Small businesses in Madeira, Sycamore Township and other east-side communities damaged by July and August storms can apply for grants of $2,500 to $10,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

The 2026 Duke Energy Business Relief Grant is a $100,000 pool run in partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce. Businesses in six counties are eligible: Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren, according to the grant application. That covers Madeira, Mariemont, Indian Hill, Terrace Park and Sycamore Township, all in Hamilton County.

Duke Energy spokesperson Matt Martin told WCPO that any business in southwest Ohio affected by July and August storms can apply. The foundation will review applications and select recipients.

"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 told WCPO.

The online application has six questions. Applicants provide general business information and an address, describe how flooding affected their business, explain what makes their organization unique, detail how they would use the funds and answer whether they are a Duke Energy customer.

The application asks about Duke Energy customer status, but the program has not stated whether that is a requirement for eligibility.

In Hyde Park, DJ Snider, owner of Patty's Old Fashioned Popcorn, told WCPO his shop suffered about $70,000 in damage from July flash flooding. Nearby shop owner Kristen Folzenlogen of Poeme said she had already applied as of Thursday, Sept. 17, and called the process "super simple."

East-side village businesses that sustained storm damage in July and August face the same Monday evening deadline. The grant application is available online. No timeline has been announced for when recipients will be notified or funds distributed.