New program seeks to “inspire and guide” entrepreneurs in Lewis County

LOWVILLE — The DBA Lewis County pilot program is meant to “inspire and guide” entrepreneurs doing business in Lewis County.

It’s an initiative created by Naturally Lewis, which is based in Lowville and serves Lewis County’s economic-development organization. 

DBA Lewis County seeks to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their business, leveraging and connecting existing resources and services to “provide a pathway to success,” the organization said. 

“Creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the sustainable retention and expansion of our businesses is a key component of the DBA Lewis County program,” Naturally Lewis contended in a news release.

DBA Lewis County serves as a “jumping off point” for entrepreneurs looking to start their business or for existing small businesses that want to scale-up. Through customized technical assistance and developing “achievable milestones,” Naturally Lewis says it’s able to connect entrepreneurs and existing small businesses with the support services they’ll need, “helping to alleviate some of the costs associated along the way.” 

Entrepreneurs or small businesses interested in participating in the DBA Lewis County program are encouraged to complete a brief survey to determine areas of potential technical assistance. Then, Naturally Lewis works with each entrepreneur and small business individually to develop milestones and create the connections to reach those goals. Consultants providing support services such as business planning, marketing, bookkeeping and accounting, strategic planning, process improvement, leadership development, and human resources are available for assistance. 

Naturally Lewis will bring together the support services with new and existing businesses to provide one-on-one support to help achieve business goals.

“Running a business can be stressful and confusing to navigate; the opportunity provided by the DBA Lewis County program helps to alleviate the stress and connect you with resources you need to start and grow your business in Lewis County,” Jenna Kraeger, DBA Lewis County program coordinator, said in the release. “The program is intended to evolve to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and business owners that are great at the products and services they provide but may need help in areas where they lack expertise.”

If you are an entrepreneur, business owner or consultant in Lewis County interested in getting involved with the DBA Lewis County program, visit the Naturally Lewis website: https://naturallylewis.com/initiatives/dba

Those interested can also contact Jenna Kraeger, economic-development specialist at (315) 376-3014 or email: jenna@naturallylewis.com.