August 28, 2020 — Northern Kentucky University offers a new relief program that helps local, family-owned small businesses adapt to the pandemic's disruptive climate. 

The Family Business Relief Program is designed to support companies as they adjust their business models and digital strategies. NKU’s Haile/US Bank College of Business will help implement technology-based tools and services—from integrating accounting software to developing websites— at no cost, thanks to funds provided by the Drees Family Foundation.

"We see more businesses that are negatively impacted by the ongoing pandemic, and many of them do not have the resources to pivot in our digitally centric world,” said Dean Hassan HassabElnaby, Haile/US Bank College of Business. “This initiative accelerates digital transformation, which is essential to stabilize and recover." 

NKU’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship will lead each project, and its Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will provide business coaching as part of an ongoing effort to support the region’s economy.  Students are also playing a vital role by leading and executing projects under faculty guidance.

"We thought to ourselves, what's the best way to leverage our rich student talent and resources to support local businesses,” said Zac Strobl, assistant director of the CIE. “We're always looking for new ways our students can gain hands-on learning opportunities, and this will be an impactful project on all parties."

Participants must be clients of NKU's Small Business Development Center and be located in Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton or Pendleton counties. To register and learn more about the program, visit its website.