Retail, restaurant, and bar businesses are the heart of downtown Lexington, but these businesses have been hit hard by the temporary shutdowns amid the pandemic.
With more businesses allowed to reopen, Downtown Lexington Management District (DLMD) and Downtown Lexington Partnership (DLP) are teaming up to provide grants and in-kind marketing support to help these businesses overcome the challenges they may face in a new business landscape.
The program provides a reimbursement grant for up to 75% of eligible project costs up to a maximum grant of $3,000. There is no guarantee of awards at the maximum amount.
To receive a grant, business operators must meet with DLP staff (via Zoom or in-person), complete the attached application and be approved by the grants committee prior to purchasing. Grant dollars cannot be used for items purchased prior to grant approval. There is currently a limit of one grant per business.
The pool is $80,000. DLMD has $65,000 which was reallocated from existing grants pool. To receive DLMD funded grants, businesses must be physically located within the Downtown Lexington Management District.
DLP has $15,000. To receive DLP funded grants, businesses must be located within the traditional downtown boundary and be a member of DLP through December 31, 2020.
Eligible Costs:
Businesses can be reimbursed for costs, with required documentation, that help the business reopen including:
- Rent/Mortgage payments.
- Re-hiring staff (hourly/salaried excluding benefits).
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
- Cleaning/disinfecting supplies, equipment, etc.
- Interior alterations to comply with new social distancing requirements/recommendations.
- Marketing.
- Exterior Property Improvements (i.e. façade, lighting signage and sidewalk café etc.).
Please not that grants will not reimburse costs covered by any Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) payments.
Marketing Support:
Many businesses have laid-off or let go more than 50% of their staff, including marketing team members. To assist these businesses, DLP shall meet with each business to review marketing needs, develop a 60-90 day marketing plan and help with its execution. In addition, DLP shall use its e-newsletter, website and social media platforms to promote the newly reopened businesses and their new operational procedures highlighting their products and services and the improvements made to keep the public safe.
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