Naturally Lewis Announces $33.2 Million Economic Impact from 2025 Community Economic Development Programs; 2026 Applications Now Open
Lewis County, NY – Naturally Lewis, Inc. is excited to announce the results of its 2025 Community Economic Development Programs, which funded 32 projects across Lewis County, generating a total economic impact of over $33.2 million. A total of $551,578.50 was awarded to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and community organizations through multiple funding programs. A full list of 2025 funded projects and award amounts is included below.
The Community Economic Development Program was established in 2022 through a Host Community Agreement (HCA) between the Lewis County Development Corporation (LCDC) and Number Three Wind, providing $150,000 in annual investment to support local economic growth, revitalization, and community development. The impact of the program has been strengthened through additional funding partners, including Lewis County Board of Legislators for the Vacant Property Revitalization Fund ($1.5 million) and the HLH Living Trust to create the Events & Festivals focus area within the Small Things, Big Impacts Fund ($20,000).
“Each of these projects represents an investment not just in a single business or organization, but in the long-term vitality of our communities,” said Jenna Lauraine, Naturally Lewis Programs and Partnerships Director. “Through creative funding partnerships, we are excited to be able to offer these opportunities to the Lewis County community into the future. The scale of impact we continue to see reflects the power of locally driven investment to strengthen our local economy and quality of life.”
In 2026, Naturally Lewis received an additional $150,000 through the Host Community Agreement with Number Three Wind, renewing the following programs:
- Small Things, Big Impacts Fund – $20,000
- Community Connections Fund – $30,000
- Building Business Fund – $100,000
These programs are designed to support business growth, organizational capacity, community-driven projects, and strategic investments that strengthen Lewis County’s economy and quality of life. Since 2023, 98 projects have been administered through the Community Economic Development Programs, resulting in a cumulative $40.9 million in economic impact countywide.
Applications are now open, and funding is awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible applicants are encouraged to learn more about program guidelines and application deadlines by visiting https://naturallylewis.com/support/funding-opportunities
2025 Funded Projects & Awards
Recipients included local businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, schools, and private developers advancing redevelopment projects throughout Lewis County.
Vacant Property Revitalization Fund
- 4113 Center Street Renovation ($39,812.50) – To transform a vacant commercial space into an occupied business.
- Harrisville Bistro Project ($20,000) – To rebuild commercial space on a site that recently underwent demolition of a dilapidated structure.
- Harrisville Coffee Co. ($20,000) – To inspect, repair, or replace the septic system and complete construction needed to operate a small-scale café.
- Opera House Cantina ($85,000) – To revitalize the historic opera house, including exterior restoration, second-floor opera house improvements, and a full commercial kitchen build-out for a new Tex-Mex restaurant.
- Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd. ($100,000) – Toward the adaptive reuse of the former Glenfield Elementary School to create 63 affordable housing units.
- Top View Apartments ($100,000) – To revitalize the former Lyons Falls School into 20 medium- to high-end apartment units.
Building Business Fund
- Harrisville Coffee Co. ($20,000) – Toward equipment and furniture purchases to launch the café.
- Moving Mountains Café ($39,866) – Toward remodeling and kitchen equipment to expand offerings.
- Zehr’s Flowers and Landscaping ($35,500) – To purchase silt sock equipment and office/IT infrastructure.
Business Retention Fund
- QubicaAMF ($50,000) – For equipment upgrades to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate emissions.
Community Connections Fund
- Lewis County Homeschool Connection ($11,472.50) – Toward curriculum development and office equipment needs.
- ReNew Bremen, Inc. ($5,000) – Toward ongoing efforts to revitalize Wagner Field.
- Three G Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. ($5,000) – Toward building upgrades to create an updated community hub.
- Town of Diana ($8,500) – To develop a conceptual master plan and scoping report for future recreational park improvements.
Small Things, Big Impacts Fund
- Beaver River Central School ($1,500) – To support a new collaborative recycling program.
- Black River Valley Four Wheeler Club ($2,000) – Website design.
- Croghan Library ($800) – Exterior signage.
- Crumbs Bake Shop ($1,000) – Website design for the Flour Loft Airbnb.
- Dani’s Daffodils ($600) – Professional development coursework.
- Great Lot Sportsman’s Club Corp ($1,000) – Exterior signage.
- Hartley’s Meat Market ($500) – Exterior signage.
- Azahar Roast House ($1,000) – Commercial espresso equipment for a mobile coffee cart.
- Lewis County Homeschool Connection ($1,000) – Website design.
- Lowville Appliance & Air Conditioning, LLC ($1,000) – Exterior signage.
- Lowville Dental Care ($2,500) – Website design and exterior signage.
- NC Handymen LLC ($1,000) – Website design.
- PhoebeNix Pet Salon LLC ($1,000) – Equipment upgrades to expand offerings.
- Pine Grove Community Church Preservation Society, Inc. ($1,000) – Exterior signage.
- The Bloom Bar Floral & Gift Shop ($1,000) – Exterior signage.
- Top View Apartments ($2,500) – Website design.
Events & Festivals Fund
- Little Village Mushrooms ($2,500) – Equipment and furniture purchases to support pop-up events.
- Town of Diana Community Days 5K ($1,000) – Reusable event promotion signage.
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About Naturally Lewis, Inc.: Naturally Lewis, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit, economic development organization serving Lewis County, NY. Here, we're real community members collaborating with our communities to champion the growth of a Lewis County where we all want to live, work, build business, and play. As experts in economic development, we're looking at the big picture, solving large-scale challenges, and connecting with key stakeholders across New York State.
Lewis County Development Corporation: The LCDC, a Local Development Corporation, is a not-for-profit countywide organization dedicated to utilizing and creating assets for economic and community development. The mission of the Lewis County Development Corporation is to drive economic prosperity in Lewis County through innovative property development, strategic funding initiatives for business development and transparent community collaboration.