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Five training sessions help business owners prepare applications
Entrepreneurs starting a business in Lewiston and qualifying local businesses expanding into new ventures can apply for grants of up to $40,000 or loans of up to $50,000 through the city’s Business Opportunity Loan and Grant Program.
To help applicants complete their applications and supporting materials, the City’s Economic Development staff are offering complimentary training sessions:
Economic Development staff are offering training sessions to help applicants complete their applications and supporting materials. The full 2026 schedule includes:
• Tue., Sep. 29 at 5 PM — Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St., Lewiston.
• Tue., Oct. 13 at 8 AM — LA Metro Chamber, 415 Lisbon St., Suite 100, Lewiston.
• Tue., Nov. 10 at 5 PM — Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St., Lewiston.
• Tue., Dec. 8 at 5 PM — The Lewiston Colisée, 190 Birch St., Lewiston.
Funded through New England Clean Energy Connect, the program supports for-profit businesses based in Lewiston. Applicants may seek either a grant or a loan, but not both. Loans carry a 5 percent interest rate over a 10-year term. Funding is limited, and both programs are competitive.
Eligible applicants include startups that have not yet opened and Lewiston businesses operating for less than a year when they apply. Existing Lewiston businesses starting a significantly new line of business and businesses relocating to Lewiston for the first time may also qualify.
Businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and be in good standing, with no tax liens, legal judgments or code or zoning violations. Home-based businesses, including child care providers, bookkeepers, bakeries and professional services, may qualify. Franchises and certain business categories, including cannabis-related businesses, pawn shops, gun shops and liquor stores, are ineligible.
Funds may cover eligible expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, equipment, inventory, marketing, professional services and improvements needed to meet code requirements. They cannot cover past expenses, debt refinancing, back taxes or personal expenses.
Grants generally reimburse approved expenses after recipients pay those costs and submit documentation. Grant recipients may elect to receive up to $5,000 in advance as working capital, with receipts and other required documentation due before additional funds are provided.
Applications must include a business plan, budget and supporting documents, including a lease or deed, applicable permits and licenses, tax forms and identification. Recipients must provide evidence of lawful presence in the United States and sign an affidavit before receiving an award. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Complete applications are reviewed in the order received and evaluated by City. Applicants will be notified within three business days of the committee’s meeting. Those who are not awarded funding will receive feedback and may reapply after addressing the identified issues.
City staff can help applicants understand the requirements and identify needed permits or licenses. Applicants are encouraged to work with a business adviser to strengthen their plans and budgets. No-cost advising is available through SCORE Central Maine, Coastal Enterprises Inc. and the Small Business Development Center at the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments.
To request an application, confirm submission deadlines or ask about training sessions, contact Economic Development at 207-513-3126 or ECDGrantProgram@LewistonMaine.gov. Submit completed applications and attachments by email or deliver them to Economic Development, third floor, City Hall, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240.
