Shopkeepers Awarded Spark Grants to Fuel Business Growth

NewBo City Market is proud to announce the recognition of multiple entrepreneurs through the inaugural Spark Grants program. Made possible by the generous backing of the Iowa Women's Foundation, with support from the Cedar Grove Fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, these grants reflect a strong commitment to supporting equitable entrepreneurial growth in the community.

The Spark Grant program is designed to help small enterprises within the Market’s business incubator community. By providing vital financial aid to startup entrepreneurs, the program aims to spark new ideas, improve operations, and strengthen a business ecosystem that benefits the wider community.

The following NewBo City Market businesses are recipients of the Spark Grant: Luna Gelato, The Barkery, Rare Bird Soap Shop, Lori Ann’s Candies, Capo’s Italian Beef, Tangled Heartstrings, Tree of Liminality, and Oja.

Carol Elliot of Luna Gelato used her Spark Grant funds to purchase a new gelato machine.

Carol Elliot, founder of Luna Gelato, expressed gratitude for the grant she received for her newest venture in February. "This grant made it possible for us to purchase a gelato machine, as well as cover some of the costs of starting a handmade gelato operation," Carol shared. This new capability positions Luna Gelato to offer a wider range of frozen treats to customers.

Missa Coffman, founder of Tree of Liminality, highlighted the key upgrades made possible by her Spark Grant: "We purchased several pieces of bookbinding equipment, and we were able to buy a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud." These additions strengthen Tree of Liminality's ability to create new works of art.

Elizabeth Rueschhoff, owner of Lori Ann's Candies, used these grant funds to purchase a tempering machine and a guitar cutter.

Elizabeth Rueschhoff, owner of Lori Ann's Candies, shared, "We purchased a tempering machine as well as a guitar cutter to increase efficiency and production capacity,” adding, “These new tools have allowed us to more effectively meet demand.”

Oja restaurant owner, Kwai Butler, reflected on her experience: "Our largest purchase was our new refrigerated prep station. We also were able to outfit our space with the remaining grant funds. We hope to increase our capacity for catering, weekly specials, and a larger menu offering." With these upgrades, Oja is ready to expand its offerings and bring new Korean flavors to the community.

Kwai Butler, owner of Oja, used her funds to outfit her new space at the Market.

Both the Iowa Women's Foundation and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation share optimism about the Spark Grant’s potential impact at NewBo City Market. "Supporting these innovative entrepreneurs as they work toward business growth and community enrichment brings us immense satisfaction," remarked Sarah Blais, Senior Director of Market Operations at NewBo City Market.

The Spark Grant program reflects the power of collaboration between the Iowa Women's Foundation, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, and the NewBo City Market community. Together, they demonstrate the positive impact that targeted support can have on small businesses.

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