As Ohio County communities continue to recover from the deadly June flash floods, businesses in those communities are among those in the recovery process. The West Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Regional Economic Development Partnership want to help those businesses bounce back and have come together to offer a financial boost.

The two organizations have established mini-grants for Ohio County businesses hit hard by the floods. The funds, ranging from $500 to $1,000, may be used for payroll, utilities, operating expenses or rebuilding needs.

RED President and CEO Josh Jefferson said the mini-grants are especially helpful for small businesses that might not qualify for the full range of recovery assistance funds.

“We needed to find a way to help support those small businesses and get them back on their feet,” he said.

RED learned that the Chamber Foundation already was working on a mini-grant program, so RED Program Development Manager Valerie Piko reached out to the foundation, and the two groups came together for this program.

“Business is the backbone of the community,” said West Virginia Chamber Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth House. “They need to see that there are people out there who care about them, want them to succeed, want to help them rebuild and keep contributing all of the things they contribute to the economy.”

Applications are simple, according to the Chamber Foundation website, and will be reviewed quickly, with award decisions made within 10 business days.

The two organizations this week visited two businesses damaged by the floods – Appalachian Homestead in Elm Grove and Bleifus Tire in Triadelphia. Appalachian Homestead opened just 11 days before the June 14 floods and was hit again when another strong storm rolled through and flooded Elm Grove again. Bleifus Tire lost 1,000 tires, as well as equipment, computers and other items.

Eligible applicants include small businesses directly impacted in Federally Declared Disaster Counties or State of Emergency Declared Counties. All recipients must submit a brief report on use of funds by December 31, 2025.

Interested businesses can apply via email to ehouse@wvchamber.com or vpiko@redp.org, or by mail to: The West Virginia Chamber Foundation, c/o Elizabeth House | 1624 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25311.

More information, including a copy of the grant application, can be found at wvchamber.com/foundation/2025-west-virginia-storm-relief/.