The Storefronts to the Forefront program has wrapped up its fourth year of supporting small businesses with $5,000 grants that can be used to buy new equipment as well as fund marketing efforts and expansion plans. The Duke Energy, Huntington Bank, and Cincinnati Regional Chamber partnership fosters vibrant communities by supporting cornerstones of various neighborhood business districts.
Businesses in seven neighborhoods across the region received grants in 2025. Beyond the financial support, each recipient benefits from a comprehensive marketing campaign—including promotion through social media, email outreach, and a partnership with Fox19—helping to shine a spotlight on both the businesses and their home neighborhoods.
One of the recipients is Strasse Dog, a pet store located in Covington’s MainStrasse area offering cat and dog food along with grooming services. Co-owner Jeff Routt (above with co-owner Shirley Richmond) takes pride in curating a selection of products that benefit the local community. “When you go to a big box store, they’ll sell you anything they can to make a dollar,” he says. “Here, I’m very particular with what we bring in. Customers can rest assured that I know what I’m selling and I can tailor-make a diet for dogs who are having problems.”
Strasse Dog carries a variety of foods, including kibble, raw, and frozen options along with cat food and treats. Pet owners in the neighborhood enjoy their personalized recommendations to support dietary needs and their grooming services that keep them looking their best. “When they’re shopping local, the money stays here in the community,” says Routt. “We spend our money here in the community, too, and we probably have the healthiest dogs on this block.”
Despite being a small shop, Routt keeps prices competitive, with pet food and treats priced a few dollars less than big box stores. Routt says he plans to use Storefront funds to upgrade the grooming area and make repairs on the company’s delivery vehicles.
In the West End, Ollie’s Trolley has become such a neighborhood staple that the city renamed a part of Liberty Street for owner Marvin Smith last summer. He opened the iconic streetcar-shaped takeout restaurant in 1993 in order to give his then-11-year-old daughter something to do after school. More than three decades later, he says, “I enjoy the satisfaction of being able to stay in business against all odds. We know how to treat people. Good food and good service wins all the time.”
Smith says he plans to use the Storefront funds to update the restaurant so he can continue to offer burgers, barbeque ribs, classic sides, and desserts for years to come. “Storefronts to the Forefront is completely on target,” he says. “They get it.”
The other 2025 grant recipients include A&S Fashions in Northgate, Daylily Deli in the East End, Dot’s Fine Shoe Repair in St. Bernard, Walker Bros. Ice Cream in Montgomery, and Wyatt’s Supermarket in Falmouth. A total of 30 neighborhood businesses have received grants through the program over the past four years.
[Top photograph by Skylinn Jenkins]