Merchant Newsletter 3-20-26
What's in this newsletter? (Click to find out more details)
LDP Business Roundtable - Feb 23 Recap
Raise the Region 2026 - Summary
New Way to Reach Local Customers
Gift Certificate Redemption Basics
Business Improvement Grant is a rolling opportunity
Feb 26 Recap: Lewisburg Business Roundtable
Key Takeaways
- The Business Improvement Grant (BIG) is now underway, with up to $5,000 available for eligible brick-and-mortar businesses making interior or operational improvements.
LDP shared updates on downtown events and activation, including the Ice Festival, Summer Festival, and Miracle on Market Street.
Participants discussed the need for a more consistent and attractive holiday lighting strategy downtown.
- Bucknell SBDC resources remain available for workshops, consulting, and student project support.
Business Roundtable 4th Monday EVERY Month
- 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
- 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
Raise the Region Follow Up -- Thanks for your support!
Raise the Region 2026 brought in 51 donors and $4,093 raised in support of downtown.
Thank you to our merchants for helping spread the word, display materials, and keep the momentum going. And to those who also stepped up and donated—we truly appreciate you.
Missed the campaign? You can always support downtown anytime—the donation button is right on our homepage.
Reach hundreds of local customers—fast
Want an easy way to bring people through your door?
You’ll get 200 tickets to share with customers, plus promotion at the ballpark and online—all for $395.
Simple. Local. Built to drive traffic.
Be Seen. Get New Customers.
Union County Night at the Ballpark
Friday, July 10, 2026
Join fellow Union County businesses for a high-visibility night at the ballpark—designed to put your business in front of hundreds of local customers in a fun, community-centered setting.
What You Get
✔ Built-In Promotion
Your business is featured as part of Union County Night—marketed across Crosscutters channels.
✔ 200 Ticket Vouchers to Drive Traffic (a $1,600 value)
Give them to your customers, staff, or use them as a promotion to bring new people through your doors.
✔ Online Exposure
Your business name included in event advertising on crosscutters.com.
✔ On-Field Visibility
Opportunity to throw a ceremonial first pitch—great for contests, giveaways, or team recognition.
✔ Game Night Recognition
Your business highlighted on the video board and public announcements during the game.
✔ VIP Experience
Receive 4 Field Reserved VIP seats for the game.
✔ Optional: On-Site Marketing Table (+$100)
Set up at the ballpark entrance and connect directly with attendees.
($340–$450 value | No on-site sales or food distribution permitted)
Your Investment $395 Total (Add $100 for a marketing table)
Why This Works for You
Turn ticket vouchers into in-store traffic
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Reward loyal customers while attracting new ones
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Increase your visibility without planning your own event
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Be part of a community-wide promotion that people actually attend
Simple. Local. Effective.
This is an easy way to show up, be seen, and bring people back into your business—without adding more to your plate.
Gift Certificate Redemption Basics!
Gift Certificates = CASH
Getting reimbursed for gift certificates is easy!
Checks can be dropped off at your location within 24 hours during the regular workweek (Monday–Friday, approximately 9 AM–5 PM). Just email Alex:
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.
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.
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, April 8th 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.
Quick List of Upcoming Events
10/10 Fall Festival
10/24 Mask-arade
10/31 Halloween falls on Saturday
11/28 Shop Small Saturday
12/3 Tree Lighting
12/4 Late Night shopping
