More than $200,000 in grants awarded to local startups

Covington-based Safewave Technology has developed a vibration-based home security system for people who cannot hear traditional sound alarms. The product is a wrist band that connects to door alarms, window alarms, and other security sensors, providing a strong vibration that warns of a security alarm. Safewave was one of 14 local startups that received a grant through Main Street Ventures in its third-quarter grant cycle.

The local nonprofit provides funding to entrepreneurs and startups in eight counties within the region, and in this cycle awarded grants totaling $224,592.

It awards funding mainly through two programs. Launch Funding provides pre-revenue businesses at the prototype or product stage with $5,000 to $10,000 of equity-free funding to increase the odds of reaching the market-entry stage. Leap Funding provides revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 to $30,000 of equity-free funding to scale and increase their odds of survival.
 
The companies receiving Launch Funding are:

•  Aitrtrek Robotics creates robotic solutions to automate airport ground handling activities. 
• Bailout Systems is a technology company in the fall-safety industry.
• Karneyium is an AI-powered geographic information system that accelerates clinical trials by tapping underserved markets.
• Together Digital is a national network of women who work in digital marketing, advertising, and tech.
• Cereal Box Studio is a graphic and publication design studio, print shop, and small press.

In addition to Safewave Technology, the companies receiving Leap Funding are:

• Bosa, a goal management app that helps people collect, collaborate on, and complete goals. 
• Concerted is a nonprofit tech platform increasing engagement and access to live music and entertainment.
•  Laughing Bees provides locally sourced products.
• Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse is a Black-owned coffee shop with a focus on locally sourced and plant-based ingredients. 
• Davis & Biddle Properties is a Black woman-owned business opening a commissary kitchen in Price Hill.