Cincinnati Chamber Announces Grant Recipients of the Duke Energy Small Business Relief Fund

CINCINNATI — November 11, 2021 – The Cincinnati Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation, awarded a total of $70,000 in relief grants to small minority, veteran and women-owned businesses. The awards were distributed in increments of $5,000 to the selected businesses listed below.

“For the second year in a row, the Duke Energy Foundation and the Cincinnati Chamber Foundation have partnered to directly help small businesses that need a boost,” said Brendon Cull, EVP & Chief Strategy Officer of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “All of these small businesses are contributing to the economy and building communities and growing our diverse economy. We hope the region takes notice of this great group!”

“The Duke Energy Foundation is proud to support small businesses that define our neighborhoods,” said Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “As our region continues to recover from the pandemic, these funds will help small business owners successfully move forward.” The grants will be used for various operational expenses to help these businesses recover, support employees, and grow.

Award Recipients:

Whistle Clean, Paddock Hills: Full-service commercial cleaning firm with twenty years in business, owned by Kimberly Huckleby (who also leads Ladies of Leadership). Visit Website

Drip Coffee, Camp Washington: Coffeeshop and bar featuring African coffees and a robust community engagement effort, owned by Doris Adotey.  Visit Website

Cincy Brewing, Lockland: Brewery that honors local history with its beer and operates a community-focused tap room owned by Brian Roas. Visit Website

Originalitees, Walnut Hills: T-shirt and apparel shop creates unique and custom designs in a new location that opened during the pandemic, owned by Khisha Ashbuhi. Visit Website

Turkeys R Us, Springdale: Popular barbecue/turkey/vegetarian restaurant that has a huge following on social media, owned by Shay Iverson and Mr. BBQ! Visit Website

Brideface, OTR: On-sight beauty service business that works closely with Transform (supporting transgender youth with new clothing), owned by Julie Niesen. Visit Website

Lucca, OTR: Retail shop that creates unique and custom machine-tooled products and gifts, owned by Lindsey Schweitzer. Visit Website

Lion’s Pride, West End: Gym and physical fitness facility owned by veteran David Fairbanks. Visit Website

Voice of Your Customer: Consulting firm that helps businesses get better connected to customer insights, owned by Crystal Kendrick. Visit Website

Conscious Kitchen, Corryville: Restaurant that serves tremendous food and has created a robust community atmosphere, owned by Andre Hopwood and Vennesha Carpenter. Visit Website

Rooted Juicery: This juice business has two locations and dozens of employees and is working to expand, owned by Megan Tysoe. Visit Website

Spruce Nail Salon, OTR: Environmentally friendly nail salon that has worked to keep distancing and safety a priority in their salon, owned by Molly Nagle. Visit Website

Junebug Jewelry, OTR: Fantastic jewelry store new to Vine Street owned by Dawn Grady. Visit Website

Kiss Cake,  Evendale: This Asian bakery is owned by a single owner-operator who makes and delivers authentic Asian baked goods, owned by Jing Gao. Visit Website

The Chamber is grateful for the support of Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation for this opportunity to help these small businesses and their employees.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.

About the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber grows the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. It does this by serving as a bold voice for the interests of its 4,000-member businesses and their more than 300,000 employees. The Chamber is committed to expanding the region’s talent base by attracting new residents and finding new ways to connect employers to skilled workers. And, by harnessing the power of Cincinnati USA’s unique offerings, implementing regional vision, and through intentional inclusion in everything we do, the Chamber is on a path to help transform this region into the hottest city in America. For more information, visit www.cincinnatichamber.com.

Contact: Danielle Wilson, Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Communications dwilson@cincinnatichamber.com 513.579.3118

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