$50,000 AWARDED TO 16 SMALL BUSINESSES IN KANAWHA COUNTY

Friday, June 19, 2020

Charleston, W.Va. – The Charleston Area Alliance is pleased to announce that 16 small businesses in Kanawha County are receiving individual awards of $3,125 as a form of gap funding as part of its Back to Business Kanawha Valley Program, created to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially announced on June 19, 2020, the program grants will support operating expenses such as rent, employee salaries and operating costs. 

An award committee comprised of Charleston Area Alliance board members and local business owners reviewed the small business grant applications. Of the small businesses receiving grant funding, 88% are woman-owned and 6% are minority-owned. Further, included in the analysis of all of the businesses receiving grants, 13% are LGBTQ-owned. 

“Small, customer-focused businesses are vital to the Kanawha Valley, and they continue to face challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hopeful these grant awards will alleviate some of those pressures,” said Matt Ballard, President/CEO, Charleston Area Alliance. 

“As our healthcare workers continue to combat COVID-19, it is imperative that we do everything we can to support our local businesses during these unprecedented times,” said Steve Hedrick, Chairman, Charleston Area Alliance. “Our region and State relies heavily on the success of small businesses, and we are hopeful that this funding enables these businesses to keep their doors open until our economy stabilizes.” 

  • We are pleased to announce the following small businesses are receiving Back to Business Kanawha Valley Grants: 
  • Adore Nails Spa
  • Andrews Floor and Wall Covering Company
  • Appalachian TeaBear Wood Company
  • Brandi’s Emporium
  • Coal River Coffee Company
  • Country Road House
  • Coco’s Kitchen + Café
  • Keller’s Survival
  • Meticulous
  • Nosh Catering and Carryout
  • Outta Time Escape Rooms
  • Swiftwater Cafe
  • The Essence of Beauty
  • The Parlor
  • Yoga Power

“We know small businesses and their employees have been hit hard by COVID-19 in Charleston and that can affect not only the economy but the mental health and wellbeing of all those involved, said Michael Taylor, West Virginia Market President, CareSource. “As a leading insurer on the Marketplace who serve individuals and small business owners, we’re proud to partner with the Charleston Area Alliance to help alleviate some of the financial stress this community is facing and wish them the best in the recovery from this pandemic.” 

The CareSource Foundation made the Back to Business Kanawha Valley Grant Program possible with its generous donation of $50,000. As expected, requests for funds exceeded the grant funds available. Businesses and private donors interested in contributing to this program should contact Jordan Ferrell, Vice President of Communications and Development, Charleston Area Alliance at jferrell@charlestonareaalliance.org.

Contact:
Jordan Ferrell
304-692-5982
jferrell@charlestonareaalliance.org