CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation has so far received requests for direct grant funding from 70 small businesses impacted by the June 23 flood.
Fifteen mini-grants have been awarded with 15 more on the way in a matter of days, Chamber President Steve Roberts said Thursday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
“We don’t have people asking for this money who don’t need it. We do have people asking for it who do need it,” Roberts said.
The grants approved have ranged from $500 to $5,000 to pay for a variety of items. Those choosing to give to the foundation have also varied, Roberts said.
“We’ve had help from banks. We’ve had help from small businesses. We’ve had help from CPAs. We’ve had help from individuals who just want to pitch in and help,” Roberts said.
The one-page grant applications are reviewed and turned around as quickly as possible. IRS regulations cause some delay, Roberts said.
The Chamber has experienced no attempts at fraud. Roberts said the business owners have been gracious and grateful on the giving and receiving sides.
“I’m more optimistic about the future of our state than I have been for a long time and a lot of it comes from having seen the way we as West Virginians are just pitching in and helping each other out,” Roberts said.