Messy Cat Creations earns $10K national grant

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) — A Paducah small business is celebrating after receiving a $10,000 grant, giving the handmade shop a boost as it continues to grow.

Messy Cat Creations in downtown Paducah was selected as one of a few businesses nationwide to receive the Backing Small Businesses Grant from American Express and Main Street America. The owners said they learned they had received the grant in late October.

The grant is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” program, which supports small businesses in historic downtown districts across the country.

Co-owner Kathy Musser said the announcement came as a surprise.

“It is just breathtaking that we were chosen,” Musser said. “It’s across the whole United States, especially in a historical area like our downtown Paducah.”

Musser and co-owner Andrea Atnip opened the shop about two and a half years ago. Nearly everything inside the store is handmade, from custom artwork to personalized gifts. The business also hosts classes and regularly participates in downtown events.

Atnip said the grant comes at an important time as the business continues to grow.

“We’re trying to make this last as long as we can until we are established,” Atnip said. “The more people that know about us, the more people that come in, the longer we can exist — and grants help keep us in existence.”

The funding helped cover new equipment, including an engraving tool, as well as improvements to the storefront. The owners said they also plan to expand their offerings to reach more customers.

They credited local support for helping them stay open.

“Every single person that steps through our door means everything to us,” Atnip said. “The people that come in are the people who allow us to exist. And if they didn’t come in, we wouldn’t be here.”

The owners said they remain committed to growing their handmade business while continuing to serve the downtown Paducah community.