To apply for all City of Lewiston business assistance, including all Covid-19 programs, fill out this pre-application. An Economic Development staff member will review the information and contact you to discuss eligibility. If you have questions or need assistance with the application, please contact ECDevelopment@lewistonmaine.gov or 513-3126.

City of Lewiston Business Assistance Programs

We are happy to announce the return of the façade and rehabilitation loans for commercial use! Review the summary of programs below to identify the program that might be right for you, then click on the program links to find out more information. To apply, click on the pre-application link above.

Summary of Programs

Microenterprise Grant

Microenterprise Loan

Economic Development Loan

Façade Program for Commercial Buildings

Façade Program for Historic Preservation

Residential Loan for Mixed-Use Buildings

Complete Guidelines for all Programs

Resources and Information for Businesses Affected by COVID-19

The City of Lewiston is still offering three assistance programs for businesses who had revenue losses during the pandemic. Click on the links below for more information. To apply, click on the pre-application link above.

Pandemic Emergency Small Business Loan Phase 2 - up to $4,000, payment deferred for one year. Meant to be a faster application process than the CARES programs.

CARES Microenterprise Program - up to $15,000, business must have 1-5 employees one of which can be owner

CARES Economic Development Program - up to $25,000, business must have 1-75 employees

How to Get a DUNS Number Guide - click here to learn how to get a DUNS number (required for most business assistance)

Covid programs Business Assistance Flyer

Documentation Checklist for Covid-related Business Assistance Programs - you may submit the application before you gather this documentation.

In these uncertain times, we are still available to serve the community. We will continue to update our resource guide as new supports become available. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns at ECDevelopment@lewistonmaine.gov.

Residential Landlord Forgivable Loan

Click here for application and guidelines for the Residential Landlord Forgivable Loan Program.

Resources for Renters Affected by COVID-19.

Our CARES Emergency Income Payment Protection program has ended and we are no longer accepting applications for rental/mortgage/utility assistance. However,  on March 1^st  Maine Housing  launched a new rental assistance program for which Lewiston residents are eligible to apply. Maine Housing's program provides up to 15 months of rental assistance and will pay unpaid back rent and utilities as far back as March 13, 2020 for income qualified households. For more information, visit Emergency Rental Assistance Program (mainehousing.org). Homeowners are not eligible for mortgage assistance under the Maine Housing program.