The City of Covington has announced changes to its Small Business Incentive Program aimed at enhancing support for local entrepreneurs and commercial property owners. The modifications are intended to facilitate business operations within Covington's business districts.
Key updates include increased award amounts and simplified application processes. Notable adjustments involve the Façade Improvement Forgivable Loan, which now offers a maximum forgivable loan amount of $10,000 for eligible exterior improvements, up from $6,000. The Historic Electric Signage Incentive now provides a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 for approved projects, with the private match requirement reduced to 20%.
Herb & Thelma’s Tavern is among the businesses that have benefited from these incentives. Joe Fessler, owner of Herb & Thelma’s, expressed gratitude for the support received in restoring their iconic neon sign: “When we undertook the daunting task of restoring our 1960s Wiedemann Neon sign...Finding out about the City of Covington Electronic Sign Grant allowed us to do the restoration.”
To qualify for certain incentives like the Façade Improvement Forgivable Loan or Historic Electric Signage Incentive, businesses must meet with the Historic Preservation Office by July 25, 2025. All applications need to be submitted by August 8, 2025.
Further details can be accessed on the City's Economic Development Department's website.