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

CHiRP Coffee located at 409 E Gallup Road will be opening at the end of May with owners Rona Challen, Shannon Hansen, Terri Renwanz and Carrie Peters. 

CHiRP Coffee will be a drive-through coffee shop serving coffee drinks, smoothies, plant based energy drinks and pre-made breakfast and snack options. In the warmer months, there will be a walk-up window for a quick pick-up of orders along with an outdoor seating area. This new business is located at 409 E Gallup Road in Jefferson. The women purchased the lot of land and have worked together to build the independently owned coffee shop. Rona will manage the business with all of the partners bringing different strengths to the operation.

Hours of operation will be 6:00AM to 6:00PM seven days a week and closed on major holidays. Along with the manager, the business plans to employ a number of part-time employees. The partners hope to open CHiRP Coffee by the end of May.

The Jefferson Wants You Incentive Fund is a project of the Rural Return project through Jefferson Matters.  This project is funded through  contributions of Jefferson Telecom, Home State Bank, Heartland Bank, Peoples Bank, and Alliant Energy.  The Selection Committee was also awarded a Grow Greene County Grant in early April.

This fund is open to new businesses filling a gap in Jefferson for start-up funds of up to $5,000.  Applications are available on www.jeffersonmatters.org and questions can be directed to Matt Wetrich, Executive Director at his office at The Welcome Center.  Personal interviews are conducted by the Selection Committee. 

Applications are also available for current and new remote workers in Greene County for a year’s membership at Gravitate Coworking - Jefferson. Gravitate is the local coworking space in downtown Jefferson.  More details can also be found on the www.jeffersonmatters.org website under Resources.