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Covington reports rise in business licenses, expands small-business support
Summary
A City staff member told the meeting that Covington issued 4,352 business licenses in 2024, about a 12% increase from the previous year, and described partnerships and programs to support local businesses including the Green River College Small Business Development Center, the Covington Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
A City staff member told the meeting that Covington issued 4,352 business licenses in 2024, up about 12% from the previous year, and described expanded support programs meant to help local firms start and grow.
The staff member said the city continued its partnership with Green River College’s Small Business Development Center, which provides “dozens of hours of free individualized support” for entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. The official also outlined ongoing work by the Covington Economic Development Council and a continuing partnership with the Covington Chamber of Commerce.
The figures and programs matter because they show the municipal focus on economic development and small-business retention after a year of measured growth. Local officials highlighted efforts aimed at downtown businesses, restaurants and makers to encourage entrepreneurship and foot traffic.
City staff described the Economic Development Council — made up of local business professionals — as conducting open houses, regular visits to businesses and surveys. The council has begun a virtual forum aimed at businesses in the downtown core “with unique challenges and opportunities to collaborate,” the staff member said.
The staff member said the city and the Chamber co-sponsored Covington Makers Markets to promote small business in the community, and that the city supported the first Covington Restaurant Week in 2024 to help drive customers to local restaurants.
No formal votes or policy changes on these programs were recorded in the transcript excerpt; the remarks were a status report on licensing and partner activities.
