Five Northern Kentucky companies were awarded thousands of dollars worth of grant money from Main Street Ventures to help grow their business.
Main Street Ventures is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneurial support nonprofit that provides capital and coaching to entrepreneurs in the area. In total, 14 Greater Cincinnati area businesses were awarded $224,592 during Main Street Ventures third-quarter grant cycle.
The nonprofit offers two types of grants: Launch Funding and Leap Funding.
Launch Funding provides pre-revenue businesses in the prototype or product stage with $5,000 to $10,000 of equity-free funding. The grant aims to increase the company’s odds of reaching the market entry stage then progressing beyond.
Leap Funding provides revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 to $30,000 of equity-free funding. This grant helps companies scale their business to increase their sustainability.
“Every quarter, we are continuously energized by all of the small business owners we see who are working hard to turn their ideas into flourishing businesses, and this quarter was no exception,” Main Street Ventures Director of Engagement Abby Ober said in a release. “Main Street Ventures is excited to support and guide these entrepreneurs as they develop their ideas and take their businesses to the next level.”
Launch Funding
Airtrek Robotics: Covington-based company that utilizes robotics to automate ground handling activities at airports.
Bailout Systems: Covington-based company that developed a hands-free descent device for military personnel, first responders and other high-risk careers that operate from elevated positions. The device uses braking technology designed to help the user efficiently egress.
Leap Funding
Concerted: Covington-based nonprofit tech platform that connects communities to live music, entertainment and art events.
Safewave Technology: Covington-based company that developed banded technology which uses vibration-based safety and communication alerting to help the deaf and hard of hearing community at work and in their homes.
Laughing Bees: Newport-based company that uses locally sourced honey to create caramels, rice krispies treats, and other sweet treats.