Grants program for downtown BG businesses launched Published 6:00 am Tuesday, August 4, 2026Downtown businesses looking to make improvements to their storefronts now have the opportunity to gain funding as Bowling Green city government on Friday announced the first iteration of the Downtown Improvement Grants Matching Funds program will start this month. Projects that improve the visual appeal of downtown and attract additional business investment are the goals of the program. Unlike the neighborhood grants program, which fully funds all projects approved, the DIG program will operate on what the city calls a “50/50 reimbursement model.” Private residences downtown are excluded, as are operating expenses for businesses and any events businesses hold. Businesses that receive funds in one cycle will be ineligible for additional funding until the next fiscal year.