#LocallyLexington, a community-service partnership, has given $77,000 financial support to local businesses, nonprofits, and entertainment destinations during the pandemic.
The program has been offering two types of grants.
The first is the COVID-19 Reopening and Recovery Grant Program, which was made possible through a partnership between the Downtown Lexington Management District (DLMD), Downtown Lexington Partnership (DLP), and Kinetic by Windstream.
The money can be used to "fund interior and exterior improvements to accommodate customers, replacement of inventory, expansion of outdoor seating, the purchase of PPE materials, cleaning and disinfecting costs, and expenses related to rent and staffing."
The second grant is called the Windstream matching technology grant through which businesses can receive:
- Free technology audit (in-person or virtual)
- Free solutions roadmap to connect businesses with the best technology for their business
- Up to $1,500.00 free services over the term of the contract
Worlds Apart, one of the grant recipients, used the first grant to help pay rent. It used the second grant to sign up for nearly two years of Windstream service.
"It was a godsend," said owner Howard Rackmil, who was already looking to upgrade his internet and saw the grant as an opportunity to improve his system.
Now, with the new funds, he can upgrade his website. The increased bandwidth will also help the store's Facebook Live sessions go more smoothly. Recently, the store has adapted and has started using Facebook Live to market and sell products since some customers are still nervous about visiting in person.
"I can see that it works," store manager Faith Dickson said. "The people that call and come in and comment on Facebook and Instagram love it, love it, love it, and that encourages me."
To date, #LocallyLexington funds have gone to 33 local businesses: Harvey's, Corta Lima, Failte, Postmasters Pub, VisitLex Visitor's Center, Soundbar, Graze, Sugar Belle's, Old Vine Bistro, Mind Over Body Studio, Worlds Apart, Sav's, Stellas Diner, Gus's World Famous Chicken, Skybar, Belle's Cocktail House, Main St Deli/Gourmet Deli, Savane Silver, Crossings Lexington, Roulay, Buddha Lounge, The Roxy, Creaux, Jimmy Johns, Oscar Diggs, Henry Clay Public House, Dudley's, School Sushi, Ole Hookers, High on Art and Coffee, CycleYou, Bourbon on Rye, and Centro.
More grant money is coming soon. Click here to see if your business might be eligible for a grant or to pledge your support for this cause.