Jules Joint Receives FHLBank Grant In Partnership with Bradford National Bank

Bradford National Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), has awarded a Community First® Accelerate Grant to small business Jules Joint, a restaurant located in downtown Nashville, IL.

“As a rural community bank, we understand how vital small businesses are to a community,” said Michael Ennen, president of Bradford National Bank.  “To be able to partner with a great organization like the FHLBank Chicago and provide substantial grants to small businesses is very rewarding.  Jules Joint is a great restaurant, and we are honored to be working with her.”

“Small businesses in our members’ communities provide valuable products and services that contribute to local economies,” said Katie Naftzger, Community Investment Officer, FHLBank Chicago. “Accelerate Grants provide an opportunity for our members to strengthen their partnerships with local small businesses, thereby supporting economic growth and job opportunities and strengthening the fabric of the rural, urban, and small-town communities served by our members.”

FHLBank Chicago awarded $4.3 million in Accelerate Grants to 172 small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin. 

Juliette Morgan, owner of Jules Joint, said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant.  Bradford will take care of you, honestly.  And they are right down the road.”  She concluded, “I’m thankful that Bradford National Bank submitted our application and honored to be the recipient of this grant and will utilize it to help build and grow my business.”

“She brings her love of cooking and her worldwide culinary experiences to small town America while keeping that hometown feeling,” said Cindy Engelman, Regional Branch Manager for Bradford National Bank.  She added, “It’s not been an easy road for Juliette, but the end result is a beautiful little downtown restaurant with a huge heart you can feel when you walk in.”