Merchant Newsletter 2/13/26

Last Updated 2/13/2026 • Posted in For Merchants

Ice Fest 2026, what a blast and the frigid temps didn't stop us!

Business Improvement Grant is a rolling opportunity and now's the time to apply!

The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership is launching the Lewisburg Business Roundtable - a monthly gathering for downtown business owners and entrepreneurs focused on connection, collaboration, and economic vitality.

22nd Annual Ice Festival Update

It’s been fun hearing everyone talk about how well this year’s ice sculptures are holding up — this cold stretch has definitely been on our side! Downtown still feels a little extra magical, and it’s nice seeing visitors slow down, point things out, and snap photos as they wander from shop to shop. If you’re chatting with customers or sending out an email this week, feel free to mention the sculptures and invite folks to take a stroll while they’re here and enjoy them.

And truly, thank you for being part of it all. Your participation — staying open late, welcoming the extra foot traffic, and helping create such a warm, lively atmosphere — made the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership Ice Festival a real success. We appreciate everything you do to make downtown feel vibrant and inviting.

Business Improvement Grant Program – ARE YOU INTERESTED?

The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership (LDP) has received funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development to offer downtown Lewisburg businesses financial support through a Business Improvement Grant Program. This program provides grants of up to $5,000 to help cover the costs of critical improvements that support business growth, enhance operations, and contribute to the vibrancy of Downtown Lewisburg.

Grant Details
·    Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 per project
·    Match Requirement: 25% of the project cost (e.g., a $5,000 grant requires a $1,665 match from the applicant)
·    Eligible Applicants: Established downtown Lewisburg businesses (in business under the same owner or manager for three years or more)

Eligible Improvements to Enhance Your Business
·    Interior/Structural Upgrades: Flooring, lighting, ADA compliance, or layout changes to improve functionality.
·    Technology Enhancements: New point-of-sale systems, inventory management, or other technology to improve efficiency.
·    Professional Marketing and Signage: Business signage, website design, digital advertising, and branding initiatives.
·    And more! If you have a project or idea, please reach out to discuss the possibilities.

Why Consider Applying?
·    Boost Your Business: Improve operations, attract more customers, and increase revenue.
·    Modernize and Grow: Enhance technology, improve your space, and create a better experience for customers.
·    Strengthen the Downtown Community: Your improvements contribute to a thriving downtown that benefits everyone.
·    Showcase Your Brand: Stand out with better signage, marketing, and an updated online presence.

Interested? Download the application here or go to this link which leads to the LDP website at www.lewisburgpa.com Grants page. You can get more details and download the application.

Fill it out online and email a copy or drop off a printed copy at the LDP office, 328 Market Street. If you have questions, call us at 570-523-1743.

New for 2026: Lewisburg Business Roundtable Monday, February 23, 9:00–10:00 AM

The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership (LDP) will relaunch its Business Forum and Economic Vitality Committee as a unified initiative in 2026. This new structure will engage downtown business owners and spur economic development efforts for Lewisburg’s downtown.
Purpose
The Business Roundtable will be an inclusive gathering for downtown business owners and entrepreneurs: a time for peer connection, shared learning, and coordinated action. The group will serve both as a listening post for business needs and as an incubator for initiatives that support the Economic Vitality goals of the LDP, including to:

Rebuild a consistent action-oriented dialogue among business owners
Make measurable progress on projects impacting businesses
Strengthen relationships between businesses and LDP leadership

Organizers

Colby Kaufman, Board President, business owner
Steve Stumbris, LDP Board, Bucknell Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
LDP Staff Representative (to be designated)
Borough Council Representative (LDP Board liaison, and/or Shannon Berkey)
Others TBD

This team will convene and facilitate meetings, ensuring structure and follow-up while promoting an environment led by business-owners. Coleby & Steve will prepare an agenda & invitation copy monthly, and Lynne will email invites & include the event in LDP newsletter and social media.
Details

Location: Lewisburg Downtown Partnership office, 328 Market Street
4th Monday of each month, 9:00am - 10:00am - starting Feb 23, 2026
Events will feature facilitated discussions on business trends, borough policy updates, joint promotions, data insights, events, and resources from LDP, SBDC, & others.

Priorities

Foster relationships with property owners
Promote, review, & assist in the administration of LDP Business Improvement Grants
Consumer and market data collection and analysis
Share operational insights and challenges among merchants
Evaluate Main Street’s Building Opportunities on Main Street (BOOMS) Tracker, a GIS tool to track vacancies -> https://booms-tracker-nthp.hub.arcgis.com/pages/about
BOOMS Tracker App - Missouri Training on How to Use it!
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