North Kentucky News

The City of Covington, Kentucky, has extended support to seven businesses through its Small Business Program. The program aims to foster private investment, job creation, and an enhanced business environment by providing rent subsidies and façade improvement incentives. This initiative is part of the city's ongoing efforts to attract both startups and established enterprises.

Patrick Duffy, Covington's Business Retention and Expansion Manager, emphasized the city's commitment: “This latest round of small business incentives reinforces the area’s reputation as a welcoming destination for both startups and established businesses. Our team works hard to make it easy to do business in the city and we want to help businesses continue to thrive and grow.”

The recent funding round allocated $39,300 across six new businesses and one commercial façade project. Each recipient was selected based on their potential contribution to Covington's economic landscape.

Rent subsidies were awarded as follows:

- Carmelo’s received $6,000 for opening an Italian American restaurant at 434 Madison Ave., which had been vacant for two years.

- Far Far Away LLC (Galaxie Bar) was granted $6,000 for establishing a second location in Covington at the former Acme Lock Building.

- Maverick Chocolate Co. also received $6,000 after expanding from Cincinnati with a new storefront on Madison Avenue.

- Merriman Anderson Architects Inc., a Dallas-based firm setting up in downtown Covington, secured $6,000.

- N.E.T.’s Effect LLC obtained $3,300; they offer shared controller services and plan future expansion.

- West Sixth Brewing Co., opening its fourth location in historic Covington Haus, was awarded $6,000.

For façade improvements:

- Pike Street Lofts Condominium Association Inc. received $6,000 towards an $18,600 project involving tuckpointing and painting according to historic preservation guidelines.

Since its launch in 2017, the Small Business Program has supported 162 projects or businesses. Applications are currently open for the final funding round of this fiscal year until May 9th.

Interested parties can contact Patrick Duffy at (859) 292-2141 or via email at PDuffy@covingtonky.gov for more information.