Eau Claire-Based Flowering Lawns Inc. Awarded $15K Grant
two Royal Credit Union members, small businesses secure local business grant
Two small businesses – one based in Eau Claire – were each recently awarded $15,000 in grant funds thanks to Royal Credit Union and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Accelerate Grant Program.
With the support of Royal’s business banking team, the awardees – Flower Lawns Inc., founded by Anthony Nied in Eau Claire, and Be Wild Burger, a family-owned restaurant in St. Croix Falls – successfully applied for and secured the grant funding. These grants are intended to assist local businesses in areas such as asset acquisition, workforce development, and technology upgrades.
Flowering Lawns Inc. is on a mission to eliminate lawn chemicals and promote pollinator-friendly lawns. Nied previously worked in conventional lawn care, using chemicals to spray weeds. Then, in 2018, he started seeding clover into grass lawns, and the rest, as they say, is history. Grand prize winner of the 2022 Idea Challenge, Flowering Lawns’ Flawn Seek Kits are now sold in more than 300 stores across the country.
The Accelerate Grant will help the business expand its inventory and meet rising demand, a recent media release stated: “The business offers ‘Flawn’ Seed Kits, blends of wildflowers and clover that reduce the need for mowing, watering, and fertilizing, while benefiting pollinators and the environment.”
Be Wild Burgers, operated by Jeff and Kathy Lundmark, plans to use the grant to develop indoor and outdoor seating to enhance the St. Croix Falls eatery’s dining experience and attract more patrons.
“We are thrilled to see our members succeed and take advantage of such valuable opportunities,” said Karlee Wallin, VP business banking manager. “This grant funding will not only help these businesses grow but also contribute to the overall economic vitality of our communities.”
Learn more about Royal Credit Union at rcu.org and the Community First Accelerate Grant program at fhlbc.com.
