Open for Business

The City of Bloomington supports businesses large and small by providing information, incentives, and grantmaking programs. Together, the City and 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 offers resources and guidance on COVID-19, reopening (from financial and HR to a PPE Marketplace), and community donation opportunities. https://www.chamberbloomington.org/

   

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

   

Small Business Grants

For additional grants offered by the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association or State and Federal Government, click here- link to small business grants resource document. 

The Small Business Safety & Cleanliness Grant 

(closing date November 15, 2026)

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 enhance employee and patron safety. 

The program will award a total of $85,000 in the 2026 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 [email protected] 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
• 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 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 invoice, or paid receipt, 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

• 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.

**If financial assistance is needed to begin or complete a project, please contact Andrea de la Rosa at [email protected] to discuss application and documentation requirements.

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 need immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance, please call 911.