Southern Indiana Business Report
What started as a normal day for The Next Chapter, a Jasper coffee shop and bookstore, turned out to be anything but routine.
The downtown Jasper business was visited by the Indiana Fever media team Tuesday to film a video. The reason for the visit? The Next Chapter, owned by Erin and Jeremiah Smith, is a finalist for the Indiana Fever Small Business Assist Program presented by Old National Bank.
The Smiths learned last week they were nominated anonymously and were one of three finalists for the top prize, which is $5,000.
As finalists, the Smith family got to attend the Aug. 15 Indiana Fever game and sit courtside during the pregame.
The Next Chapter opened 15 months ago in downtown Jasper next to the historic Astra Theatre. The shop sells vinyl, new and used books and hosts several book clubs and reading groups. Each month, the business donates a portion of its sales to a nonprofit.
When news of the Indiana Fever media team’s visit began circulating, customers crammed into the coffee shop to show their support.
In social media posts, the Smiths said they have been overwhelmed by the love and support shown by the community. Whether or not they’re chosen, they said it has been an unforgettable experience.
In a social media post, they wrote, “Dozens have commented, ‘You deserve it!’ But we really don’t. We’re just super ordinary people, full of mistakes, doing our best to live out our faith. That’s it. We really don’t deserve the attention or accolades, but will forever cherish the memories we are making.
At the end of the day, our mission remains the same: To be a beacon of hope in our city, to help people see that they have purpose and value, and that there is always hope and more to be written.”
According to contest rules, the winner will be named on or before Sept. 1.
