Cynthiana incentivizing businesses to invest revitalizing downtown
It's called the Downtown Incentives Grant Program.
Mayor Isaac Dailey said this program is the continuation of the work the city has previously done to bring some new life to downtown.
Having had success in the past, the city has grown the program from giving out a maximum of $1,000 in grants to a maximum of $2,500.
Recipients are required to match the funding for each project.
Every submitted proposal will be scored out of 100 across a number of factors, such as economic impact, readiness, feasibility, and long-term maintenance.
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A total of six businesses will receive grants. These grants aren't just meant for building facelifts but also incentivize businesses to utilize their spaces to the fullest.
'We've expanded this grant to protect and recreate or replace existing rooms,' Dailey said. 'Also, to address other problems like a shortage of housing or short-term rentals.'
'We want to, more or less, use this as a way to plant seeds for change, but also to make it a beautiful place for people to want to visit and to be excited about,' explained tourism director Samantha Lunger.
Cynthiana-Downtown-Incentives-Grant-Program-Guidelines-1Download
Now this isn't as simple as apply and get the maximum $2,500; these are some of the eligibility requirements for the grants (full list above).
Applicant must own commercial property in downtown Cynthiana or have written landlord approval.
Property must be able to operate in the city as well as Harrison County and the state of Kentucky.
Must be compliant with all zoning, business, and health codes.
Recipients are only allowed one facade grant per property.
Eligible projects may include:
Façade repairs or restorations
Window or door replacement
New exterior lighting or signage
Painting, awnings, or landscaping
Outdoor dining or display areas
Interior improvements that enhance public access, display areas, or customer experience
Dailey and Lunger hope the program will one day increase the total pool of money available to expand downtown Cynthiana from both city government and private funding to leave a lasting legacy.
Read more of the latest Kentucky news
The mayor said that as city leaders, they have to lead by example, and this program will hopefully help be that example for both current and future residents.
'I think people are excited to see that the city and tourism are sort of upping our ante of doubling down on our investment in downtown and encouraging and supporting the people that are also pouring their money into this community as well,' Dailey detailed.'I think, great that we, they're seeing from us that we don't just expect for them to invest in the community, but we are also investing in the community and giving to it and giving back just as much as we hope and expect for them to,' Lunger said.
The deadline to apply for the grants is Monday, June 16.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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