Bohemian Ovens Awarded a $25,000 Small Business Grant

Local bakery and restaurant Bohemian Ovens was recognized with a $25,000 Community First Accelerate Grant from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Chicago. Security Financial Bank (SFB) is a member of the FHLB and supported Bohemian Ovens through the application process. 

Mother-son duo Dawn and Josh Knoepke, owners of Bohemian Ovens, have built the business into a regional brand serving breakfast, lunch, and bakery items. They specialize in producing Kolaches, which are wholesaled to Chippewa Valley businesses and directly sold at the Downtown Eau Claire Farmer's Market. The Knoepkes will use the grant money to purchase equipment to continue expanding into the specialty coffee market.

The Knoepkes enjoy that Bohemian Ovens is an easy place for people to gather and connect in the Chippewa Valley, and they appreciate the support from the members of their community and from SFB.

 "We are excited for this new venture and hope for a healthy growth for our business in the upcoming years," Josh Knoepke said.

For more information on the Community First Accelerate Grant, visit the FHL Bank website: https://www.fhlbc.com/community-investment/community-first-programs/community-first-sup-reg-sup-accelerate-grants-for-small-business