$15,000 grants awarded to Aroma Café of Thorp and Northwoods Family Eyecare of Chippewa Falls!

October 2024 – This week, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) awarded both Aroma Cafe and Northwoods Family Eyecare a grant of $15,000 through its Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program. FHLBank Chicago offers grants of up to $30,000 to eligible small businesses to advance economic opportunity in the communities it serves.

The grant was sponsored by Northwestern Bank, a community bank with seven locations covering three counties in northwestern wisconsin. 

"As a bank we have a mission to build stronger communities where people matter and helping local businesses thrive is one way we can do that. It was exciting to be a part of these grants and hear the impact they will have for not only the businesses but the downtown areas of these two communities," - Jamie Leibrandt, Market President.

Members of Northwestern Bank DeAnna Kodl, business lender and Jerry Jacobson, bank president presented Aroma Cafe with their $15,000 grant on Tuesday. Owners Lana and John Ciolkosz shared how excited they were to have this opportunity. 

"We are so humbled and grateful to receive this grant!  We plan to use the funds to update computers and convert our cafe menus to digital.  In addition, we have plans to purchase new local products for our customers to try.  We also have some improvements to make on our historic building to keep it beautiful and functional for the community for many years to come.  Thank you Northwestern Bank!," Lana Ciolkosz, Aroma Cafe. 

Northwestern Bank team members Jake Krebsbach, business lender and Jamie Leibrandt, market president delivered the $15,000 grant to owners Carrie Kolb and Steven Schifko of Northwoods Family Eyecare on Thursday of this week. 

"We are excited to use the funds to expand our quality of care. We will be purchasing a new video microscope system to better document and educate patients on their eye conditions." Carrie Kolb, Northwoods Family EyeCare.

Through FHLBank Chicago’s member institutions, like Northwestern Bank Accelerate Grants assist the growth and development of small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin. All grant recipients are small businesses that make a difference in their community, and funds are intended for the following purposes:

• The purchase or improvement of property
• The purchase of machinery, tools or equipment
• The purchase of inventory, materials, or supplies
• Workforce development or training
• New or upgraded technology

“Small businesses play an integral role in local communities in driving economic growth, from creating jobs to fostering community development,” said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President, Community Investment Officer, FHLBank Chicago. “As a leader in the housing and community development space, FHLBank Chicago recognizes that affordable housing isn’t just about the homes themselves—it’s about ensuring entire communities have what they need to thrive, including economic opportunities for the residents and small businesses who call them home.”

For more information on Accelerate Grants and eligibility, visit www.fhlbc.com.

About Northwestern Bank

Northwestern Bank proudly serves the Chippewa Falls, Altoona/Eau Claire, Cornell, Thorp and Boyd communities.  Committed to providing quality financial services and solutions, customers can expect to receive a high level of customer satisfaction under the mission, “Building Stronger Communities Where People Matter.”  Member FDIC. 

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

FHLBank Chicago is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with a focus on providing solutions that support the housing and community development needs of members’ customers. FHLBank Chicago is a self-capitalizing cooperative, owned by its Illinois and Wisconsin members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. To learn more about FHLBank Chicago, please visit fhlbc.com.

“Community First” is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.