City of Winchester, Kentucky

A row of historic brick buildings in a small downtown area, showcasing 19th-century architectural styles. The buildings have ornate cornices, tall windows, and painted facades in shades of red, tan, and cream. One building has “A.D. 1904” inscribed near its roofline. A lamppost and a U.S. Route 60 highway sign are visible along the sidewalk in front of the storefronts.

The Downtown Development Investment Fund (DDIF) is here to help our building and business owners.

Renovation Grants

There are four Renovation Grants available: Façade, Upper Story Residential, Roof Stabilization and Lower Story Retail.

Façade grants provide financial incentive to historic downtown Winchester merchants and property owners to improve their buildings while retaining the historic character of the district.

The redevelopment of market rate, upper-story residential units is crucial to maintaining an economically strong commercial district where the image, appearance and environment encourage the attraction of residents and shoppers.

The Roof Stabilization Grant Program facilitates roof replacement and roof rehabilitation by property owners to combat roof problems that endanger the general health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants and visitors to downtown.

The Lower-Story Retail Renovation Grant provides a financial incentive to historic Downtown Winchester property-owners, to improve their buildings while retaining the historic character of the district.

New Business Grants

Opening a new business is a big deal and we’re so thankful you are looking to open one in our beautiful, historic downtown. We are offering two grants to new businesses : one to help you “kickstart” a new business venture and one to help with bills, rent/mortgage, or utilities.

The purpose of the New Business Stipend Grant is to encourage businesses to open in the historic district, with regular open hours. The grant will assist applicants with rent, mortgage and/or utilities during the first year of business. A second-year (consecutive) application can be submitted once the first year is complete (two year maximum). Applicants will send in the New Business Stipend Grant application with required documentation. Once the grant is approved, turn in required documents to receive quarterly reimbursements.

The purpose of the Retail Kickstarter grant is to assist new and current businesses in downtown. Expenses such as advertising, shop fixtures, equipment and expenses not covered by other grants. The grant can be applied once annually January 1 through September 30. Not available for retroactive assistance. Applicants will send in the attached application, with required documentation. If you are applying for a second Kickstarter Grant, please indicate in your application how you will use the funds differently than the first time. Once the grant(s) are approved, turn in receipts to receive funds.

A few things to note about our grants:

o Business grants will have a limited combined payout of $7,000.00 per business, per year.

o Renovation grants will have a limited combined payout of $18,000 per building, per year.

o Once you have submitted a grant, your application will be reviewed the following month.

o The submission period for grants is January 1 through September 30.