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The City of Covington has extended support to nine small businesses through its Small Business Program. The Covington Board of Commissioners recently approved incentives, including rent subsidies, façade improvements, and historic electric light incentives, aimed at encouraging private investment and job creation.
The city's Small Business Program allocates $150,000 annually to assist new businesses with their first-year rent and to help commercial property owners enhance their building exteriors or restore historic electric signs.
Patrick Duffy, the Covington Business Retention and Expansion Manager, stated: “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.”
Business owners expressed appreciation for the program's impact. Meredith Frickey, owner of Pilates on Pike, shared her gratitude: “I am beyond grateful to be a beneficiary of the program. The contribution to my rent alleviates the financial burden for the first year.” She also noted that “the rent subsidy program application process was straightforward,” highlighting transparent communication from Patrick Duffy.
Lindsey Whittle, co-owner of Pique Art Gallery at 210 W. Pike St., emphasized how the funds will enhance the gallery’s exterior: “A façade makeover at 210 W. Pike St. generously supported by the City of Covington, will help Pique reflect the creativity and community we cultivate inside.”
In total, $55,500 was awarded for four façade projects, four rent subsidies, and a historic electric sign restoration. Specific allocations included $6,000 each for façade improvements at Sparkezilla on Pike St., Mugsy Development on Pike St., a corner building on Pike St., and a future restaurant location on Madison Ave.
Rent subsidies were provided to Feel Something LLC in Ritte’s East neighborhood; Pilates on Pike; Goods in Mutter Gottes neighborhood; and Breathe Wellness Studio on W. Pike St.
Additionally, $7,500 was allocated for restoring a historic electric sign at NKY Port Authority dba Sparkhaus on Madison Ave., reflecting its transformation into Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial hub.
Since its launch in 2017, Covington's Small Business Program has supported 172 businesses or projects. For more information about the program, contact Patrick Duffy at (859) 292-2141 or PDuffy@covingtonky.gov.
