CHiRP – Jefferson Wants You Incentive Fund New Start-up Grant

A new business in Jefferson has been awarded $5,000 in Jefferson Wants You Incentive Funds for a new start-up.  CHiRP Coffee is a partnership of four long-time friends with their last names making up the name of the business – Rona Challen, Shannon Hansen, Terri Renwanz and Carrie Peters.  Their vision statement is ,“To simply make a difference in our community”.

CHiRP Coffee is a drive-through coffee shop serving coffee drinks, smoothies, plant based energy drinks and pre-made breakfast and snack options.  There is also a walk-up window for a quick pick-up of orders along with an outdoor seating area.

CHiRP Coffee is located at 409 E Gallup Road in Jefferson.  The women purchased the lot and have worked together to build the independently owned coffee shop. Rona manages the business with all of the partners bringing different strengths to the operation.

Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week and closed on major holidays.  Along with the manager, the business plans to employ a number of part-time employees.

New business start-ups in Jefferson are eligible to apply for one-time start-up costs of up to $5,000 through the Jefferson Wants You Incentive Fund.

Remote workers who already live in Greene County or are moving here are eligible to apply for a one year membership at Gravitate Coworking.

Find the applications at www.experiencejefffersoniowa.com under Grow Here; Entrepreneurial.  This project is a Rural Return project funded through local utilities, financial institutions, and a grant from Grow Greene County.

Pictured from left with the check – Rona Challen, Shannon Hansen, Terri Renwanz and Carrie Peters

From left in back – Jamie Daubendiek, Scott Weber, Tina Beaman, Peg Raney and Jefferson Matters Executive Director Matt Wetrich