Metro Lex News

The City’s Small Business Property Incentive Grant Program aims to “encourage a vibrant downtown and support our business community,” according to Mayor Alex Carter. Participation in the inaugural round of this grant, which partnered with brick-and-mortar establishments within the Downtown Business District to help fund revitalization projects, exceeded expectations.

The winners were announced in early 2023 and have been actively utilizing the funds throughout the year. In total, the city awarded $487,000 to these businesses from a total budget of $500,000. This funding originated from federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The following businesses qualified for reimbursement for part of their structural repairs and beautification improvements, such as installing exterior lighting and landscaping:

- Bethel Methodist Church

- Bird Properties

- Euro Wine Bar

- Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce

- Prestige Auto Care

- Public Well

- Reams Real Estate

- Shadowland Community Church

- Smith Law Offices

- The Alternative Jewelry Shop

- Tranter & Tranter Law Office

“The small business incentive grant has been the biggest ‘small project’ I’ve ever done,” said Steve Pracht, City of Nicholasville Grants Administrator. “It has been a ton of work that’s gone into it, but it’s definitely worth it.”

The Nicholasville City Commission acknowledges that a functional and attractive downtown occupied by local businesses benefits both the economy and community. Following the success of the initial grant program, commissioners approved additional funding for Fiscal Year 23-24. The new grant will have an estimated $984,000 impact on downtown property revitalization.

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