November 10, 2026
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has awarded two $3,000 Small Business Grants to Ari Aesthetics & Wellness of Medford and Misfitz Services in Altoona. The grants will support each business as it continues to grow and serve its clients.
“This program was created to invest in local entrepreneurs and the important role they play in strengthening our communities,” said Karlee Wallin, VP Business Banking and Operations Manager at Royal Credit Union. “Ari Aesthetics & Wellness and Misfitz Services each demonstrated a strong vision for their business and a commitment to the people they serve. We are excited to support their continued success.”
Ari Aesthetics & Wellness is a medical aesthetics and wellness practice providing medically supervised treatments, skincare and wellness services. The business is working to expand access to women’s health and wellness services in Medford and surrounding communities, where some specialized services have historically required significant travel. Grant funds will support additional staff onboarding and targeted local marketing as the business expands its services.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Royal for believing in what we’re building,” said Jessica Staples, CEO of Ari Aesthetics & Wellness. “As a growing business, having this kind of support gives us the opportunity to take the next step with confidence and continue building something that makes a difference for the people we serve.”
Misfitz Services is an Altoona-based community human services provider offering individualized support to youth, adults, parents and families. Services focus on helping people build practical skills related to independent living, employment readiness, parenting, advocacy, emotional and social development, and navigating service systems. Misfitz Services also has a particular interest in engaging fathers and males and is developing partnerships with Tribal and other community organizations. Grant funds will support technology and business infrastructure, professional development, and resources that allow Misfitz Services to continue providing individualized, community-based services.
“This grant is an exciting investment in the future of Misfitz Services,” said Daniel Strehlau, owner of Misfitz Services. “It gives us an opportunity to strengthen the foundation we’ve built while continuing to find practical and creative ways to meet people where they are. I’m grateful to Royal Credit Union for investing in a small local business and in the individuals, families and communities that work ultimately supports.”
The businesses were selected from a competitive pool of 120 applicants that considered financial need, business plan strength, and community impact. The winners were announced during a special presentation on Tuesday, November 10 at Royal's Corporate Office.
Royal launched the Small Business Grant program in 2026 as a new initiative to provide resources and support to early-stage and growing businesses located in Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Taylor, and Trempealeau counties. The program reflects the credit union philosophy of People Helping People and Royal’s commitment to creating a positive impact in the lives it touches. Royal hopes to build on the program’s first year and continue supporting even more small businesses in the future.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 340,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. Royal was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2026 in Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
