JENNINGS, Mo. — A new initiative is underway to give small businesses a boost.
Since staying in business can be hard for entrepreneurs, city leaders said they want to help remove roadblocks.
The now bright spot off Interstate 70 and Jennings Crossing was once known as The Pit.
"It was dark. This whole little turn here was dark. Pitch black,” Carnell Wings said.
He’s been part of the transformation over the past seven years.
Strategic Home Healthcare now offers a variety of services inside the growing office space that was once a condemned building.
The services include home care for seniors.
"Helping them find the resources they need to have a healthy life at home,” Carrie Sanders said.
No Competition barber and beauty salon is also housed there.
"This is the shampoo room,” Wings said, pointing to the area he renovated himself.
He and his two siblings bought the abandoned building and brought it to life.
"Every piece of floor you see. Every piece of paint. Every light you see,” Wings said.
"My baby brother had me down here putting this tile on the floor and caulking and everything else,” Sanders said.
Jennings wants to see more businesses like this thrive.
"Small businesses mean a lot. They're the backbone to our communities,” Mayor Gary Jonson said.
It's why the city is providing up to $10,000 for businesses that need help, which is funded with federal American Rescue Plan funds. The money can go toward lighting, security and HVAC upgrades.
"They are not like larger chains and they don't have that support that larger chains have … this is one step that we’re taking to better our community,” Johnson said.
Strategic Home plans on applying.
“To have a sidewalk out and steps and a railing that will make it safe for even some of our senior clients that visit the barber shop would be great and provide a little better lighting around the building and creating a safe environment. If anybody is willing to support us, we’re grateful,” Sanders said.
Businesses in Jennings who are interested in applying can call or show up to city hall to receive an application.