The City of Covington has announced support for nine small businesses through its Small Business Program. The program provides financial incentives such as rent subsidies, façade improvements, and historic electric light incentives to encourage private investment and job creation.
The Covington Board of Commissioners approved the funding during the fourth round of this fiscal year’s program, which allocates $150,000 annually to assist new businesses with first-year rent and help commercial property owners enhance their exteriors or restore historic electric signs.
“Our Economic Development team works hard to make it easy to do business in the city and we want to help businesses continue to thrive and grow,” said Patrick Duffy, Covington’s Business Retention and Expansion Manager.
Business owners expressed gratitude for the support. Meredith Frickey, owner of Pilates on Pike, noted that the contribution towards her rent alleviates financial burdens, allowing her to focus resources on marketing efforts and studio enhancements. She praised the straightforward application process facilitated by Patrick Duffy.
Lindsey Whittle, co-owner of Pique Art Gallery at 210 W. Pike St., highlighted how a façade makeover supported by the city will reflect the creativity within their space. “As both a contemporary art gallery and a bed & breakfast, we welcome neighbors and visitors alike,” she stated.
The recent incentives total $55,500 across four façade projects, four rent subsidies, and one historic electric sign restoration. Specific allocations include:
– $6,000 each for façade improvements at Sparkezilla (210 Pike St.), Mugsy Development (326-328 Pike St.), 341-343 Pike St., and 701 Madison Ave.
– Rent subsidies of $6,000 each were awarded to Feel Something LLC (3706 Decoursey Ave.), Pilates on Pike (33 Pike St.), Goods (33 Pike St.), and Breathe Wellness Studio (118 W. Pike St.).
– A historic electric sign restoration received $7,500 for NKY Port Authority dba Sparkhaus at 721-731 Madison Ave.
Since its inception in 2017, Covington’s Small Business Program has assisted 172 businesses or projects. For more information about the program or application details, interested parties can contact Patrick Duffy at (859) 292-2141 or via email at PDuffy@covingtonky.gov.
