Emergency funding available for Lewis County business community

LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) – Lewis County businesses hurt by flooding earlier this month may be eligible for emergency relief assistance.

Naturally Lewis and the Lewis County Development Corporation have created multiple funding opportunities for affected businesses in Lewis County. This is in response to the flooding and severe weather that occurred in mid-July. These programs are funded through community partnerships and private donors throughout Lewis County and New York State.

Here are some of the avenues for emergency funding:

• 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 LCDC 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, the organizations are 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, which includes the Pre-Qualification Assessment Form and the Lewis County Damages Reporting Form.

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

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