BYRON – D&W Garage was awarded a $25,000 grant through their partnership with Holcomb Bank to upgrade existing garage equipment.
“Small businesses are the heart of our local communities. When we learned of the Community First® Accelerate Grant for Small Businesses, we saw an opportunity to make a big impact on a local business,” Perry W. Byers, president/CEO, Holcomb Bank, said. “After reviewing the grant application and guidelines, we knew that D&W Garage would meet the necessary requirements and have the most potential of being selected.”
“We are honored to be the recipient of this grant. Holcomb Bank has always gone above and beyond to make sure our needs are met not only personally, but also through our business. We plan to use this grant to help provide our customers with the best service in our small community,” Michael and Jodi Girten (owners, D&W Garage), said.
This grant was one of 172 deserving businesses awarded a total of $4.3 million in critical funding through FHLBank Chicago’s Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business (Accelerate Grants) program. Small businesses are facing challenges with growing or enhancing their operations due to surging borrowing costs in a high-interest rate environment. In response to this need, FHLBank Chicago awarded Accelerate Grants for a second year to support a variety of purposes, including purchase or improvement of property, equipment, workforce development, and technology.
“Small businesses in our members’ communities provide valuable products and services that contribute to local economies,” Katie Naftzger, community investment officer, FHLBank Chicago, said. “Accelerate Grants provide an opportunity for our members to strengthen their partnerships with local small businesses, thereby supporting economic growth and job opportunities and strengthening the fabric of the rural, urban, and small-town communities served by our members.”
About D&W Garage
The Girtens purchased their auto repair shop – D&W Garage – almost 10 years ago. This has become a reliable and trusted family business in their community of Byron. Many customers return to D&W Garage because of the professional, knowledgeable and friendly customer service that starts with Jodi & Michael. The Girten family is well known in the area not only for their service at the repair shop but also for their kindness and giving spirit to the community as well.
About Holcomb Bank
Holcomb Bank has proudly served the northern Illinois region since its first branch opened in downtown Holcomb on July 5, 1892. Since then, the bank has expanded its services and operates branches in Rochelle, New Milford, Creston and Byron. Headquartered in Rochelle, Holcomb Bank offers comprehensive financial services including personal, business and agricultural banking, wealth management and loan options. Holcomb Bank is a Member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.holcomb.bank.
