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Emergency Relief Funding Opportunities Available for Lewis County Business Community

July 26, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2024

CONTACT: Kaylee Tabolt

Economic & Tourism Development Specialist

Naturally Lewis

P: 315.376.3014 E: kaylee@naturallylewis.com

 

LEWIS COUNTY, NY - In response to the July 2024 state of emergency in Lewis County, Naturally Lewis, Inc. and the Lewis County Development Corporation (LCDC) have created multiple funding opportunities for affected businesses in Lewis County, NY, in response to the flooding and severe weather that occurred in mid-July. These responsive programs are funded through community partnerships and private donors throughout Lewis County and New York State

  • The Emergency Relief Opportunities will include the following funding sources:   Naturally Lewis Reboot Our Business Community Fund
    • A portal that has been opened through Naturally Lewis Inc. to accept donations where 100% of proceeds will go towards a program to assist affected businesses. The program is still accepting donations at www.naturallylewis.com.
  • Emergency Loan Fund
    • The Lewis County Development Corporation has allocated $175,000 of their Community Economic Development Program Funds, in partnership with Number 3 Wind, towards loans to assist with business-related expenses and damages. Community Bank has also generously donated $25,000 towards this fund. The total Emergency Loan Funds made available is $200,000.
  • Vacant Property Revitalization Program
    • The Lewis County Development Corporation, in partnership with Lewis County, has allocated $250,000 towards the prevention of vacancies of buildings that were affected by the severe weather. This grant program will provide grants of $50,000-$100,000 with an equal match.

The Lewis County Development Corporation has also allocated $50,000 of their own funds towards emergency relief to go towards loans and grant programs.

As these programs are being developed, Naturally Lewis, Inc. is asking the businesses affected by the severe weather to complete a pre-qualification assessment form to understand the financial need of resources for affected businesses. Businesses must complete the following steps in order to apply for funding:

 

To donate to the Reboot Our Business Community Fund, which will directly fund businesses affected by the July 2024 natural disasters, and to find more information, please visit naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/reboot.

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