FHLB Awards $15,000 Grants to Two Wisconsin Businesses
Fortifi Bank is proud to announce that two local small businesses, AJ’s Riverside in Berlin and TNT’s Sports Bar & Grill in Green Bay, have each received a Community First® Accelerate Grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago).
As part of Fortifi Bank’s dedication to fostering economic growth and serving their clients, the bank took the initiative to nominate these two businesses for the grants, submitting applications to help secure funding that will help them grow their communities and strengthen the businesses for a bright future.
Through FHLBank Chicago’s member institutions, like Fortifi 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. AJ’s Riverside, located at 170 Huron St in Berlin, Wisconsin, is the local coffee shop and has quickly been become a staple in the community. Adam Anderson, Business Banker at Fortifi Bank and partner to AJ’s Riverside, expressed his enthusiasm: “This grant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of AJ’s Riverside. It will enable them to make significant enhancements to their business and continue being a cherished part of our community.”
TNT’s Sports Bar & Grill, located at 2511 W Mason Street in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is set to leverage the grant to enhance its food and beverage operations and further establish itself as a local favorite. Tyler Holt, Business Banker at Fortifi Bank and partner to TNT’s, said, “TNT’s has a special place in Green Bay, and this funding will only enhance their ability to serve their customers and contribute to their local community.”
Greg Lundberg, CEO of Fortifi Bank, added, “Our mission of ‘Growin’ Wisconsin’ means utilizing many different resources to help our clients. By nominating these small businesses for these grants, we aimed to make a big difference for AJ’s Riverside and TNT’s Sports Bar & Grill, helping them continue to be cornerstones of their communities. We are proud to partner with FHLBank Chicago to make this happen.”
For more information on Accelerate Grants and eligibility, visit www.fhlbc.com.
About Fortifi Bank:
First Berlin Bancorp, Inc is the Bank Holding Company of Fortifi Bank. Fortifi Bank has been Growin’ Wisconsin for more than 145 years – one person, one business, one relationship at a time. Financial centers can be found in Berlin, Green Lake, Green Bay, Montello, Ripon, Omro, Oshkosh, Waunakee, and Winneconne. Their full-service financial centers have been offering both personal and business clients with a portfolio of products and services that are designed with the client in mind. Local decision-making, community involvement, community ownership, and a Board of Directors comprised of local citizens have been the driving successes of Fortifi Bank since inception. For more information, visit www.fortifibank.com or call 855-876-1500.
About FHLBank 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, visit fhlbc.com.
