Share This Article
Article Summary
The Duke Energy Foundation and Cincinnati Regional Chamber have awarded $100,000 in storm-recovery grants to 26 Greater Cincinnati small businesses. Announced October 14, 2026, the grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and will help businesses address losses caused by summer flooding, power outages and other storm-related disruptions. Some recipients reported tens of thousands of dollars in damage or lost revenue. The program provides financial assistance to help affected businesses recover and resume normal operations.
Storm relief grants will help 26 Greater Cincinnati small businesses recover from summer flooding, power outages and storm-related financial losses.
The Duke Energy Foundation and Cincinnati Regional Chamber are providing financial assistance to businesses affected by severe weather.
Twenty-six small businesses across Greater Cincinnati are receiving $100,000 in storm-recovery grants after summer storms caused flooding, power outages and costly business disruptions.
The Duke Energy Foundation is funding the grants through a partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. The program aims to help small businesses recover from storm-related damage and financial losses.
According to the Chamber’s October 14, 2026, announcement, individual grants range from $2,500 to $10,000. Recipients can use the funding to address storm-related expenses and help restore normal operations.
The assistance comes after severe weather in July and August affected businesses across the region, leaving some owners with damaged property, spoiled inventory and lost revenue.
Storm relief grants address business losses
The summer storms created significant financial challenges for businesses dealing with flooding and extended power outages.
Some owners reported losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars, highlighting the financial pressure that unexpected weather events can place on small businesses.
Ali’s Bar and Grill in Madeira is among the grant recipients. Owner Alison Tepe-Guy reported approximately $25,000 in lost revenue and discarded food and beverages after the restaurant experienced a power outage lasting more than two days.
The restaurant will receive a $5,000 grant to help with recovery expenses.
Patty’s Old Fashioned Popcorn in Hyde Park also experienced substantial damage. Owner DJ Snider reported approximately $70,000 in flood damage.
The business will receive a $2,500 grant.
These examples illustrate the gap between the losses some businesses experienced and the financial assistance available through the relief program.
26 businesses receive financial assistance
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber published a list of 26 businesses selected to receive the grants.
Recipients represent several industries, including restaurants, food retailers and other small businesses throughout Greater Cincinnati and surrounding communities.
Among the recipients are Enquirer Printing Company in Newtown, Jake’s River Landing in Harrison and Neko Sushi in Hyde Park. Each will receive $10,000.
Other recipients include Ali’s Bar and Grill in Madeira, Grammas Pizza Batavia in Batavia and Zip’s Café in Mount Lookout. Each business will receive $5,000.
Patty’s Old Fashioned Popcorn and Dovetale Bakery in Hyde Park are among the businesses receiving $2,500.
The grant amounts vary according to the awards announced by the Chamber. The funding is intended to help businesses manage recovery costs rather than fully reimburse every storm-related loss.
Chamber and Duke Energy Foundation partner on recovery
The Duke Energy Foundation is providing the $100,000 in funding, while the Cincinnati Regional Chamber is administering the grant program.
The initiative supports small businesses facing financial difficulties following severe weather in Southwest Ohio.
Applications closed on September 21, 2026, and recipients were selected through an application review process.
The partnership provides targeted financial assistance to businesses that may have limited resources to absorb unexpected repair costs, replace damaged inventory or recover revenue lost during temporary closures.
For small businesses, even a short interruption can affect cash flow, employee schedules and the ability to serve customers.
The grants offer financial support as affected businesses continue working to recover from the summer storms.
Business owners seeking additional information about the program and its recipients can consult the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s official announcement.
FAQs
Which Cincinnati-area businesses are receiving grants?
Recipients include Ali’s Bar and Grill in Madeira, Patty’s Old Fashioned Popcorn in Hyde Park, Neko Sushi in Hyde Park and Zip’s Café in Mount Lookout. The Cincinnati Regional Chamber has published the full list of 26 recipients.
Will the grants cover all storm-related losses?
Not necessarily. The grants range from $2,500 to $10,000, and some businesses reported losses substantially higher than their awards. The funding is intended to provide recovery assistance rather than guarantee full reimbursement.
Can other small businesses still apply for these grants?
Applications for this grant round closed on September 21, 2026. Businesses interested in future assistance should monitor announcements from the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and the Duke Energy Foundation for new programs or funding opportunities.
