Testimonials
Elementary Earthworks
Elementary Earthworks, LLC is a chemical free urban micro-farm in Galesburg, Illinois. This business was started in 2024 by Alex and Rosie Theobald. They provide produce to local eateries, restaurants, and the general public. They offer about 80 different varieties of herbs and vegetables in their 20 X 50 foot-plot in their backyard.
Escape MJ’s
Escape rooms are simple mental puzzles played out in real life. They are the number 1 activity for numerous cities around the world. Many escape rooms are designed to bring a group of people together into a room to themselves while others may match you against random strangers to solve the puzzle. In escape rooms every word, number, or picture can be a clue to your escape.
Bloom Macomb
Flowers and plants give us such joy and happiness not only to the person who is receiving them but also to the person giving. Macomb had recently lost a long-standing florist due to retirement in 2023. Anne Ingersoll saw a need for a local floral shop. “I started my business to bring kindness and joy to our customers and community. My hope for my shop is to create a place for community to happen. There seems to be a lot of negative in our world, I wanted to offer more kindness and joy. There is often joy in receiving flowers but it brings just as much joy to the giver as well,” said Ingersoll.
Elijah's Baby Bucket List
Amy Tarpein’s life, marked by personal adversity and fierce determination, became the foundation for a global movement: Elijah’s Baby Bucket List. Amy is a dedicated single mother, blogger, author, and public speaker. Her journey took an irrevocable turn when her youngest son, Elijah, was diagnosed with a rare, terminal brain condition called Lissencephaly at eight months old. The prognosis was devastating: doctors gave him less than two years to live. Prior to starting her business, Amy had worked for the post office for 15 years, a demanding schedule that eventually led to a shoulder injury. Faced with Elijah’s diagnosis, Amy found inspiration in the past. Her late mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer, had often expressed regret for never traveling. Amy promised her mother she would see the world and live her life fully. This memory, combined with her son’s diagnosis, fueled a radical change. Amy took her children on an unplanned road trip to see the ocean. Standing by the waves in Jacksonville, Florida, Amy made a solemn promise: "If he was only going to live to be 2, we were going to show him as much of the world as we could." This quest became the origin of Elijah’s Baby Bucket List.
Quick Coop
Allyson Quick's journey to creating Quick Coop is a testament to the power of family, community, and a resilient spirit. While her path wasn't always linear, it's a story of embracing change, pursuing passions, and building a business that nourishes both her family and her community.
Vanessa Godoy Photography
Vanessa Godoy's journey from a curious observer at her daughter's newborn photoshoot to a celebrated editorial photographer in the Quad Cities is a vibrant illustration of how passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn can cultivate a thriving business. Having called the Quad Cities home since the age of five, Vanessa's roots in East Moline provided a strong foundation for the artistic vision she would eventually bring to life.
Rojas Cleaning Services
Rosy and David are a couple originally from Veracruz, Mexico, who emigrated to the United States with the goal of building a better future for their family. Both had administrative backgrounds in their home country, but upon arrival, they faced a very different reality—new systems, a new language, and the challenge of starting from zero while working toward financial stability.