Open for Business

The City of Bloomington supports businesses large and small by providing information, incentives, and grantmaking programs. Together, the City with its nonprofit and business partners work to foster a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive.  

Technical assistance for Businesses

• The Indiana Small Business Development Center provides technical assistance for employers on Small Business Administration loans and other small business sustainability needs. https://isbdc.org/

   

• The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has various resources and guidance regarding COVID-19, reopening from financial and HR to a PPE Marketplace, and community opportunities for donations. https://www.chamberbloomington.org/

   

• The Dimension Mill provides start-ups and entrepreneurs information on how to navigate available resources.  https://dimensionmill.org/

   

• Small Business Online Education Program: Ongoing from August 2024 to August 2025 -The Small Business Online Education Program is a suite of on-demand virtual training courses. This program supports and empowers local small businesses, restaurants, property owners, retailers, and entrepreneurs to adapt their business practices to a changing marketplace. This program is free and available to all the City of Bloomington at no cost. The last day to enroll in the program is August 12, 2025. Link to Small Business Online Education Program

Small Business Grants

The Small Business Safety & Cleanliness Grant - Supports Bloomington businesses in making physical improvements that enhance the safety, cleanliness, and overall appearance of their commercial properties. Funding may be used for projects that deter crime, prevent vandalism, improve sanitation, upgrade the exterior through professional cleaning services, and improve safety for employees and patrons. 

A total of $85,000 will be awarded in the 2025 fiscal year. The recommended maximum award request per applicant is $5,000.

To apply, go to Bloomington Civiform to access the Small Business Safety and Cleanliness Grant application. Please contact Andrea de la Rosa at de.delarosa@bloomington.in.gov with any additional questions. 

Eligible Projects:

Projects must serve at least one of the following primary purposes:

• Reduce crime/vandalism OR replace, repair, or rehabilitate property due to crime/vandalism
• Deter theft or unauthorized access.
• Improve commercial property cleanliness or hygiene
• Enhance the safety of critical systems, including electrical, fire suppression, and other essential systems.
• Structural improvements for entrance/egress
• Occupational safety
• Mobility, Sensory, and Access Improvements
• Enhance exterior appearance through professional cleaning (e.g., power washing, graffiti removal, refuse clean-up)

Reimbursement Eligibility

Expenses for eligible projects completed within 6 months before the application date may be reimbursed, provided the applicant can submit:

• Itemized receipts or paid invoices
• “Before” and “after” photos or videos of the completed work
• A brief written summary of the project and its impact

Reimbursed projects must still align with the program’s goals and meet all eligibility criteria.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A clear description of the proposed safety or cleaning project
• A contractor’s quote, invoice, or cost estimate with itemized materials or services
• "Before" photos or videos of the area to be improved
• Proof of business address (e.g., utility bill, lease, or deed)
• Timeline for project completion

Program Guidelines

Open to all businesses located within the City of Bloomington City Limits

• Projects must be completed within the funding period outlined in the grant agreement (MOU).
• “After" photos and a brief completion report must be submitted by the end of the MOU term
• Grants are one-time per year per business.
• Funds may not be used for weapons, harmful devices, or other ineligible expenses.
• The program administrator reserves the right to deny funding for any project deemed inappropriate or outside the scope of this grant.

Resources for challenges with our unhoused neighbors: Who should I call and when?

• This guide is to assist business owners with tools to navigate situations with our unhoused neighbors - link to - RESOURCE GUIDE
• If you are in a situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance, please call 911.