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Building Retention Fund

A Grant Opportunity Funded by the Community Economic Development Program

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About the Opportunity

Are you seeking tools and resources to sustain your business in Lewis County? The Naturally Lewis Business Retention Fund will provide matching funds to businesses looking to sustain their business operations following a natural disaster, act of God, or mandate affecting business retention or operations.

The Business Retention Fund is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout 2025.

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Jenna Lauraine

Programs & Partnerships Director

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Program Details

Funding

  • The Community Economic Development Program has made $200,000 available to the 2025 Business Retention Fund. 
  • Existing businesses with costs associated with equipment, facility or workforce related projects as a result of a natural disaster, act of God, or mandate will receive a forgivable loan funding 50% of project costs, up to $50,000. 
  • Funding will be provided up front as a forgivable loan with 0% interest for 12 months. The Project must be completed within 12 months to be forgiven. Project is deemed complete by submitting a final report with receipts that demonstrate total project cost and photos. If a project is not complete within the one-year timeframe, the Business Retention Fund recipients are responsible to begin paying principal and interest payments until the project is complete.    
  • Projects that have already been completed or started are not eligible for funding.  
  • Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, or until 2025 funding is dispersed (see timeline for quarterly deadlines to submit) 

Program Eligibility

Existing businesses with unforeseen or non-business plan related expenses related to natural disasters, acts of God, or mandates that may affect the businesses’ ability to retain employees or operations in Lewis County, NY are eligible to apply for funding. Eligible project categories include: 

  • Project must provide proof of natural disasters, acts of God, or mandates affecting business retention or operations. 
  • Project must demonstrate how the project is affecting the businesses’ ability to retain employees or operations in Lewis County or New York State. 
  • Project costs may include equipment, facility, or workforce development investments.  

Evaluation Criteria

An independent Community Economic Development Programs Committee reviews Business Retention Fund applications and makes recommendations to the Lewis County Development Corporation Board for approval based on the following criteria:  

  • The applicant must be an existing for-profit business located in Lewis County, NY. 
  • Project must demonstrate proof of natural disasters, acts of God, or mandates affecting business retention or operations. 
  • Project must demonstrate how purchases will assist with employee retention and/or business operations in Lewis County, NY. 
  • Project request clearly identifies project costs with third party estimates for justification.   
  • Project demonstrates readiness (ex. secured permits and licenses). Project has not started. 
  • Project must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. 
  • Project demonstrates a financial need for Business Retention Funds and demonstrates 50% match of the total project cost with cash on hand or other secured financing.  
  • Project demonstrates feasibility and sustainability.  
See Round One Recipients
See Round Two Recipients

Timeline

Applications Open

  • January 15, 2025
  • Remain Open on a Rolling Basis

Applications Close

  • March 27, 2025
  • June 12, 2025
  • October 2, 2025
  • December 4, 2025

Award Announcements

  • May 5, 2025
  • July 7, 2025
  • November 10, 2025
  • January 12, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

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