Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Updated: 0 sec ago

Lisbon grant program to encourage business growth in village district

Two people stand on a sidewalk. Photo / Courtesy Town of Lisbon Ross Cunningham, left, Lisbon’s economic and community development director, and Shiloh Hagerman, vice president of lending at Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union, are working to attract businesses to the Lisbon Village District.
By Laurie Schreiber

The Androscoggin County town of Lisbon, perhaps best known for its Moxie Festival, is looking to attract new or expanding businesses to its downtown village district.

The town and the Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union created a business attraction grant program to bring businesses with over three years of successful operation in another community, to expand or relocate in the district. 

“This grant places another tool in our toolbox to bring a critical part of town back to its former glory.” said Ross Cunningham, Lisbon’s economic and community development director, who collaborated with the Lisbon Development Committee to create the program. 

Lisbon has a population of 9,729 people, according to the 2023 U.S. Census. It is roughly 30 minutes from four major metropolitan areas — Portland, Augusta, Lewiston/Auburn and Bath/Brunswick. 

Over the past 20 years, Lisbon has seen investment in a mix of local businesses and year-round activities and festivals, according to a news release. The town has an economic and community development office and a Discover Lisbon program that’s part of the statewide Main Street Network.

But the village district, once a bustling center of the community, has become less vibrant over the years.

The grant program aims to help the district reverse course and stimulate business growth and job creation. 

The program “is a fantastic initiative that aligns with our mission of economic empowerment, and we look forward to seeing new businesses bring fresh opportunities to Lisbon,” said Sara Perkins, CEO of Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union.

Flocking to Lisbon Falls

At one time, the town had two vibrant downtowns — a Main Street area called Lisbon Falls and Lisbon Village, Cunningham told Mainebiz.

“It’s two different zip codes but it’s the same community,” he said.

Lisbon Falls has a traditionally named Main Street lined with residential and wooded areas.

Lisbon Village, three miles to the northwest and centered on Route 196, is more of a commercial area. It has the town hall and businesses such as Springworks Farm, one of the largest aquaponic farms in the country.

An aerial view of streets and woods with an outline.
Photo / Courtesy Town of Lisbon
The Village District includes road frontage along stretches of Route 196 ; Village Street and Memorial Drive.

Both areas were once centered on mills and businesses that grew up around the mills, Cunningham said.

“The Lisbon Falls area continued to grow,” he said.

That’s included stores and restaurants. The Blue Ox Malthouse last year opened an expanded facility. In 2023, Lisbon Art Works cut the ribbon on a retail store featuring products from local artisans.

Other arts-related additions to Lisbon Falls in recent years have been the Work in Progress Art Studio and the development of an outdoor event venue for live music called Worumbo Riverfront Event Center.

“People naturally flock to that area,” said Cunningham. 

Declining village

But the same thing didn’t happen so much in the village district. As businesses closed, buildings remained empty, he said.

“There have been challenges in this footprint,” he said.

At one time, he said, a restaurant called Graziano’s was a big draw to the village. The restaurant closed over a decade ago. More recently, Grazi to Go opened in a nearby location to offer takeout meals based on the family’s recipes. The village has other businesses such as a pizzeria, a resale boutique and an auto parts store.

The business attraction program aims to build on that activity.

To that end, Cunningham compiled six or seven possible building or rental locations to entice business growth.

“I’ve got a decent list of landlords and property owners willing to work with us,” he said.

Large and small businesses

The grant program has $45,000 in total, funded by a contribution from the town’s revolving loan fund of $30,000 and a contribution from the credit union of $15,000.

Large businesses can receive grants up to $20,000. Large business must employ 11 or more full-time employees. Recipients must commit to remaining in the village district for a minimum of five years if granted the full amount. Commitments for lesser grants will be prorated at one year for every $4,000 granted. 

Small businesses can receive a grant up to $12,000 and should employ 10 or fewer full-time employees. Recipients must commit to remaining in the village district for at least three years from date of opening if granted the full amount. Commitments for lesser grants will be prorated at one year for every $4,000 granted.

Recipients will receive half of their grants in a single payment. The balance will be paid at the opening of the business. Funds must be used for eligible expenses related to relocation or expansion, such as leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, marketing and promotional activates and hiring and training staff.

The program is being promoted through local media, the town’s website, social media and business networks.

Grants will be awarded to applicants, selected by a committee, that can be fully operational with 12 months of award notification.  

“We are excited by some existing growth in this district and look forward to adding to the business mix,” said Cunningham.

The application window will open Feb. 15. Applicants must submit their applications no later than March 15. 

For more information, and to receive application materials, businesses can contact Ross Cunningham at rcunningham@lisbonme.org or 207-353-3000 x122.

Sign up for Enews

Mainebiz web partners

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF