ROCHELLE – Recently, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) awarded a Midwest clothing company a $15,000 grant through the Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program. FHLBank Chicago offers grants of up to $30,000 for eliSmall businesses that can enhance economic opportunity in the communities they serve.
Midwestern Clothing Company LLC is a huge supporter of local businesses and partners with others to create an experience for their customers. Midwestern Clothing Company is also partnering with the Rochelle Area Community Foundation to raise money for their endowment fund for “Giving Tuesday.” The funds raised go directly back to the community they serve.
Midwestern Clothing Company truly demonstrates kindness and compassion not only to their customers, but to all members of the community as well. They go out of their way to uplift others and work with many businesses within the community. They love their community and are committed to helping wherever they can along the way.
Additionally, Haley Kirsten Brill (co-owner of Midwestern Clothing Company) was one of two people from the local area invited by a state representative to attend the Emerging Women Leaders Conference in Springfield where she was honored by the Speaker of the House for her dedication to her community.
This grant will be used to improve the exterior signage and appearance of the building, purchase additional inventory in a wider range of sizes, and improve equipment for customization.
“This grant represents a great opportunity for us to make some improvements to our retail space and grow our inventory in order to provide an even better experience for our customers. We appreciate the time and effort the team at Holcomb Bank put into making this happen for us. It is an incredible compliment to be considered for a meeting and recommended for a program like this. -Haley Kirsten Brill (co-owner of Midwest Clothing)
Through FHLBank Chicago member institutions, like Holcomb Bank, Accelerate Grants help grow and develop small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin. All grant recipients are small businesses making a difference in their community, and the funds are designated for the following purposes:
Purchase or improve property
Purchasing machinery, tools or equipment
Purchasing inventory, materials, or supplies
Workforce development or training
New or developed technology
“Small businesses play an essential role in local communities in driving economic growth, from creating jobs to promoting community development,” said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President, Community Investment Officer, FHLBank Chicago. “As a leader in housing and community development, FHLBank Chicago recognizes that affordable housing is not just about the homes themselves – it is about ensuring entire communities have what they need to thrive, including economic opportunities for the residents and small businesses who call them home.”
The scholarship was sponsored by Holcomb Bank. “Midwestern Clothing Company is a local success story. From starting an online retail business to bringing it to a downtown storefront, we couldn't be prouder of what Haley, Kelsey, and Alyssa have accomplished. Not only do they run a strong business, they are also keen on giving back to the community and supporting other businesses. This grant allows us to support our small business clients in the best way. – Perry W. Byers, President/CEO of Holcomb Bank
