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Small Things, Big Impacts Fund

Small Things. Big Impacts.

The Small Things, Big Impacts Fund is a grant opportunity through the Naturally Lewis Community Economic Development Program. The 2023 funding will support Lewis County businesses in enhancing their visibility through creative means in the community. 

The Small Things, Big Impacts Fund promotes small improvements that produce big results, without a huge financial investment. By supporting our businesses and non-profit organizations in making these smaller investments, the opportunity facilitates sustaible growth and long-term success; this ultimately creates a positive economic impact in Lewis County. 

2023 Award Recipients

Azahar Roast House

Coughlin Printing Group

Foothills Market

Grand Slam Safety

Greet on Repeat

Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski Center

Humble Bee Farms

International Maple Museum Centre

Judge's Quarters Bed & Breakfast

Lowville Free Library

Maple Ridge Center

Open Sky Wellness

Snyder's Sugar Shack

Transitional Living Services of NNY

trish MICHAEL, Author

Program Guidelines

Eligible Projects

  • Applicants can be a for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations located in Lewis County.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a need for improving visibility and a commitment to using the grant for that purpose.
  • The project should focus on enhancing business visibility through one or more of the following creative means such as: 
    • Street Visibility: Improving storefront signage, banners, or other forms of signage visible to pedestrians and motorists.
    • Digital Visibility: Improving your digital image in the form of a new logo, branding assets or online presence (ex. website). 
    • Shelf Visibility: Enhancing product packaging, product displays or shelf placement to attract customer attention.  
    • Mobile Visibility: Developing mobile setups for trade shows, farmer's markets, craft fairs, and the like.
  • Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate a commitment to supporting local businesses. Applicants should indicate their intent to utilize local businesses for purchasing goods and services required for the project whenever feasible.
  • Applications can NOT be submitted for retroactive purchases, which includes any project that has already started or has been completed.
  • Applicants must be willing to contribute at least 50% of the project cost.  

Funding

  • The Community Economic Development Program has made $20,000 available to create the Small Things, Big Impacts Fund. 
  • Businesses with creative proposals that enhance visibility will receive a one-time grant, funding 50%, up to $1,000, of selected project costs.
  • Funding can NOT be rewarded to retroactive projects.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Project must demonstrate how increased visibility will create opportunities for new or increased customer base. 
  • Project should demonstrate a commitment to supporting local businesses whenever feasible. 
  • Project must comply with all local zoning and codes ordinances (ex. Sign permits) 
  • Project must be completed within 6 months of receiving funding. 

Questions?

Jenna Lauraine

Programs & Partnership Director

Let's chat!