportunities available this summer to support business growth, property improvements, and community revitalization.
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center Grant Program and the York County Trail Towns Façade Grant Program are now accepting applications, offering thousands of dollars in funding to help eligible businesses strengthen operations, enhance customer experiences, and invest in their future.
BLOOM Business Empowerment Center Grant
The County of York Small Business BLOOM Grant Program will award grants of up to $1,500 to established for-profit small businesses operating in York County. The program is designed to help businesses take the next step by funding projects that improve productivity, expand products or services, enhance operations, or strengthen marketing efforts.
Eligible uses include:
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment upgrades
- Point-of-sale and technology improvements
- Interior renovations and expansions
- Marketing, advertising, and website enhancements
- Professional development and industry training
- Expansion of products or services
Businesses must have been generating revenue by January 31, 2026, employ 50 or fewer full- or part-time employees, and commit a 10% match toward their proposed project. Grant funds must be used within six months of award.
The program is open only to for-profit businesses located in York County. Previous BLOOM grant recipients from 2024, 2025, or 2026 are not eligible.
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: July 20, 2026
- Virtual Information Session: July 29, 2026
- Application Deadline: August 14, 2026
- Pitch Competition: September 14, 2026
More information is available at https://bloomyork.org.
York County Trail Towns Façade Grant
Businesses and nonprofit organizations located within York County’s designated Trail Towns, including eligible properties in Downtown Hanover, may also apply for the 2026 York County Trail Towns Façade Grant Program.
The program will award approximately $50,000 in total funding, with individual grants of up to $10,000 available on a reimbursement basis for exterior building improvements that enhance community appearance and create welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Eligible projects include:
- Exterior painting
- Siding, stucco, and masonry repairs
- Window and door replacement
- New or improved signage
- Lighting and awnings
- ADA accessibility improvements
- Other façade enhancements that preserve or improve a building’s appearance
Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar match for awarded funds. Improvements should preserve the historic character of buildings while enhancing the overall appearance of York County’s Trail Town communities. In Hanover, eligible properties must be located within the Downtown District as defined by the Hanover Borough Zoning Map.
Important Dates:
- Applications Opened: July 10, 2026
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Award Announcements: By October 31, 2026
- Project Work Period: November 2026 – October 2027
Questions regarding the Trail Towns Façade Grant may be directed to Brendan Salyards at bsalyards@yceapa.org or by calling 717-771-4576.
More information and the application are available at https://yorkcountytrailtowns.com/.
Investing in York County’s Small Businesses
These two grant opportunities provide valuable resources for entrepreneurs and organizations looking to improve their businesses, strengthen their communities, and invest in long-term success.
Businesses interested in either program are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and begin preparing their applications early. With application deadlines approaching in August, now is the time to plan projects that can make a lasting impact on both individual businesses and York County’s vibrant downtowns and trail communities.
About York County Economic Alliance
The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) is a 501(c)(6) organization established in 2012 through the affiliation of York County’s chamber of commerce and economic development organizations. As the county’s primary business resource, YCEA supports economic growth and community development by facilitating business expansion, access to funding, redevelopment initiatives, workforce development, advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, and business-to-business promotion. Through its comprehensive programs and partnerships, YCEA works to strengthen York County’s economy and enhance the region’s quality of life.
About York County Trail Towns
The York County Economic Alliance launched the “Trail Towns Program”, to leverage the York Heritage Rail Trail as a platform and driver for economic development in towns located along or near the popular multi-use trail. Partnering with the York County Department of Parks, the York County Rail Trail Authority, Explore York, and our municipal partners, the Trail Towns Program is a collaborative process with outreach to local governments, residents, and business owners for each town to reach its potential as a vibrant hub for trail users.
What is a Trail Town?
Trail Towns are communities adjacent to public trails that embrace the trail as an opportunity for economic growth and improved quality of life. Trail Town programs use an integrated, asset-based economic development approach that considers each town’s existing resources, character, and local businesses to create a memorable and inviting experience for residents and visitors alike.
Please visit their website at yorkcountytrailtowns.com to explore a trail town near you!
About BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center provides resources and opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses with a focus on increasing equity and advancement for women and minority-owned businesses for the purposes of community development.
Since its launch, BLOOM has provided education taught by experts to over 750 entrepreneurs, awarded over $670,000 in micro-grants, financed over $2,000,000 in start-up and growth capital, and hosted dozens of networking and engagement events to strengthen the network of entrepreneurs in York County.