Naturally Lewis, Inc. Announces 2025 Funding Opportunities

Lewis County, NY – Naturally Lewis, Inc. is announcing its 2025 funding opportunities with five opportunities for businesses, commercial property owners, community organizations and school districts, and youth. These funding opportunities are: (1) Building Business Fund, (2) Community Connections Fund, (3) Small Things, Big Impacts Fund, (4) Student Pitch Competition and (5) Vacant Property Revitalization Fund.

Funds for these programs are made available through the Community Economic Development Program; the Program is funded by Number Three Wind Farm, Lewis County, and the HLH Living Trust.

The Building Business Fund ($100,000) will support local businesses providing matching funds to invest in the “tools” to scale up and grow. Funds can be used for literal tools (equipment/machinery) or figurative tools (business services/professional services) to assist business growth. Projects must show overall benefit to the community and promote economic development through business growth. Applications open on January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis until all funds are dispersed.

The Community Connections Fund ($30,000) will support 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, municipalities, and schools in developing partnerships, building organizational capacity, and executing projects that foster collaboration and economic growth. Applications open on January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis until all funds are dispersed.

The Small Things, Big Impacts Fund ($40,000) will support Lewis County businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, small-scale projects that enhance visibility, build capacity, and drive growth. Applications open on January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis until all funds are dispersed.

The Student Pitch Competition ($2,000) will support young entrepreneurs through a business proposal competition for high school students in Lewis County. Applications open on January 20, 2025 and close on May 1, 2025.

The Vacant Property Revitalization Fund (Funding Amount TBD) will support building owners that are looking to revitalize vacant buildings or floors into usable spaces for commercial use. Applications open on January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis until all funds are dispersed.

Applications for all programs will be reviewed by the Community Economic Development Program Committee. This committee consists of six community leaders and one Lewis County Development Corporation Board Member.

Find more information about the Community Economic Development Program and funding opportunities at naturallylewis.com or by following Naturally Lewis, Inc. on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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