CHARLESTON AREA ALLIANCE AND OPTIMUM BUSINESS ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF THE LIFTING UP SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
Monday, August 11, 2025
25 small businesses were awarded a $5,000 grant to support their long-term success
CHARLESTON, WV (AUGUST 8, 2025) – The Charleston Area Alliance & Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Optimum Business, is proud to announce the recipients of the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to championing local businesses, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the Kanawha County business community.
Each recipient will receive a $5,000 grant to invest in their growth and long-term success—helping them create jobs, expand services, and continue making a positive impact in our region. We are proud to celebrate these businesses for their contributions to the prosperity and vitality of our community.
The 2025 grant winners are listed below:
CHARLESTON:
1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering – Their capital improvements of a ductless mini-split HVAC system in the kitchen and dining areas will allow for a more comfortable guest and staff experience. Congratulations to Paul & Carrie Smith!Bullock Properties, LLC – Their project of property improvements will create an outdoor space that supports food trucks, outdoor staging, and a green space on the West Side. Congratulations to Tighe Bullock!Centurion Insurance Services, LLC – This project focuses on expanding their community advertising, a website update, and printed marketing materials. Congratulations to Adam Rohrig!Charleston Montessori School – This project includes a face-lift to the school’s playground and the purchase of new outdoor play items. Congratulations, Charleston Montessori School! Circle B Stables – Located in Kanawha State Forest, this project will enhance the waiting area for customers and create an improved sawdust bin and washing station. Congratulations, Brittany Taylor!Crescent Counseling Group – This project brings in a nationally recognized trainer specific to recovery from trauma and relationship issues to train their therapists and other therapists in the county. Congratulations, Eugenie Taylor!Cups at Cats Café – Their marketing project will improve outreach and advertising to help more cats get adopted! Congratulations, Lora Reynolds!DJEJ LLC – This project includes the purchase of a new, larger cargo trailer for gear used at community events. Congratulations, EJ Price!Folklore Music Exchange – Their project includes upgrading stage lighting and the purchase of equipment such as a camera and mic for live-streaming and a podcast. Congratulations Justin & Jodie Puett!JKemp Properties – This grant will be used to improve the façade of their building on Maryland Ave. Accepting on behalf of JKemp and the Charleston Ballet is Jim Strawn.Johnnies Fresh Meat Market – at the Capitol Market – They will be expanding their inventory to support SNAP year-round and will invest in upgrading the storefront aesthetics. Accepting on behalf of Johnnies is Candace Nelson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Capitol Market.Parton Sign Company – This grant will be put towards the purchase of a new laser engraver to increase business offerings. Congratulations Debbie Parton!Purple Onion Marketplace at Capitol Market – This technical investment will allow for online ordering, processing SNAP-Stretch, and a more streamlined checkout experience for customers. Congratulations to Allan Hathaway!The Wine Shop at Capitol Market – Their interior upgrades include purchasing equipment for Sip & Shop for the entire Market. Congratulations Ted Armbrecht!
CLENDENIN:
Clendenin Brewing Company – This project features façade improvements of their historic building. Congratulations Rebekah Harding!
DUNBAR:
Joe Justice Organization – This grant will be put towards a media campaign to educate entrepreneurs on the use of video-driven marketing strategies. Congratulations, Joe Justice!
MALDEN:
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works – The beautification and capital improvements will provide increased visibility and access to the building as well as guest comfort in the summer with the addition of fans to the outdoor event space. Congratulations, Nancy Bruns!
QUINCY:
Appalachian Outlaw Trails – The marketing and beautification projects included in this grant will provide printed maps and visitors guides as well as improvements to the welcome center. Congratulations Christopher Inghram!
SISSONVILLE:
BowlesBoyz BBQ In the Ville – This project includes securing equipment and furniture to improve the dining room aesthetics and comfort. Congratulations to Daniel Bowles!
SOUTH CHARLESTON:
Plot Twist Books – Grant funds will be used to expand the bookstore’s inventory of WV authors and regional publishers in addition to the purchase of new furniture like bookshelves. Congratulations, Matt Browning!The Counseling Nook LLC – The capital improvements of their project will go towards the remodeling and furnishing of a kids-only therapy practice. Congratulations Carly Costello!
ST. ALBANS:
Coal River Coffee Company – The capital improvements in this project include improvements to the back entrance of the store and opening a roasting and tasting room. Congratulations Michael and Rachel Ervin!Shuckers – Their project includes purchasing new furniture for their dining area and marketing for their new food truck, Off The Hook. Congratulations Robin and Guy Turturice!The Repeat Boutique – The grant will be used for parking lot improvements that will also enhance neighboring business parking and increase use for pop-up vendors. Congratulations Megan McGraw!
More pictures of the Lifting Up Small Business Grants Event can be found HERE.
