HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville Small Business Commission awarded a combined total of $10,000 through their first-ever Small Business Opportunity Grant to two local business owners.

Kristen Smith, owner of Bluegrass Bowls, was awarded first place and will receive $7,500 to support her business. Jeremy Mathis, owner of The Wood Shed, was awarded second place and will receive $2,500.

Smiling woman in a blue patterned dress and green glasses stands next to a man in a blue polo who holds a certificate in a council chamber.
Small Business Commission awards Small Business Opportunity Grant to Jeremy Mathis (Contributed by the City of Hopkinsville)

“I’m excited to grow this business in Hopkinsville and create new opportunities,” said Smith after receiving the grant during the June 7 Hopkinsville City Council meeting. Mathis also addressed the council, saying that The Wood Shed will use the funds to pave their driveway that was impacted by road construction.

The new grant opportunity drew strong interest from the local business community, with 35 applicants submitting for consideration, according to a news release from the City of Hopkinsville. The grant was created to provide support for local business owners as they work to grow, strengthen and expand their operations.

“This first grant cycle shows the energy, creativity and determination of Hopkinsville’s small business community,” said Mayor J.R. Knight. “Small businesses are a major part of what makes our city strong, and we are proud to support entrepreneurs who are investing their time, talent and ideas right here in Hopkinsville.”

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