• The Community Economic Development Program has made $100,000 available to the 2025 Building Business Fund. 
• New or existing businesses with plans to expand or diversify will receive a forgivable loan funding 50% of project costs, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, in increments of $10,000. 
• Funding will be provided up front as a forgivable loan with 0% interest for 12 months. The Project must be completed within 12 months to be forgiven. Project is deemed complete by submitting a final report with receipts that demonstrate total project cost and photos. If a project is not complete within the one-year timeframe, the Building Business Fund recipients are responsible to begin paying principal and interest payments until the project is complete.    
• Projects that have already been completed or started are not eligible for funding.  
• Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, or until 2025 funding is dispersed (see timeline for quarterly deadlines to submit) 

New or existing businesses in Lewis County, NY must demonstrate a plan to significantly expand or diversify products. Projects must demonstrate a financial need that shows overall benefit to the community and promotes economic development through growing business. Eligible project categories include: 

• Project costs may include equipment, machinery, working capital, training, workforce development, etc.  
• Building Business Funds cannot be used for construction or capital improvements. However, construction and capital improvements may be demonstrated as part of the total project cost.  
• Projects must demonstrate at least one of the following economic impacts: 
  • Job creation 
  • Create a new product or service. 
  • Increased revenue to business or community through tax base (sales tax or property tax) 
• Projects must demonstrate at least one of the following community benefits: 
  • Job retention and/or creation 
  • Have an educational component. 
  • Incorporates environmentally friendly practices. 
  • Enhances cultural or recreational opportunities. 

An independent Community Economic Development Program Committee reviews Building Business Fund applications and makes recommendations to the Lewis County Development Corporation Board for approval based on the following criteria:

• The applicant must be a new or existing for-profit business located in Lewis County, NY. 
• Project must demonstrate a clear plan to significantly expand or diversify products/services.  
• Project request clearly identifies project costs with third party estimates for justification.   
• Project outcomes clearly identify one or more economic impacts listed above.  
• Project outcomes clearly identify one or more community benefits listed above.  
• Project demonstrates readiness (ex. secured permits and licenses). Project has not started. 
• Project must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. 
• Project demonstrates a financial need for Building Business Funds and demonstrates 50% match of the total project cost with cash on hand or other secured financing.  
• Project demonstrates feasibility and sustainability.