LISC Central Illinois helps local entrepreneurs purchase a new building

Popcorn Heaven owners Greg Young and JoAnn Parker-Young

Young's Popcorn Heaven moved from its leased original location on Gale Avenue to its new building located at 609 W. Lake Avenue with the help of financing from LISC Central Illinois. Owned and operated by Greg Young and JoAnn Parker-Young, Popcorn Heaven has been in business for nearly five years prior to making the decision to purchase their own commercial property. The new property will give the Youngs the chance to expand their production space as well as introduce new retail opportunities with their extra square footage. Initially a referral from financial partner PNC Bank, LISC Central Illinois provided the funding to purchase the building and make needed improvements to the space. The Youngs were able to move into the space before the 2019 holiday season and have seen serving new customers and enjoying their space. 

"The Youngs are a perfect example of the entrepreneurial spirit of Central Illinois and we are so excited and humbled to be able to help them expand their business and tell their wonderful story," said LISC Central Illinois Program Officer Jess Weitzel. "We are happy to welcome them to the LISC family and look forward to watching their business grow."

LISC Central Illinois' lending program covers projects ranging the gamut from affordable housing to economic development, but with a particular focus on serving Central Illinois' small business community. "Our portfolio right now is full of entrepreneurs of color and businesses owned by women, which are communities we are committed to serving as we work to bring investment to the region," said LISC Central Illinois Executive Director Karen Davis.

LISC can lend on a wide variety of projects. For more information, please contact Jess Weitzel at jweitzel@lisc.org or at https://www.lisc.org/central-il/what-we-do/loans-investments/.

More information on Popcorn Heaven can be found on their Facebook page.