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
