LEWIS COUNTY — Naturally Lewis has been selected as a recipient of $15,000 from National Grid’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program as part of National Grid’s “Project C” Initiative to support the Doing Business As (DBA) Lewis County Program.  

DBA Lewis County aims to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their business, leveraging and connecting existing resources and services to provide a pathway to success, program officials said. Naturally Lewis is seeking additional consultants to offer business-to-business services through DBA Lewis County Program. 

“National Grid and Lewis County have a vested interest in supporting new entrepreneurs that can increase employment opportunities and economic growth for the region,” said National Grid Regional Executive Alberto Bianchetti. “National Grid’s Project C community support initiative is designed to create a more equitable energy future in every community we serve. We are confident this award will foster that future by supporting growth and opportunity through the Doing Business As Lewis County program.” 

The DBA Lewis County program is creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs to find the services they need, when they need it, officials added. By developing strong partnerships and connecting our community of small businesses, the program seeks to enhance the Lewis County entrepreneurial ecosystem. The DBA Lewis County program is available to all Lewis County new or existing businesses.  

“Project C funding will be incremental to the growth of the DBA Lewis County program providing additional funding for marketing and technical assistance,” said Jenna Lauraine, DBA Lewis County program coordinator. “With additional funding Naturally Lewis, in partnership with the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, will be better equipped to market the program to the Lewis County business community.”

The DBALC Program partially funds technical assistance for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to launch or scale-up in Lewis County.

Consultants are being sought in the following areas, but are not limited to:

• Business Plan/Strategy (vision, mission, planning);
• Establishing Business Structure (DBA, LLC, etc.);
• Real Estate (finding business location, moving, zoning);
• Financial Operations and Management (financial systems, bookkeeping, budgeting, projections, turnover, cash flow);
• Access to Capital (equity and debt financing);
• Business Insurance  Legal (reorganizing, drafting contracts, certifications, regulatory compliance);
• Branding (name, logo, tagline, colors, fonts, photography and videography);
• Marketing/Communications (website, social media, visibility);
• Product or Service Development (new or better products and/or services, consumer and market research);
• Sales (merchandising, pricing, margins, online sales);
• Operations (production methods, administration, waste, downtime, inventory);
• Workforce Development (hiring, training, human resources, benefits);
• Identify, Expanding Markets;
• Leadership;
• Development; and
• Mentorship.

Those interested in getting involved with the DBA Lewis County program are encouraged to go online to the Naturally Lewis website to view the request for proposals at: naturallylewis.com/news/seeking-dbaprogram-consultants or contact Lauraine, economic development specialist, by phone at 315-376-3014 or by email at jenna@naturallylewis.com.