Naturally Lewis is Accepting Applications for Launch Lewis County Business Competition Grant Program

LOWVILLE- Ready, Set, LAUNCH!

Naturally Lewis, in partnership with Lewis County, has $300,000 and is seeking creative entrepreneurs who are looking to start their businesses that will enhance the quality of life for residents and make Lewis County a more attractive place to live, work, and play.

It's called: Launch Lewis County. 

The 6-month program will provide entrepreneurs with the training, funding, and the tools needed to successfully open your business. Naturally Lewis is seeking creative projects that have a focus in the following categories:

- Food & Beverage
- Tourism
- Small-scale Manufacturing
- Construction Trades

Eligible applicants:

- Must be a for-profit microenterprise business (5 or fewer employees).
- Applicants/owners be considered low to moderate income -OR- create a job to be made available to low to moderate income individuals to qualify for grant.
- Applicants must be prepared to submit 2022 & 2023 Income Tax Returns to demonstrate eligibility.
- If creating a new job for eligibility for a grant, the awardee must create a full-time job first in order to receive the grant.
- Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total project cost with personal funds. Grant funds can only cover up to 90% of total project cost.
- Start-up businesses (new or open less than 6 months).

Listen to our latest on-air segment from Thursday, March 28, 2024 with Naturally Lewis Programs & Partnerships Director, Jenna Lauraine:

At the program's completion, entrepreneurs will submit business plan proposals for a chance to receive a grant of $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000, depending on total project costs.

Grant recipients will also receive ongoing business support through Naturally Lewis, a professional photo-shoot, grand opening promotion and access to low-interest loan fund (must qualify).

Naturally Lewis is accepting applications for the Launch Lewis County grant opportunity until May 15, 2024.

A Program Advisory Committee will review and select finalists to move onto the next round of the competition.

Finalists are required to complete an Entrepreneurial Training Course in partnership with the Onondaga Small Business Development Center before submitting a final application for consideration for the grant funds.

Naturally Lewis image.