Corner Store, It Is in Black River Falls Receives Community First Accelerate Grant

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 -- 11:00 AM

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 one eligible local small business via an application to receive a grant up to $25,000. The small business needed to complete and submit an application, along with required supporting documentation in partnership with BRCB.

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 application submission, have annual gross revenue of $1 million or less, and have had a business relationship with the FHLBank member institution for the prior 12 months or more prior to the application submission date.

Black River Country Bank nominated Corner Store, It Is. CSII is a neighborhood convenience store located at the corner of Main Street and North Tenth Street in Black River Falls, where they provide a longstanding tradition of personal service.

They specialize in ‘serving the community’ by offering the best prices, fun customer service, and a laid back atmosphere. They pride themselves in helping out within the community through donations; making everyone feel welcome with a sense of camaraderie; and providing quality, local products … especially ‘the best deli meats around.’

Recently Corner Store, It Is learned it was among the fortunate 172 businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin that would receive a $25,000 Accelerate Grant to support their business.

The FHLBank Chicago awarded $4.3 million in total grants to deserving businesses to provide economic and community development throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, more than quadrupling their investment in Accelerate Grants year over year.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.