LEWISTON (WGME) — The City of Lewiston has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting local economic growth through the “New Business Opportunity Grant.”
This program will provide up to $175,000 in total grants to support start-ups, recently opened businesses or established businesses relocating to Lewiston.
Eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 to cover essential operating expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities and more.
“One of our top priorities here at the city is economic growth and revitalization of the city, particularly downtown, and this grant is another effort towards that,” Lewiston City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath said.
The grant program will run through June 30, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. To qualify, businesses must be operating in Lewiston and have been open for less than one year. Existing Lewiston businesses can also apply if they are launching a new or different line of business.
Local business owners have expressed support for the initiative.
“It’s really positive that there is a chance for new businesses opening up in Lewiston to have this opportunity to kind of take that little bit of weight off their shoulders,” Quiet City Books Owner Courtney Schlachter said.
Gerald Walsh, agency manager for L/A Arts, added, “More ways we can bring some more life into the city, I think is a positive thing,” L/A Arts Agency Manager Gerald Walsh said.
The City of Lewiston’s Department of Economic and Community Development will administer the program. Interested businesses are encouraged to attend application training sessions on Nov. 10 and Nov. 25 to learn more about the application process.
