BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) is launching the first of several 2023 grants with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Anti-racism Training Business Scholarships. Businesses within the BUEA Zone, which is an area north, west, and south of downtown Bloomington, may apply for up to $1,000 of funding. The BUEA Zone maps can be found at https://bton.in/Hwv0S.
These scholarships can fund businesses that wish to self-assess and improve business practices relating to anti-racism or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Three scholarships at a maximum of $1000 for individual Zone businesses are available during the winter/spring cycle. Collaboration can increase scholarship awards. Businesses that partner with one or more other Zone businesses or nonprofits for their training are eligible for up to $1,250 for each Zone business.
The scholarships may pay for DEI classes or training, business workshops, professional organization membership dues, or conference registration fees for the business owner or employees.
Applicants must be a business or non-profit within the Zone that has operated for at least 12 months. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2023. Please visit https://bton.in/jp6Q- for more information. For any additional questions, please email buea@bloomington.in.gov.
“Advancing racial equity is a fundamental imperative, and I’m pleased our community is able to offer these grants to partner with local organizations in that work,” said Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton. “These grants put intention into action and should help build bridges and equity. We look forward to businesses and nonprofits taking advantage of this opportunity.”
These grants stem from the City’s 2020 plan to advance racial equity and are funded by annual Enterprise Zone Investment Deduction (EZID) fees. You can read more about the origins of the plan to advance racial equity, as well as a link to the plan, at https://bton.in/M3bqR.
About the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association
The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), one of the many Boards and Commissions that serve the City of Bloomington, aims to provide the means to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for Zone residents and businesses. In accordance with Indiana State Code Title 5-28-15, the BUEA contributes to economic development efforts in Bloomington’s urban core. Over its 25+ year lifespan, the BUEA has spurred millions of dollars in investment. To learn more about the BUEA, visit bloomington.in.gov/business/buea.
