INB, in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC), was lucky enough to recommend two small business clients, Pumpkin Creek Farms in Sherman, IL and Genius Mango Smoothie in Springfield, IL, as recipients of the Community First Accelerate Grant of $15,000 each.
The grants are part of an initiative to support the growth and development of small businesses in the communities served by FHLBC’s member institutions. Rather than awarding the entire amount to one business, INB chose to split the grant to create opportunities for not one, but two deserving small businesses.
Since opening in 1999, INB has been a member of the FHLBC. We think of the institution as a critical piece and backbone to our business. But one of the best parts of the relationship is delivering the Community First Accelerate Grant to customers who can really put those dollars to use, and we get to see the fruition of community development come to light.
Pumpkin Creek Farms: Growing Community Fun
Since 2014, Pumpkin Creek Farms has been a favorite fall destination in Sherman, IL. Owned by Curt Fleck and his family, the farm is much more than just a pumpkin patch—it’s an experience. Kids and families get to enjoy a slice of farm life, right here in Central Illinois.
Curt, a longtime INB client, shared his excitement about the grant:
“We’re always working to try and make Pumpkin Creek Farms better for customers and for the public that comes to visit. This grant is going to allow us to do one of those larger projects without a drastic increase in our admission prices.”
Nick Horton, an INB commercial lender and a Sherman local, has seen firsthand how small businesses like Pumpkin Creek Farms shape the community. Nick says, “Small business is the heartbeat of the economy and seeing what they’ve been able to do here over the last 10 years has been really cool. Being able to be a part of that continued growth and allow them to do some of the things they want to do is really fulfilling.”
Genius Mango Smoothie: A Passion Turned Business
For Emily Volle, the owner of Genius Mango Smoothie, the grant is another step in her journey of turning a dream into reality. Emily runs her small business out of a vintage camper-turned-food truck, serving up fresh ingredient smoothies and gourmet toasts. You’ll often find her at the Old State Capitol Farmers Market in Springfield or popping up at local events.
Emily’s story is one of bold entrepreneurship. In 2023, Emily says, “I thought to myself, ‘I want to do something different, I want to do something more’, and I just decided that it’s now or never!”
With her grant funds, Emily plans to brand her camper with a logo and purchase new equipment like a high-quality smoothie blender to keep up with demand.
For Lauren Hall, AVP, treasury support manager, helping Emily secure the grant was a full-circle moment. Lauren has known Emily for many years and continues to cheer her on as she grows and scales her business. Lauren says, “I think it gives other businesses hope, as well, that there is an opportunity here to be able to expand and see that we’re able to help within the community and allow them an opportunity as well.”
A Commitment to Community
At INB, we believe in the power of small businesses to make a big impact. Whether it’s helping a local pumpkin farm expand or empowering a food truck to reach new customers, we’re here to help dreams take root and grow.