COLUMBUS, Ohio — Small businesses in Logan County that were affected by the March 14 storms and deadly tornado will be eligible for grants thanks to fundraising by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation, according to a press release.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation making funds available to Logan County small businesses

  • The funds, which will be allocated by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, will be given in amounts up to $5,000 for “out-of-pocket expenses needed to resume business operations"

  • Central Ohio was struck by severe storms last month, with the area of Indian Lake hit particularly hard by an EF-3 tornado

  • Amber Fagan, the president and CEO of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said they are happy to help

“There were numerous businesses impacted by the severe weather in March,” Ohio Chamber CEO Steve Stivers said in the release. “As an organization that supports the Ohio business community, we wanted to set up an emergency fund to make sure we are helping business owners when they need it the most.”

The release specifically calls out the following organizations has having “generously donated” to the funds: Huntington Bank, Grange Insurance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Insurance, Columbia Gas/NiSource Charitable Foundation, the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The funds, which will be allocated by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, will be given in amounts up to $5,000 for “out-of-pocket expenses needed to resume business operations.”

Central Ohio was struck by severe storms last month, with the area of Indian Lake in Logan County hit particularly hard by an EF-3 tornado. The storms resulted in three deaths, dozens of injuries and significant property damage. In addition to these grants from the Chamber, the Gov. Mike DeWine is working to make state and federal funds available to those affected in the region.

Ben Vollrath, the president and CEO of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, said they are excited that businesses can use these funds from the Chamber and its donating partners to bounce back.

“A grant like this can be the difference between a local business getting back up and running immediately or having to wait several weeks or even months while waiting for insurance or federal program assistance to become available,” Vollrath said in the release.

Amber Fagan, the president and CEO of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said they are happy to help.

“We know owners and staff have been without work and revenue,” Fagan said. “We are here to help and find every way we can to support our businesses.”

Grant applications are available here, and donations can be made here. 

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