Duke Energy Foundation Empowers Local Small Businesses with $880,000 in Grants Across Multiple Chambers

On November 25th, Small Business Saturday was observed, a dedicated day for honoring and backing small businesses crucial to maintaining vibrant communities. The Duke Energy Foundation collaborated with six local chambers of commerce and the Small Business Office at Miami University to allocate $275,000 in grants to support over 60 local small businesses.
 
In this collaboration, the Duke Energy Foundation provides the funding, while the chambers and the Small Business Office at Miami University are responsible for selecting businesses eligible for the funds. Priority is given to businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans. The funds are versatile, covering various expenses such as enhancing physical spaces, technological upgrades, talent acquisition, job posting fees, and professional development training costs.
 
“With the holidays upon us, our local small businesses are working tirelessly to serve their customers,” said Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky.
 
“We hope these funds bring a little extra cheer to those business owners who continue to navigate the current economy. And, as always, we encourage everyone to shop small.”
 
The inception of the Small Business Assistance grant program dates back to 2020, aiming to aid small businesses in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic. Since its initiation, the Duke Energy Foundation has collaborated with local chambers, contributing approximately $880,000 in assistance to support small businesses.
 
Brendon Cull, the President and CEO of the Cincinnati Chamber, emphasized Duke Energy's significant role as a vital partner to the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and a supportive neighbor to the local small business community. Cull expressed hopes that small business owners comprehend their crucial importance to the local economy and feel supported during the current season.
 
The recipients of this year's Duke Energy Foundation Small Business Assistance Grants, selected in collaboration with various local chambers, include:
 
Brown County Chamber of Commerce ($25,000):
 
Bushel N A Peck LLC
Curry’s Crafting Corner
Hometown Screen Printing
Jail Break Inn
Lu Lu’s Suds
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Brown County
R. Varney Photography & Marketing
R&R Poultry Farm
Redeemed Homestead
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber ($75,000):
 
Blossoms Florist Inc
Bonus Golf
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse
DEFINE Oakley
DJX Construction Company LLC
KOFINAS OLIVE OIL
Lentz & Company
LoVe on Fourth
Mad Cheese, LLC
Minks By Marie LLC
Olive Tree Catering LLC
OTR Funplex
RushFit Studio
Sweet Sistah Splash - Sheba Mama
Waverly’s Hope Child Care LLC
Clermont Chamber of Commerce ($25,000):
 
Back the Hero Rumble
Clear Mountain Food Park
Debi’s Cut & Curl
DigiMax Graphics Plus
Tano Bistro & Catering
Grant County Chamber of Commerce ($25,000):
 
Beauty & the Beard
Body Works Gym
Browning’s Country Ham
The Colonel’s Creamery
Cornerstone Equipment
Dry Ridge Auto
Ella Mae’s Sundaes
Farmhouse Furniture
Minuteman Press
Ivy Leaf Florist
Jim Simpson Realtors, Inc
My Kiddie College
Saylor Trailer Sales, LLC
Shirt & Stuff Happens LLC
Miami University Small Business Office – Butler County ($25,000):
 
Central Studio
The Cracked Pot
Dot's Beauty Salon
Jessica Hyath Photography
Nail ID
Smooth Music Group
Santosha Studio
Tailor Made Counseling Services
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce ($75,000):
 
Airtrek Robotics
Bailey Ross LLC dba Thrive Empowerment Center
Clear Mountain Food Park
Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices
Debi’s Cut & Curl
Golden Gelato Company
Inspired Fashion
Kealoha’s Kitchen
Twin Bistro & Catering dba The Gruff
Union Music Academy
Unique International Market
Warren County Foundation ($25,000):
 
To be announced in early December