Alliance Bank employees Cathie Williams (left) and Brittney Baker (right) present Country Color Floral own Rebecca Ballard with the Elevate Small Business Grant.

Local shops and businesses are vital to small communities, reports an FHLBI spokesperson. Without coffee shops, hair salons or eclectic shops, FHLBI realized small towns would lack character and basic necessities for local residents.

FHLBIi offered the Elevate Small Business Grants to help local small businesses grow and make improvements. Over 121 local business in Indiana and Michigan applied for the grant, with the help of their local banks. Twenty-one recipients awarded funding.

“I am so excited, I can barely talk about it without crying”, shared Ballard. “Alliance Bank informed me about the grant and helped me through the application process. All the employees are so supportive and encouraging. They were able to give me advice and suggestions to receive the grant.”

This was the third year Alliance Bank worked with local businesses to apply for the Elevate grant. In 2019, Little Coffee Shop on 231 (Rensselaer) was named a recipient of the award to expand its operations with the purchase of a food truck.

About Alliance Bank

Alliance Bank is a locally owned community bank, serving the residents of Francesville, Monon, Monticello, Otterbein, Oxford, Rensselaer, Winamac, and surrounding communities since 1930. Learn more online at myalliancebank.com or call 888-567-2101.