The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Duke Energy Foundation are partnering to support small businesses by providing grants to local minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.
The Duke Energy Foundation is providing $75,000 to support the grants, which will be allocated in varying amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Funds will be awarded to businesses with 50 employees or fewer that are Duke Energy customers in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
Funds may be used for various expenditures, including but not limited to physical space adaptability and beautification, technology improvements, talent sourcing, job posting fees and professional development training costs. Ineligible expenses include payroll, incentive pay, rent and utilities.
Applications are being accepted now through Tuesday, Oct. 31.
To be considered a minority-owned business, a company must be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by at least one Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American individual. Women-owned businesses must be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more women, and a woman must lead the company’s day-to-day activities. Veteran-owned businesses are defined as having at least 51% of the business directly and unconditionally owned by one or more veterans or service-disabled veterans.
An application review panel of NKY Chamber members will select award recipients. Grant award winners will be notified before a public announcement in concert with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25.
For more information and to apply for an NKY small business grant, click here or contact Nancy Spivey, vice president of talent strategies, at 859-426-3654 or nspivey@nkychamber.com.
