Charleston Area Alliance and Optimum Business Announce the Winners of the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants
25 small businesses will be awarded a $5,000 grant to support their long-term success
CHARLESTON, WV (AUGUST 4, 2025) - Optimum Business, the leading provider of fiber internet, mobile, and TV services, along with their partner, the Charleston Area Alliance, today announce the winners of the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants.
Each small business will receive a $5,000 grant to help support their growth and long-term success while further expanding and contributing to the prosperity of the communities where they serve. Featured grant recipients include:
Appalachian Outlaw Trails – Will use the funds to support marketing and beautification of the trailhead.
Clendenin Brewing Co. – Will complete needed exterior historic property improvements for their early 1900’s building.
Cups & Cats – Will improve outreach and advertising to facilitate more adoptions for shelter animals.
Plot Twist Books – Will purchase more books written by West Virginia authors and improve bookshelves in the store.
The Counseling Nook LLC – Youth specialized counselors will use the grants to enhance their children's therapy services.
Follow along for the full list of grant recipients and more information on the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants. To celebrate and honor the grant winners, Optimum Business in partnership with the Charleston Area Alliance will host a recognition event on Friday, August 8, 2025, alongside community members.
“Optimum Business is thrilled to recognize the winners of the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants in partnership with the Charleston Area Alliance,” said Jessica Gebhardt, Vice President, General Manager at Optimum Mid Atlantic. “These small businesses play a pivotal role in the community, and Optimum takes pride in investing in their growth and future prosperity. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and lasting impact in Kanawha County.”
“Through our partnership with Optimum Business, we are investing in 25 small businesses from across Kanawha County, uplifting our community, and encouraging sustainable growth for years to come. Congratulations to the grant winners, we look forward to being a part of your continued success in our vibrant community," said Mara Boggs, President & CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance.
Optimum continues to find new ways to deepen its community presence and connect its customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of its local communities unique.
The Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants are a concrete example of Optimum’s commitment to customers and businesses in Kanawha County.