Early Automotive Parts in downtown Lisbon was the recipient of this year’s Business Enhancement Lisbon Grant (BE Lisbon).

The business, owned by Luke Krall, has a storefront at 110 East Main Street.

The business operates mainly as a e-commerce retailer selling auto parts and accessories for older vehicles, primarily those built in 1920s through 1950s.

Krall noted that the business has operated out of a small backroom in 114 E. Main Street since COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Krall purchased 110 E. Main Street, a 147 year old business on downtown Lisbon’s Main Street.

The business received a $5,000 grant, which will support a $6,250 initiative for the business.

The grant will help launch a new website for the building, purchase branded shipping materials for the business, help purchase some new promotional items, complete a new marketing push and purchase new shelving units.

In his application for the grant, Krall said there are also efforts and investment that are going to be put in the business, which has sat vacant in the downtown since 1999.

“The building requires significant repairs and façade improvement,” Krall said. “We are actively addressing those needs through a phased approach.”

He anticipates more than $125,000 will be spent on the business storefront over the next two years.

Council member Mike Williams asked if the business space will have a traditional Monday through Friday doors open to the public storefront.

Krall said it will still function as a mostly online retail business, but the investment in the storefront will allow an area to show the parts for sale, and long term he is eyeing having weekend hours or being open for special events in downtown Lisbon.