Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER – A Jasper coffee shop and bookstore that blends purpose with connection was named the winner of the Indiana Fever’s Small Business Assist Program presented by Old National Bank.
The Next Chapter was announced the winner and recipient of a $5,000 grand prize last week during a Fever game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Next Chapter is owned by Erin and Jeremiah Smith. The Smiths traveled to Indianapolis with their family and staff where they were recognized on the court as the winners of the Small Business Assist Program.
In a social media post, the Smiths thanked the Indiana Fever and Old National Bank for the recognition and for putting a national spotlight on The Next Chapter.
“We are forever grateful to our incredible staff (we wouldn’t be here without them!), the countless individuals who helped us open our doors in the first place because they believed in what we’re trying to do, and to the amazing community of Jasper and Dubois County. We have never felt such deep connection and community,” reads their post.
The Next Chapter serves a variety of coffees and teas. It also hosts book clubs and gatherings. The store has a selection of new, used books along with vinyl. Before opening the shop in downtown Jasper, the Smiths were missionaries. That desire to serve is reflected in their business’ outreach activities. Once a month, The Next Chapter donates a portion of sales to a local nonprofit.
Kim Hagan is Old National Bank’s Community Banking Market Manager in Jasper and said it was exciting to see a local business win the contest.
“We were definitely thrilled to see local representation in this contest with The Next Chapter being nominated and chosen the winner,” she said.
Beyond being a place to buy a book and meet a friend for coffee, Hagan said the Next Chapter is filling a void in the community.
“They provide a space where everyone feels welcome, heard and seen,” Hagan said. “You can go there and someone will be interested in what you’re saying and you’ll have a better day because of that.”