PRESS RELEASE
$40,000 grant from Duke Energy provides small business assistance to accelerate growth and sales in 3 targeted areas in Hamilton County, Ohio
CINCINNATI, OH (October 03, 2019) – HCDC announced on September 19th that it has received a $40,000 grant from Duke Energy to promote small business growth throughout Hamilton County, Ohio. These communities include Harrison, Deer Park, and the Vine Street corridor of Springfield Township and Hartwell. “We are very pleased to receive the grant for the Small Business Assistance Program,” said Harrison’s Mayor Bill Neyer. “This Duke Energy grant, facilitated by our county partners at HCDC, is a tremendous way for us to provide resources to some of our local employers. This program demonstrates a strong on-going commitment by Duke and HCDC to find creative ways to help local communities and their residents.”
HCDC will use the grant proceeds to provide business retention and one-on-one mentoring and coaching to help small businesses in these communities. Specifically, assistance will be offered to refine business plans, sharpen marketing skills, and improve operations and grow sales.
“HCDC is honored to receive this generous grant from Duke Energy,” said Patrick Longo, HCDC President and CEO. “Duke’s investment in Hamilton County communities to promote jobs and investment through small business assistance is a key driver of growth.”
Through the generosity of Duke Energy, HCDC has provided business assistance services to small business owners in a number of other Hamilton County communities including Mt. Healthy, North College Hill, and Reading.
Dwight Moody, owner of Moody Insurance in Mt. Healthy comments, “The business coaching services provided by HCDC were very helpful in setting priorities. As a small
business owner, I sometimes get bogged down in the day-to-day work with little focus on the big picture. Business Coach Bob Pickford was very helpful with looking at the big picture and helping me focus on long-term goals for my business. He was also a trusted sounding board for new ideas.”
“We care about strengthening and investing in the communities we serve, and this partnership is a prime example of the good we can do when we join forces with our local communities,” said Amy Spiller, President, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky.
About HCDC
HCDC, Inc. promotes and facilitates economic growth in the marketplaces we serve via business incubation, business lending, and economic development services. HCDC, Inc. is a full service economic development agency that has nurtured over 300 resident companies, financed over $1 Billion in projects and helped attract and create tens of thousands of local jobs.
About Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to about 860,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to approximately 538,000 customers.
