The City of Bowling Green's new Downtown Improvement Grant, a 50/50 reimbursement program for downtown businesses, has funded its first seven projects, with a second round expected in early 2027, according to WBKO, the Bowling Green Daily News and WNKY.
The Details
- What: The Daily News describes a 50/50 reimbursement model, and WBKO reported on Aug. 1 that the city will reimburse businesses 50% of the cost of an approved upgrade.
- Who runs it: WNKY reports the city's Neighborhood and Community Services department administers the program, and the Daily News says applications go to that office. WBKO identifies Telia Butler as the downtown development coordinator.
- Size: Per the Daily News, funding ranges from $2,500 to a maximum of $7,500. WBKO describes $2,500 as the minimum a business must invest, so check the city's page for how amounts are counted.
- Where: WBKO said eligible businesses sit between Barren River and 13th Avenue or between Kentucky Street and Chestnut Street. The Daily News says projects must be on public-facing commercial property and lists private residences, operating expenses and events as excluded.
- Pool: WBKO reported a $40,000 pool. The Daily News says it is split between fall and spring cycles, with unused fall funds rolling into spring.
The First Awards
The Bowling Green City Commission approved $21,500 for seven projects on Tuesday, Oct. 20, according to WNKY. The recipients, per WNKY:
- Shake Rag Barbershop, $3,000, for parking lot safety and beautification: lights, a camera, landscaping and parking stops.
- White Squirrel Brewery, $3,500, for exterior improvements.
- Candle Makers on the Square, $3,500, for window replacements and a signage refresh on its Fountain Square facade.
- The Food School, $2,500, for classroom soundproofing.
- Atomic Kitchen, $3,000, for statues in Hot Rod Alley.
- 904 State Street, $3,000, for restoring a historic facade on Fountain Square.
- Mellow Mushroom, $3,000, for an exterior mural on its new to-go addition.
What It Means for Bowling Green
For owners on and around Fountain Square and the downtown corridor, the program offers cost-sharing for exterior work. For residents, the funded projects are visible changes: lighting, landscaping, a mural and a restored facade. Recipients have one year to finish, per WBKO.
Before You Go
- The first application window ran Aug. 15 to Sept. 15, per WBKO. It has closed.
- The Daily News lists the spring window as Feb. 15 to March 15. Check ahead with the city to confirm dates and available funds.
- Details are at the city's downtown grant page, bgky.org/downtown/grant, as cited by the Daily News and WBKO coverage.
Sources
- WBKO - launch, terms and eligibility
- Bowling Green Daily News - program launch
- WNKY - first round awards
