Worthy Recipients

Door County’s new business lending program, Community Opportunity Investment Network (COIN), awarded its first micro-loan Nov. 19 to new Baileys Harbor business Bearded Heart Coffee. COIN is a collaborative effort between the Door County Community Foundation and Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) aimed at providing micro-loans to fill the lending gap for start-up and existing businesses in the county. Mary Horton, who co-owns the coffee shop with Maureen Grey, said the business is proud to be the first recipient of the loan program.

“I feel very honored. We worked really hard on our business plan and all of the planning for the business so I feel really honored that they thought we are worthy,” Horton said. The business, which opened Oct. 24, will use the loan to purchase equipment.

Sam Perlman, economic development manager for DCEDC, praised Bearded Heart Coffee’s business plan and experience. “They have positioned themselves well to be very successful in this venture,” Perlman said.

Perlman said the program is actively looking for additional loan applicants and encourages entrepreneurs to come forward with their ideas and business plans. For more information, visit investdoorcounty.org.