Falls Florist and Greenhouse of Black River Falls Selected for Community First Accelerate Grant

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 -- 10:00 AM

Falls Florist and Greenhouse of Black River Falls was selected to receive Community First Accelerate Grant.

The Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business (“Accelerate Grants”) provides grants to support the growth and development of small businesses and help in creating economic opportunity in communities served by Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago).

Black River Country Bank (BRCB) has been an FHLBank Chicago Member since 1994. As a member institution, BRCB was able to nominate two eligible local small businesses via applications to receive grants of up to $25,000.

To qualify, the small business must be a for-profit entity, be headquartered in either Illinois or Wisconsin, have been established under its current ownership for at least 12 months prior to September 30, 2022, and have annual gross revenue of $1 million or less.

The small businesses needed to complete and submit an application, along with required supporting documentation in partnership with BRCB. FHLBank Chicago received over 160 applications to the 2022 Accelerate Grants program.

Submitted by 104 members, these applications requested a total of $3.9 million in grant funds. FHLBank Chicago was pleased to announce $784,000 in awards to 32 small businesses. By helping individual businesses grow and thrive, FHLBank Chicago supports economic opportunity in members’ communities.

Dana Rave, Owner of Falls Florist & Greenhouse, stated, “We are extremely grateful that our hometown bank, BRCB is always keeping our business in the forefront of their minds, on a daily basis, and connecting us to resources to be successful. Thank you to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago for believing in us and supporting small rural businesses.”

Bob Becker, President of Black River Country Bank, added, “Our partnership with FHLBank Chicago continues to prove to be a valuable asset to the bank and the community. The FHLBank Chicago continues to find ways to help us impact a diverse community of people, businesses, and organizations. In the last 2 years, we’ve been delighted to be able to help grant over $60,000 to deserving community members."

"Those served by these various grants have ranged from individuals seeking mental and behavioral health assistance for meeting their daily needs, mental health education & outreach, to local emergency management unit needs, struggling neighbors & businesses in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, to entrepreneurs seeking to expand and grow their business despite a recovering economy."

"Dana is continuing the wonderful history of Falls Florist in our community, while at the same time bringing some new and exciting twists with her business model. It is our pleasure to help entrepreneurs make their vision come true and we appreciate FHLBank Chicago’s help in doing that.”

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