Business & Entrepreneurship

Description: to support the growth and success of local small businesses and entrepreneurs through opportunities that spark innovation, investment, and diversifies our local economy.

Top 2 Project Examples in this Service Area:

Sweets at Liberty Park

New Horizons Rehabilitation received the $10,000 Change Ripley County Grant in 2020 to build an ice cream shop in Liberty Park. Not only does the shop provide ice cream for everyone to enjoy, but it also gives youth and special needs individuals employment opportunities.

Believing and Achieving Dreams: Entrepreneurs of Ripley County

Also known as B.A.D., the initiative is designed to share the journeys and insights of flourishing entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to spark hope, support, and provide tips on how to start and keep businesses alive and thriving. The program kicked-off in June of 2020 with Iron Timbers and Amack’s Well.

"Thank you, Ripley County Community Foundation, for the COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant. Our shelter is now open regular hours. We couldn’t do that without your help. We are extremely grateful that we can keep going during this critical period."

"We desperately needed someone to guide and grow our existing outreach programs enabling our volunteer board to focus on future planning and organizational direction. Thanks to the generous grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation, Kids Discovery Factory is able to hire our first paid staff member."

"We would not be able to keep our doors open without your support! Thank you!"