We’re Here for You
We offer a wide range of tools, guidance, and connections to help you thrive. Together, let’s unlock the potential of your business and contribute to the vibrant economic landscape of Downtown York.
Business Promotion
Let Downtown Inc be your ally in promoting your business, generating buzz, and maximizing your visibility in Downtown York. Together, we will propel your success and contribute to a thriving business community.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Once you’ve found your space, made your renovations and have opened your doors for business – Downtown Inc will coordinate a ribbon cutting ceremony for you to officially welcome you to Downtown York.
To schedule a ribbon cutting for your business, fill out the Ribbon Cutting Form.
Social Media
Downtown Inc’s content has reached more than 587,000 people on Facebook and 55,000 people on Instagram. The Downtown Inc e-newsletter makes it’s way to over 4,500 inboxes on a monthly basis. We can get your message out quickly and efficiently to a large audience of Downtown York devotees.
Downtown York Magazine
A tri-annual publication that promotes everything Downtown York has to offer. Make sure you’re listed (for free!), or really get noticed by placing an ad. Contact info@downtownyorkpa.com to request Destination Guides or for more information regarding placing an ad.
Events
First Fridays, Sip & Savor, Go Green in the City, Small Business Saturday, Downtown Update, Downtown First Awards, and many more in between- we are working to bring more people downtown and right into your business!
First Friday for Merchants
Engage with First Fridays in Downtown York! Apply for a First Friday grant sponsored by WellSpan, hang your First Friday flag, host a block party or special event, extend your hours, offer giveaways for customers, make the most of First Fridays! Downtown Inc assists merchants in organizing and promoting these events.
York County Trail Towns
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. York City is a designated Trail Town.
Business Retention
Have a business question? Need some support? We’re here to help your business reach its full potential.
Bloom Small Business Development Program
Cohort based classes offering resources for future/existing business owners in various areas. All classes will include resources to help businesses with their pitch to prospective clients, funders, stakeholders. This program is offered through the Bloom Business Empower Center, whose objective is to accelerate Small Business ownership and success, promote Pathways to Prosperity for talent development, and advance representation in leadership and access to opportunities.
downtown resource center
Located at 44 W. Philadelphia Street, the Downtown Resource Center invites business owners, residents, and visitors to our Downtown to visit and connect with members of the Downtown Inc team, the York City Police Department (by appointment only), and the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center. To provide consistent hours, Downtown Inc and BLOOM team members will be available each Monday from 1- 5 p.m. All are welcome to walk-in, but business owners are encouraged to set an appointment here, and indicate if they need bilingual services.
SCORE
Free small business advice through one-to-one business counseling by phone, email, video and in-person.
Bloom Business Empowerment Center
An extension of the York County Economic Alliance, the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center provides resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses in York with a focus on increasing equity and advancement for women and minority-owned businesses.
New Business Start Up
Register your new business, expansion, or change of ownership using this link through the City of York’s Response Center.
City of York Resource Guide 2024
From permits, parking information, public works, and more use this guide to easily navigate York City’s departments and resources.
York Launchbox
Hosted virtually and supported by the Penn State York campus, the York LaunchBox is a hub connecting the York, Hanover, Lancaster, and surrounding area entrepreneurs to the support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business with a viable plan for growth. By supporting a culture of innovation around the York LaunchBox, the initiative intends to increase the number of entrepreneurs in the community.
Park and Shop
The City of York encourages downtown businesses to use this program as part of a way to promote easy and convenient parking at their businesses. Park and Shop validations are sold in bundles of 50 for 1, 2, and 3-hour increments at a 60% discount.
