Page last updated on February 14, 2025 at 11:13 am
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
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.
Starting a business in Bloomington
Use this guide to quickstart your business in Bloomington
Business Incentives
Various incentives exist to help Bloomington businesses grow and thrive
Outdoor Dining Streatery Program
This seasonal program closes the blocks of Kirkwood Avenue from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street for expanded outdoor dining and a pedestrian thoroughfare, and allows for parklets that expand outdoor dining in parking spaces outside the participating businesses in the downtown area.
Business Licenses
Mobile Vendor, Pushcart, Solicitor, Child Care and Miscellaneous business licenses
Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association
The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) works to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for Zone residents and businesses
Economic Development Districts
Districts in the city with tax and business incentives and other specific resources for local businesses
Living Wage Ordinance (LWO)
The living wage requires covered employers to pay covered employees a living wage: the amount that the City of Bloomington believes is sufficient for a working family to meet basic needs.
City Solicitation Information Page
Current Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications, or Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and/or Invitation to Bidders
Business Academy
Resources you'll need to start & operate a business in our community
State Childcare Letter
The State of Indiana now requires that childcare providers have a license or permit from their County/City. At this time the City of Bloomington does not require such a permit/license. Please use this letter to respond to state requirements.