Hoosier Heartland State Bank proudly assisted local pizza restaurant Wildfire348 in receiving a $20,000 Elevate Small Business Grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis) awarded more than $700,000 to 38 Indiana and Michigan businesses through its Elevate Small Business Grant program. Elevate is a small business grant program that assists the growth and development of small businesses, their workforce and the communities where they are located.
Recipients of the grant can use up to $20,000 for capital expenditures, workforce training or other needs to get the boost they need.
“At HHSB, we believe small businesses are the foundations of our communities,” said Brad Monts, HHSB president and CEO. “This collaboration provides Wildfire348 not only financial support but also mentorship and guidance to ensure they maximize their potential.”
Kelli and Jeff Green opened Wildfire348 in 2019 after building their first pizza oven on the back of a trailer. They operated as a food truck serving woodfire pizzas at local farmer’s markets, festivals, wedwding rehearsal dinners and more, before opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Crawfordsville in 2022.
Now, Wildfire348 is expanding their business into the wholesale food market. The Elevate grant will allow them to increase their current freezer storage to meet state requirements; purchase a heat seal wrapping unit to provide proper food safe storage; purchase a portable freezer to help with deliveries and sales calls; and provide one-on-one coaching with other successful restaurant owners.
“We can’t wait to take our business to the next level,” said Kelli Green, co-owner of Wildfire348. “My husband Jeff and I believe in the power of entrepreneurship and are excited about the impact this partnership will have on the local business landscape. We are grateful to HHSB for supporting the growth of woman-owned businesses within our community.”
