Merchant Newsletter 3/3/26
What's in this newsletter? (Click to find out more details)
Gift Certificate Redemption Basics
Business Improvement Grant is a rolling opportunity
LDP Business Roundtable - 4th Monday EVERY Month
Gift Certificate Redemption Basics!
Gift Certificate Reimbursement — Simple & Seamless
Getting reimbursed for gift certificates should feel easy — because it is.
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 different time? Simply call to schedule an appointment.
Prefer Check Delivery?
Email Alex with your total and request delivery.
Checks can be dropped off 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
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
- 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
Who do you know who wants to start a business?
Know someone who’s been talking about starting a business?
Or maybe you’ve had an idea sitting on the back burner and just haven’t known the first practical step to take.On March 4 at 5:00pm, we’re hosting a “First Step” workshop at STEAM Innovation Labs in downtown Sunbury.
This fast-paced, one-hour session is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who have an idea but need clarity on what actually comes next.
We’ll cover the real-world fundamentals:
• Legal setup and registrations
• Funding options and capital planning
• Basic marketing foundations
• Cash flow awareness
• What it truly takes to move from idea to operation
It’s not an exhaustive deep dive — it’s a clear, big-picture roadmap so aspiring business owners understand the terrain before they begin the climb.
If you know someone who’s been “thinking about it,” this could be the nudge they need. Feel free to pass it along.
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.
Register here
