Cain's Orchard of Hixton to Receive Accelerate Grant
Monday, September 30th, 2024 -- 8:01 AM
Recently, Cain’s Orchard of Hixton learned it was among the fortunate businesses across Illinois and Wisconsin that would receive an Accelerate Grant to support their business.
FHLBank Chicago is making $19.5 million available to fund up to 1,300 grants to deserving businesses in order to provide economic and community development in 2024.
Upon learning of their grant award, Derrick and Carmen (Cain) Heard, Second Generation Co-Owners of Cain’s Orchard stated “We are beyond grateful to Black River Country Bank and to Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago for awarding us with the Community First Accelerate Grant.”
Cain’s Orchard was established in 1976 by Kevin and Diane Cain and continues with Carmen (Cain) Heard and Derrick Heard. Kevin and Diane took great pride in establishing a business that produced apples and blueberries.
More importantly, they wanted to create a business that generations of families would visit over the years and have fond memories that would last a lifetime. Years later, these same families continue to visit with their children or even grandchildren.
“We have always prided ourselves in being a small business with big ideas. We have always looked for ways to make the customer experiences better and our products even greater."
"Despite being a small orchard consisting of 20 acres of blueberries and 20 acres of apples, we have developed a great reputation for producing great fruit at an affordable price. Any agriculture is a hard business to go into and being recommended for this grant by Black River Country Bank will allow our dreams to come true."
"A new washing machine was a necessary addition to our orchard and we are beyond grateful and appreciative for being awarded with the funds to purchase this specialty apple washer with drying sponges and infeed conveyor."
"This machine will take us into the future. Derrick and I strive to continue to follow in my parents footsteps and create the same incredible fruit and great experiences. We want to see the next generations continue to come out to enjoy all that Cain’s Orchard provides.”
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).
“Small businesses in our members’ communities provide valuable products and services that contribute to local economies,” said Katie Naftzger, Community Investment Officer, FHLBank Chicago.
“Accelerate Grants provide an opportunity for our members to strengthen their partnerships with local small businesses, thereby supporting economic growth and job opportunities and strengthening the fabric of the rural, urban, and small town communities served by our members.”
Black River Country Bank (BRCB) has been a FHLBank Chicago Member since 1994. As a member institution, BRCB was able to nominate two eligible local small businesses via an application to receive grants up to $30,000. 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 date, have annual gross revenue of $1 million or less, have had a business relationship with the member for at least 12 months prior to application date, and provide goods or services in a business sector that directly contributes to community-building.
Black River Country Bank nominated Cain’s Orchard, an agricultural tourist destination. As noted in the nomination process, Cain’s 20 acres of blueberries are sold exclusively as U-Pick. Their 20 acres of apples are sold all on location through their retail shop.
About 1/4 is sold as U-Pick while the other is sold through their retail. In terms of community building, Cain’s Orchard has been a long standing family-owned orchard in our rural community. As previously mentioned, they recently transferred to the next generation of the Cain family, and they appear to be doing an excellent job.
They do a great job catering to families by providing fun activities for kids, and also bring in local food trucks during peak picking days, which also helps support other local businesses.
Derrik and Carmen Heard noted in their grant application that “we will use the funds to update our apple packing machine. An apple sorter has already been purchased. The funds will be used to purchase the other half which will include the stainless steel loader, wash & brushes and dryer. This is needed to meet new and upcoming food safety laws and standards.”
Justin Blaken, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at Black River Country Bank nominated and assisted Cain’s Orchard with their Community First® Accelerate Grant application process.
Blaken stated “We’re very excited to be able to partner with Federal Home Loan Bank to provide this $15,000 grant to Cain’s Orchard. The goal of this program is to help small businesses grow and develop, and we felt Derrick and Carmen were perfect candidates. They’ve done a wonderful job continuing on this great family business, and to see these grant funds being put to good use in our community is very rewarding.”
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.