2 minute read
WBCO BLOOM Grant Recipients
BY SULLY PINOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center launched earlier this season to help small businesses and the greater community bloom through education, capital, opportunity and beyond. This was the evolution of several years work including a series of micro grants that were awarded across York County to small businesses of all levels.
Last December, BLOOM awarded the Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) round of grants to six women-owned businesses across York County.
$10,000 was collectively awarded to support business needs such as marketing, signage, storefront enhancements, and ongoing educational training. These six recipients were selected by an audience of WBCO attendees at the December luncheon and knocked it out of the park with their pitch presentations. “It felt great! I was overwhelmed with the love and support from WBCO and its supporters,” shared Lauren Days, owner of Sara Ellen Event Venue. “It was great meeting like-minded women who have goals and aspirations.”
The six recipients were (from L to R): Lauren Days (Sara Ellen Event Venue), Jessica Weikert (Revolt Style Studio), Jaxi Rodriguez (Lash Up Beauty Bar & Glam Spa), Markaila Jones (Velvet Beauties), Jen Swanner (The Curious Little Playhouse), and Gretchen Williams (Portraits of Beauty by Gretchen Williams).
WBCO BLOOM Grant Recipients: In Their Words
Q: Why did you decide to start a business?
"I have a passion for making secondhand fashion attainable & wearable." - Jessica Weikert
"To empower women to live beautifully and self-care." - Jaxi Rodriguez
Q: What is your message to other women entrepreneurs as they start or continue their journey?
"Nothing compares to the joy of sharing your vision and dreams when others love what you have created." - Jen Swanner
"Stay the course. The journey will have many obstacles, twists and turns, but consistency will win every time." - Lauren Days
Q: Where do you find motivation to run your business?
"The opportunity to change lives in the beauty industry." - Gretchen Williams
"My customers and my family support!" - Markaila Jones
