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CINCINNATI – October 14, 2026 – The Cincinnati Regional Chamber and Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $100,000 in relief grants to 26 small businesses across the Cincinnati region impacted by recent severe weather, flooding and storm damage.
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.
“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 all in neighborhoods affected by recent flooding. 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.”
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.
“Since opening Neko Sushi, we have experienced flooding five different times. Each time, we cleaned up, repaired the damage, replaced what we lost, and worked hard to keep our doors open. This past summer was especially difficult for us,” said Yeon Kim, grant recipient and owner of Neko Sushi in Hyde Park. “Being selected for the $10,000 Duke Energy Relief Grant means so much more to me than just financial assistance. It makes me feel that our small business, our hard work, and everything we have been through have been seen and supported by our community.”
Photos with select grant recipients can be seen here.
About the Cincinnati Regional Chamber
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision of a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber works to grow the economy, grow the population and grow cultural vibrancy, supported by a strong business community. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.
About the 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.
Media Contact: Amy Fitzgibbons, Vice President of Marketing & Communication, Cincinnati Regional Chamber. afitzgibbons@cincinnatichamber.com; 646-369-5406
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2026 Duke Energy Foundation Small Business Relief Grant Recipients
Business | Location | Neighborhood | Grant Amount |
Enquirer Printing Company | Newtown, OH | $10,000 | |
Jake’s River Landing | Harrison, OH | $10,000 | |
Neko Sushi | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $10,000 |
Ali’s Bar and Grill | Madeira, OH | $5,000 | |
Grammas Pizza Batavia | Batavia, OH | Batavia | $5,000 |
Popular Strandz LLC | Cincinnati, OH | Springdale | $5,000 |
The Crystalary | Cincinnati, OH | Mt. Lookout | $5,000 |
Zip’s Café | Cincinnati, OH | Mt. Lookout | $5,000 |
Camp Washington Steak and Lemonade | Cincinnati, OH | Camp Washington | $2,500 |
De Iorio Ventures LLC DBA Brewd | Cincinnati, OH | Downtown | $2,500 |
Delamere & Hopkins | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Delwood | Cincinnati, OH | Mt. Lookout | $2,500 |
Dovetale Bakery | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Fazels Rug Gallery | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Hyde Park Salon | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Kindred Hospitality Group | Cincinnati, OH | $2,500 | |
Leeli + Lou | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Lisa’s Wayside Inn LLC | Russellville, OH | $2,500 | |
Magnolia Nails | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Mojave East/Rincon | Newtown, OH | $2,500 | |
Pattys Old Fashioned Popcorn | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Poeme, Ltd. | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
Quince & Quinn | Cincinnati, OH | Oakley | $2,500 |
Salon Rhonda | Cincinnati, OH | Hyde Park | $2,500 |
The Chill Out | Batavia, OH | $2,500 | |
VV Mt Lookout LLC | Cincinnati, OH | Mt. Lookout | $2,500 |
TOTAL | 26 businesses | $100,000 | $100,000 |