Lewiston announces business contest with more than $70,000 prize

LEWISTON — The Downtown Lewiston Association along with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce recently announced a contest called JumpstartME — a competition to attract high quality, viable businesses to the Lewiston Downtown Business District. Aimed at businesses in the food and beverage industry, the competition is open to established and startup businesses alike that contribute to and draw from foot traffic.
“The Lewiston Downtown Business District is a vibrant place, dotted with shops and eateries. We are looking for our newest neighbor to continue the momentum and add to the options in the district,” said Michael Dostie, president of the Downtown Lewiston Association. “This competition makes it easy for a business to get established in a new location, with free base rent for a year, marketing, and more included in the prize package!”
The competition launches Thursday, July 1, with a free info session, where an overview of the application and timeline will be shared. At stake, the winner will receive free base rent at 120 Lisbon St., for a year, $50,000 in marketing and branding from national firm Rinck Advertising, legal services for a year from Skelton, Taintor & Abbott, $2,500 of financial systems establishment from Austin Associates, and a year’s membership with the Downtown Lewiston Association, LA Metro Chamber, and Androscoggin Network Builders.
“Businesses that are considering an added location take risks to expand; this competition removes most of the risks involved and makes a move to Lewiston’s Lisbon street both feasible and attractive”, said LA Metro Chamber President and CEO Shanna Cox. “The downtowns of Auburn and Lewiston are vibrant, walkable, active areas, and the Downtown Lewiston Association’s commitment to this contest will encourage folks to take a second look at Lisbon Street — an area great for businesses and customers alike!”
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Aug. 15. Applicants meeting the criteria will be invited to apply to the second phase, which has a Sept. 3 deadline. Questions may be directed to info@lametrochamber.com. The full application, overview, criteria, and FAQ’s are available at lametrochamber.com/jumpstartme/