Grant Saves Local Business: Wilona Young uses the $20,000 Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative Grant to pay off sales tax debt and secure her restaurants future. Increased Popularity: Chicago House of Hoagies sees a surge in customers from across the Midwest after the grant win. Inspiring Resilience: Young overcame financial challenges and continues to serve her community with her thriving hoagie shop in Menasha.(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)For Wilona Young, owner of the Chicago House of Hoagies, winning a $20,000 grant through the Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative was nothing short of life-changing.Im still in awe. Like, I cant believe I won. I really won! Young said, reflecting on her recent win.Youngs hoagie shop, located near Racine Road and 12th Street, has seen a surge in customers from across the Midwest since the announcement. But just a few months ago, the business she started in 2019 was in jeopardy.Young said financial troubles began when her accountant allegedly mismanaged her funds.I got hit with a huge sales tax debt that I thought I was paying, but nohe was just taking my money, Young said.To keep her restaurant afloat, she took a full-time job at a homeless shelter in Appleton, using her income to chip away at the debt. At the same time, she applied for the Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative Grant, a program that has awarded nearly $1 million to support Black-owned restaurants nationwide.Young recalled the moment she learned she had won.I got a phone call from a number that looked like spam, she said. I took the call, and she asked, Is this Wilona Young? I said yes, and then I hung up because I thought it was a scam.Fortunately, the Heinz representative texted her to confirm the news.So, I called her back, and she said, I want you to know that you won the restaurant grant. I was like, Are you serious?Within days, Young received the $20,000 granttax-free.Literally, I got the grant deposit in my account at 8 oclock on Monday morning. By 8:01, I paid off my IRS debt, Young said.The grant brought financial stability to her business and peace of mind to Young.My business is safe. I dont have to worry about them pulling my sellers permit and shutting me down because of these sales taxes. So, I get to breathe, she said.Chicago House of Hoagies is now one of three Black-owned restaurants in Wisconsin to receive the prestigious grant. With renewed stability, Young is focusing on serving her signature hoagies to an ever-growing customer base.In just a short time, people are coming from all over the Midwest to grab a bite, Young said.Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, and her restaurant stands as a beacon of hope for other small business owners facing adversity.