Reka’s Butcher, a butcher shop, deli and grocery store specializing in high-quality meats and prepared foods, will be located at 401 Scott St.
COVINGTON, Kentucky – Businesses receiving facade or rental grants through the latest round of Covington’s Small Business Incentive Program include a butcher shop, an art supply store and studio, a boutique venue, a deli, a men’s clothing store and an empowerment center.
“A mix of startups starting their journey and established companies investing in their future shows that we are delivering on our promise – that Covington provides the partnerships, resources and tools entrepreneurs need to succeed in our community,” said Patrick Duffy, Business Retention and Expansion Manager at Covington.
The Small Business Program is designed to encourage private investment, create jobs and create a more attractive business environment in The Cov. Its three distinct incentives help young businesses pay their first year’s rent, assist commercial property owners with upgrading their exteriors and assist with the restoration of historic electric advertising signs.
Each fiscal year, the city allocates $150,000 for the incentives. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved incentives for seven companies totaling $39,400, leaving $110,600 for the next rounds.
“This program has a real impact in helping new businesses get started and helping existing businesses increase their presence,” Duffy added.
The awards of this round:
- $12,960 to Center for Thriving and Empowerment at 226 W. Pike Suite 2 to help remove and repair damaged trim, replace a molded tread/profile, and caulk and paint. The business is located in the Mother of God neighborhood.
- $8,600 to Frank’s Men’s Shop at 32 W. Pike St. to rebuild and paint the soffit and repaint the building. The business is located in the Mother of God neighborhood.
- $15,870 to 1132 Banklick St. to rebuild the storefront, paint the building, garage and fire exit, and repair the MLK-side porches, garage and mortar. The building is located in the Westside neighborhood.
- $14,900 to Red Bird Deli at 329 Pike St. for window and paint touch-ups. The shop is located in the Westside neighborhood.
- 6,000 to Rekas Butcher at 401 Scott. St. The butcher shop, deli and grocery store specializes in high-quality meats and prepared foods. Located on a highly visible corner of Scott and Fourth Streets, the store has a three-year lease, has an estimated additional payroll of $150,000 and will have six to eight full-time employees. The store is part of the city’s “Made in The Cov” business sector and is located in the central business district.
- $5,100 to ArtMarket at 1131 Holman St. The art supply store and studio will offer both new and used art supplies and provide an environment to create, learn and shop. Artmarkit is activating a previously vacant building in the 12th Street Corridor and has a five-year lease. The store is targeted at the city’s “Experiencing The Cov” sector and is located in the Westside neighborhood.
- 6,000 to Venue La Vela at 20 E. Fifth St. The business is a boutique venue that offers an affordable yet stylish location for corporate or social events, has a three-year lease, and fits the city’s target sector of “Experiencing The Cov.” La Vela Venue is located in the Central Business District.
Katie Kit Threet, who taught art education at Covington Independent Schools, founded Artmarkit with a mission to foster and cultivate community through creativity. As a community gathering place, it provides a space for all to develop their artistic potential, with a wide range of pay-what-you-can art supplies, accessible classes, mentoring, and community events.
“There is no place we would rather be than in The Cov,” said Threet. “Artmarkit is for the people of Covington. We are building a creative community hub that everyone has access to.”
Throughout September, Artmarkit is hosting a series of events: Community Donation Drop Weekend on September 6-7, Artmarkit Mixer Event on September 12-13, and the Artmarkit Grand Opening on September 22.
For information, see Applications and Guidelines.
Existing businesses interested in applying should contact Patrick Duffy, Business Retention & Expansion Manager, at (859) 292-2141 or [email protected]. Prospective businesses should contact Susan Smith, Business Attraction Manager, at (859) 292-2321 or [email protected].
Since 2017, the program has supported 155 companies or projects, including 58 women, veteran, minority or LGBTQ-owned businesses. (These receive bonus points when applying.)
Of the companies receiving incentives in this round, five are considered Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE): La Vela Venu is women/minority owned, Reka’s Butcher is women/LGBTQ owned, Artmarkit is women/LGBTQ owned, Thrive Empowerment is women owned, and Frank’s Men Wear is 50% women owned.
In 2021, the program received an award from the International Economic Development Council, the world’s largest organization of development experts.
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