Small businesses in Loveland and Milford that suffered damage from this summer's flooding and severe storms can apply for grants of up to $10,000. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

The Duke Energy Foundation and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce are splitting a $100,000 pot among qualifying businesses, WCPO 9 reported Wednesday. Individual grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 under the 2026 Duke Energy Business Relief Grant program.

Businesses in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton or Warren County are eligible, according to the official application. Loveland straddles Hamilton, Warren, and Clermont counties, and Milford sits in Clermont County, so businesses in both communities qualify.

Duke Energy spokesperson Matt Martin told WCPO that any small business impacted by recent storms can apply. "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 grant comes as federal relief remains uncertain. Hamilton County likely will not receive additional FEMA assistance after July's flooding, according to WLWT. A preliminary damage assessment found 118 properties were assessed, but only 9 met FEMA's major-damage threshold — far short of the 25 needed to trigger eligibility.

The region took repeated hits this summer. Back-to-back rounds of rain on July 17 caused severe flooding across Cincinnati's east side, prompting 40 water rescues. Then a derecho around Aug. 11 knocked out power to nearly 40,000 Clermont County customers and left downed trees across Loveland.

The application is a short online questionnaire asking for business details, a description of storm damage, and how the funds would be used. The foundation will select recipients through a review process. No timeline for award notifications has been announced.

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