Small businesses damaged by summer storms can apply for $2,500 to $10,000 grants before Monday, Sept. 21, at 5 p.m.

The Duke Energy Foundation and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce are funding the grants through a $100,000 pool called the 2026 Duke Energy Business Relief Grant, WCPO reported on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Businesses in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties that suffered damage from July and August storms are eligible, according to the grant application. That covers Blue Ash, Montgomery and Sycamore Township, all in Hamilton County.

Sycamore Township alone declared storm damage emergencies three times this summer: July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 12.

Five to six inches of rain fell in three hours on July 17, causing flash flooding and sewer backups across Greater Cincinnati, WVXU reported. One person died and three were injured, according to Hamilton County Emergency Management.

More storms on July 19 and July 21 added to the damage. Then an Aug. 11 derecho knocked out power to more than 180,000 Duke Energy customers, with Hamilton County among the hardest-hit areas, according to WVXU.

Hamilton County did not qualify for federal FEMA disaster assistance after the July flooding. Damage assessments found only nine properties with major damage, below the federal threshold.

Duke Energy spokesperson Matt Martin told WCPO any business in southwest Ohio affected by the storms is eligible. "We really want to make sure they have what they need to be able to get back up and running so that they're ready to go for the rest of the year," Martin said.

The foundation will select recipients through an application review process. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000.

DJ Snider, owner of Patty's Old Fashioned Popcorn in Hyde Park, told WCPO his shop suffered about $70,000 in damage from the July flooding. Kristen Folzenlogen, owner of next-door shop Poeme, said she already applied and called the process quick and simple.

The application asks businesses to describe how flooding affected them, what makes their business unique and how they would use the funds. It also asks whether the applicant is a Duke Energy customer, though available sources do not state whether that is a requirement.

Business owners can apply at form.jotform.com/262514501141140. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 21, at 5 p.m.