Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Community First® Accelerate Grant Winners

In collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), IAA Credit Union has awarded $33,000 in grants to Smiley’s Daycare and Clean Cans through the Community First® Accelerate Grant program. The funding includes $15,000 from FHLBank Chicago, along with an additional $1,500 contribution from IAA Credit Union for each business. These grants will help support the growth and development of both businesses, benefiting the surrounding communities.
Smiley’s Daycare, which provides affordable, high-quality childcare, blending the comforts of home daycare with the educational benefits of larger facilities, will use the grant to purchase a storage shed. This addition will help the daycare better manage resources and offer a wider range of activities tailored to children’s developmental needs.
“As a young female business owner with limited funds, I couldn’t build a facility with sufficient storage for our rotating activities and toys,” said Tara Graff, owner and director of Smiley’s Daycare. “This grant enables us to create a more organized space, allowing children to benefit from a greater variety of toys and learning tools that foster their growth.”
Clean Cans, another grant recipient, will utilize the funding to support its future business growth and expansion. "IAA Credit Union has proudly supported the Illinois Farm Bureau's Family of Companies for over 70 years, and now we’re honored to assist local entrepreneurs," said David Warren, AVP of Commercial Lending at IAA Credit Union. "Clean Cans' owners have been long-time IFB members, and two years ago, we provided the capital for their first truck and specialized equipment. More recently, they approached us for guidance on expanding their business. The Accelerate Grant has given them the resources to bring their expansion plans to life, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on their operations."
Clean Cans offers a 100% environmentally safe service that specializes in disinfecting, sanitizing, and deodorizing residential and commercial trash and recycling cans. Their eco-friendly cleaning process ensures a cleaner, healthier home and neighborhood. Our self-contained cleaning unit makes this possible, which captures all wastewater to prevent urban runoff and protect stormwater systems, homes, and the environment from contamination.
The FHLBank Chicago's Accelerate Grants program, through member institutions like IAA Credit Union, helps small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin grow. Grants can be used for property improvements, equipment purchases, inventory, workforce development, and technology upgrades.
For more information on Accelerate Grants, visit www.fhlbc.com
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago