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Naturally Lewis says economic impact from 2025 development programs exceeded $33-million

Published on January 20, 2026

Naturally Lewis

LOWVILLE- A total of 32 projects were funded throughout Lewis County in 2025 thanks to Community Economic Development Programs via Naturally Lewis.

According to officials, the economic impact through these projects exceeded $33-million.

Funded through multiple funding programs, a total of $581,578.50 was awarded and distributed to several businesses, non-profits, municipalities, schools and community organizations.

“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.”

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 Naturally Lewis.com. 

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.

Naturally Lewis image.

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