Merchant Center

Business Support

Downtown Inc, in collaboration with many partners, works to revitalize and encourage investment in Downtown York, PA through the strategic recruitment of viable businesses to complement the existing makeup of our downtown.

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 in 2022. 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, Sweetest Pint, 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.

BLOOM Business Series Workshops

Downtown Inc hosts a monthly webinar on the third Wednesday of each month to provide educational workshops for small businesses. These webinars are free though registration is required thanks to our sponsor, PNC.

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.

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.

​Become a Downtown Inc Ambassador!

​As an ambassador, you’ll do what you do best, support and promote local businesses, and connect them with the resources through Downtown Inc to help them grow and thrive.