LOWVILLE — 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.
The six-month program will provide entrepreneurs with the training, funding and the tools needed to successfully open their business.
Naturally Lewis is seeking projects that have a focus in food and beverage, tourism, small-scale manufacturing or construction trades.
Eligible applicants must be a for-profit microenterprise business with five or fewer employees.
Applicants/owners should be considered low to moderate income or create a job to be made available to low to moderate income individuals to qualify for a grant. Applicants must be prepared to submit 2022 and 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%.
Also eligible are start-up businesses that have been open less than six months.
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 project costs. Grant recipients will also receive ongoing business support through Naturally Lewis, a professional photoshoot, grand opening promotion and if qualified access to a low-interest loan fund.
Naturally Lewis is accepting applications for the Launch Lewis County grant opportunity until May 15. 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.
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