Merchant Newsletter 3-6-26
What's in this newsletter? (Click to find out more details)
Raise the Region 2026 - Please Plan Your Giving!
Gift Certificate Redemption Basics
Business Improvement Grant is a rolling opportunity
Raise the Region is coming — a simple way to help
Dear Downtown Merchants,
Each year during Raise the Region, thousands of people across our region come together for 30 hours of giving to support local nonprofits.
Lewisburg Downtown Partnership is participating — and we wanted to share the opportunity with you.
Raise the Region takes place March 11–12, and throughout the event there are special prize hours and matching opportunities that can significantly increase the impact of donations.
Even a $25 contribution can help us qualify for those prizes and stretch every dollar further.
Some members of the downtown community have already shared that they plan to support LDP during Raise the Region, and we’re grateful for every show of support.
If you feel moved to contribute to the work we do for downtown — from events and beautification to marketing and advocacy for our business district — your gift during Raise the Region truly makes a difference.
We also understand that running a business means balancing many priorities. If a donation isn’t possible this year, another meaningful way to help is simply by showing your support.
Many businesses choose to place a Raise the Region sign in their window or encourage customers to consider supporting the organizations that help strengthen our community.
📅 Raise the Region
March 11 (6 PM) – March 12 (11:59 PM)
🔗 Support Lewisburg Downtown Partnership:
https://www.raisetheregion.org/organization/lewisburg-downtown-partnership
If you do plan to give, one helpful tip: early donations and gifts during prize hours can make a big difference, since even smaller gifts can help unlock bonus funds and prizes for participating nonprofits.
We appreciate everything you do to make downtown Lewisburg a place people love to visit.
With gratitude,
Lynne, Ellen, Alex, Amy & Tommy
Lewisburg Downtown Partnership
Gift Certificate Redemption Basics!
Turn in Your Gift Certificates
Getting reimbursed for gift certificates is easy!
Reimbursement Basics
• Merchants may request a check for up to $500 in collected certificates at a time
• Gift certificates never expire
Before Accepting a Certificate
Please take a quick moment to confirm it’s legitimate:
• LDP logo sticker on the corner
• A visible serial number
• Original print quality (not photocopied)
If something feels off, trust your instincts — you’re always welcome to pause and call us to confirm before accepting it.
Turning Them In
Walk-In Options — No Appointment Necessary
📍 328 Market Street
🕙 Tuesday–Friday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (NOON)
If the door appears locked, call the number posted — we’re often nearby.
(If the handle pushes down, it’s unlocked — it may just need a firm push.)
Need a special time? Simply call to schedule an appointment.
Prefer Check Delivery?
Email Alex with your total and request delivery.
Checks can be dropped off at your location within 24 hours during the regular workweek (Monday–Friday, approximately 9 AM–5 PM).
We’re here to make this easy.
If you’ve got certificates sitting in a drawer, turn them into cash and back into your business. 💼✨
Business Improvement Grant Program – ARE YOU INTERESTED?
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
- Rebuild a consistent action-oriented dialogue among business owners
- Make measurable progress on projects impacting businesses
- Strengthen relationships between businesses and LDP leadership
- 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
Location: Lewisburg Downtown Partnership office, 328 Market Street
- 4th Monday of each month, 9:00am - 10:00am
- Events will feature facilitated discussions on business trends, borough policy updates, joint promotions, data insights, events, and resources from LDP, SBDC, & others.
- 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
- Back to Top
Business Lunch/Learn 2nd Wed EVERY month
Looking for smart ways to grow your business or streamline what’s already working?
Join us next Wednesday, March 11 at noon, for our monthly Business Innovation Lunch & Learn — where practical strategy meets real-world small business in the heart of downtown Lewisburg.
This month includes:
• Resources available through SBDC student consultants
• An introduction to the Bucknell SBDC’s newest consulting team member, Alisha Mack
• Time to connect with fellow business owners navigating similar challenges
Whether you’re refining operations, exploring new growth ideas, or simply staying sharp, this session is designed to give you actionable insight — not theory.
📍 In person at StartUp Lewisburg
416 Market Street (2nd Floor)
Held the second Wednesday of every month
Bring your lunch. Bring your questions.
Leave with useful information.
