UpStart Thrift Store — Real People, Real Impact

Mike Thompson and Lynn Wong at Pedal Park in Farmington, AR

$2,000

Grant Recipient

Pedal Pops

A Farmington popsicle stand and food-truck village — bringing the community together over bingo, trivia, and yard games.

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What the grant funded: $2,000 toward paying off Mike's Kiva loan for proper signage and updated branded packaging at Pedal Park — accelerating repayment so he could keep reinvesting in weekly community events and the food trucks he hosts.

“The grant was unexpected but very much appreciated — it will help us repay the loan much faster and allow us to continue to improve the Farmington community with future events and festivities.” — Mike Thompson

Lakisha Bradley receiving her UpStart grant for My-T-By-Design

$2,500

Grant Recipient

My-T-By-Design

A growing design studio in Fayetteville — relocated from Rogers after tornado damage and building back stronger.

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What the grant funded: $2,500 toward repairs and expansion of Lakisha's studio — including building out an office to serve more people in the community after relocating from Rogers.

“Thank you so much for supporting our work in the community. This will help us get an office built to serve more individuals in the community.” — Lakisha Bradley

$5,000

Grant Recipient

Magnolia Coffee House

Scratch-made breakfast and brunch, weekly live music, and a growing catering program.

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What the grant funded: $5,000 to repair or replace failing refrigerators and display coolers — stabilizing food safety, daily operations, and the team's ability to expand into catering.

“We are so grateful and praising God for UpStart Thrift Store's grant program. When our display cooler and full-size refrigerator both went down last week, I handed it over in prayer — and shortly after, an email from UpStart let us know we were being considered. An amazing blessing that will repair or replace all three units, making it possible to serve our faithful customers better.”