More than $1.4 million awarded to flood-impacted small businesses

West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette has announced that RISE West Virginia has awarded more than $1.4 million to small businesses in 11 counties. RISE West Virginia is the state’s long-term recovery initiative aimed at revitalizing local economies affected by the June 2016 flooding.
“We launched RISE West Virginia to help our state’s small businesses keep their doors open and their operations up and running after the devastating June 2016 floods,” said Burdette. “In West Virginia, our small businesses are the cornerstones of our communities. They employ hardworking West Virginians and support our local economies, and I’m proud that through this program, we’ve been able to show our support and lend a helping hand to those in need.”
More than 100 applications were submitted in the first week after Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced the RISE West Virginia program. In total, Greenbrier County was awarded more than $700,000 in assistance; Nicholas County received more than $200,000; and Kanawha County was awarded more than $150,000. Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers and Webster counties also received assistance.
“This funding went to real projects that employ hardworking West Virginians,” said Secretary Burdette. “The program’s success would not have been possible with the generous donations made by many, including Brad and Alys Smith, so I’d like to thank everyone who helped make a difference.”
RISE West Virginia mini-grant applications are accepted through November 23, 2016. For more information, contact Sean Hill at Sean.D.Hill@wvgov.