Duke Energy Foundation and Cincinnati Regional Chamber award $100,000 in storm relief grants to 26 local businesses

• Grants support small businesses recovering from severe weather and flooding across the Cincinnati region

CINCINNATI - The Duke Energy Foundation and Cincinnati Regional Chamber have awarded $100,000 in relief grants to 26 small businesses across the Cincinnati region impacted by severe weather, flooding and storm damage over the summer.

The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, provide financial assistance to help businesses address unexpected expenses, make repairs, replace damaged equipment and inventory, and support their continued recovery. Funded by the Duke Energy Foundation and administered by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, the program is designed to help local businesses recover from the financial impacts of severe weather and continue serving their customers and communities.

What they're saying

"Small businesses are essential to the strength and character of our neighborhoods, and when severe weather disrupts their operations, the impact extends well beyond their front doors," said Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. "These grants will help business owners get back on their feet and move forward. We're grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for stepping up to support these businesses and investing in the long-term strength of our regional economy."

The grant recipients represent a range of industries, including restaurants, retail shops, salons and professional services. Many are neighborhood businesses that have served their communities for years and faced unexpected financial challenges following the storms.

"Helping our communities recover from severe weather is an important part of our commitment to the Cincinnati region," said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky. "We know how much local businesses mean to the neighborhoods they serve, and we want to help them recover as quickly as possible. Through our partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, we're providing resources that can make a meaningful difference for business owners as they rebuild and move forward."

Meet the recipients

The following businesses in Greater Cincinnati were chosen as recipients of this grant:

The grants are part of Duke Energy Foundation's broader commitment to supporting the communities it serves, particularly during times of unexpected hardship. Through partnerships with local organizations, the Foundation helps direct resources where they can have an immediate and lasting impact.

"One of the most important things we can do as a Chamber is connect businesses with the resources they need to succeed, especially when they're facing challenges beyond their control," added Cull. "Supporting their recovery helps preserve jobs, strengthen our neighborhoods and keep our regional economy moving forward."

Photos with grant recipients can be seen here.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Contact: Matt Martin
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DukeEnergyOH_KY