City of York awards full Bloom grant requests to every finalist, organizers say

At a City of York pitch competition and presentation, Mayor Sandy Walker told finalists that each would receive the full amount they requested from the Bloom grant program, and organizers urged finalists to deliver abbreviated pitches that could be shared on social media. "Each 1 of you will receive the full amount that you requested," Walker said, prompting audible relief from the room.

The announcement follows remarks from Natalie Gunderson, president and CEO of the York County Community Foundation, who described the foundation’s role as a nonprofit endowment manager and said it oversees "over $250,000,000 in assets" that are meant to support York County programming over time. Sue Lipinos, executive director of the Bloom Business Empowerment Center, opened the event and thanked partners including the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) and Downtown Inc.

Finalists gave brief presentations explaining how they would use the funds. Lee, owner of Cakes by Lee, said the grant will fund equipment such as a refrigerator and deep fryer to expand production and support youth baking workshops and workforce-development opportunities; Erica, the shop’s manager and soon-to-be co-owner, described existing youth employees and plans for recurring programs at York Central Market. Eduardo Pasco described a "Small Business Viability Lab" to deliver hands-on marketing and digital training, including practical applications of artificial intelligence, and said the grant would pay for technology, training materials and follow-up services offered at trusted community venues.

Other finalists and uses announced included: Regina Molina of Andromeda Nails (adding and upgrading wireless pedicure stations to expand service capacity and hire another technician); Carmen Arias of Before and After Beauty Parlor (professional tools and supplies; she said she is hiring); Jen Heasley of Sweet Mama’s (funding videography and production for a podcast/ cooking-show reboot); Miles of Dexterity Auto Detailing (mobile equipment to enable on-site service and planned hiring of two to three employees); Sarah Cahill of Gather 256 (a composter and an improved waste-sorting station to make the restaurant more sustainable); Abby Jiffre of Grand Fluid Tavern (yard and fence repairs to host a planned October wedding); Brenda (Brenda Studio Gallery) (marketing and a new sidewalk sign); Kara Anstine of Caribou Studios (classes, online shop and a floor loom); Blake Gifford of York Architecture Illustrated (a professional workstation for production and educational programming); Aida Manzo Garcia of Sincerely to You (a flower fridge and supplies); Celia Rojas Beard of Yours Truly Photography (equipment upgrades); Matt Toprado of Liquid Hero Brewery (new bar stools); Errol Katindig of Nama Sushi (funds for a new restaurant location he said will open in March 2027 at the first floor of the Bureau Arts Hotel); and Megan of Sapa Center for Meditation and Yoga (furnishing a larger space at Heritage Crossings).

Organizers said the round will distribute more than $26,000 in total and that finalists who are not yet YCA members will receive a complimentary one-year membership with access to networking mixers, cost-savings programs and a 401(k) offering. Sterling Dunlop, director of membership and business development with the YCEA, told finalists they would receive email follow-ups and mailed packets with membership plaques and that staff would collect signed grant agreements and voided checks so funds could be disbursed promptly.

The event closed with a group photo of finalists and a request that each recipient see event staff before leaving to finalize paperwork. Organizers said additional Bloom programming (including financial-management classes) will be offered to participants in the coming weeks.