Generations Bistro and Marketplace Receives FHLB Community First® Accelerate Grant Through Partnership with SNBT

August 12, 2024

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) awarded Generations Bistro and Marketplace a $30,000 grant through their partnership with The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT). FHLBank Chicago offers grants of up to $30,000 through its Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program to eligible small businesses to advance economic opportunity in the communities it serves. 

“We are incredibly grateful to SNBT for their advocacy in securing this generous grant to help us complete our mission alongside Weiler Academy to foster a healthier community,” said Lukas Lipburger, Founder & Chef of Generations Bistro & Marketplace. “We sincerely appreciate SNBT's unwavering support.”

“We truly value the partnerships we have with our customers, so we couldn’t be more thrilled that someone as special as Lukas and his team received this grant,” said Kendra Anderson, SNBT Business Banker. “It will make a huge impact on Generations Bistro & Marketplace as it continues taking shape. Plus, it is an honor for the entire team at SNBT to see this money be invested back into the community.”

Through FHLBank Chicago’s member institutions, like SNBT, Accelerate Grants assist the growth and development of small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin. All grant recipients are small businesses that make a difference in their community, and funds are intended to support a variety of purposes, including purchase or improvement of property, equipment, workforce development, and technology.

“Small businesses play an integral role in local communities in driving economic growth, from creating jobs to fostering community development,” said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President, Community Investment Officer, FHLBank Chicago. “As a leader in the housing and community development space, FHLBank Chicago recognizes that affordable housing isn’t just about the homes themselves—it’s about ensuring entire communities have what they need to thrive, including economic opportunities for the residents and small businesses who call them home.”

For more information on Accelerate Grants and eligibility, visit www.fhlbc.com.

About Generations Bistro & Marketplace and Weiler Academy
The Generations Bistro & Marketplace mission is to source trendsetting companies that share its passion for crafting holistic, sustainable products—locally and worldwide. Generations’ concept simplifies the shopping experience for all diets/allergies, introduces the inviting Viennese coffee-house culture, provides healthy meal prep/take-out options for singles and families, and creates memorable culinary journeys in its Bistro. Together, Weiler Academy and Generations Bistro & Marketplace have a mission to create a destination focusing on every ‘body.’ A local escape that inspires people to truly live a healthy lifestyle as well as an educational center which focuses on smart health for body, mind, and soul. Since 2012, Weiler Academy clients have grown through a 5-pillars system: Move, Balance, Relax, Rejuvenate and the last pillar – Fuel is provided by Generations Bistro & Marketplace. To learn more, visit www.weileracademy.com or www.generationsmarkets.com.