Legally Blind Entrepreneur's Solar-Powered Agritourism Farm Enters Final Funding Days

Lois Inman, a 72-year-old legally blind entrepreneur, is racing against time to secure funding for what would become Southern Illinois' first solar-powered agritourism destination. Her company, Bone + Bear Farms, has entered the final days of a community investment campaign on Honeycomb Credit that closes December 1st at 11:59 p.m. EST, with the project currently sitting at 35% of its $50,000 minimum goal.

The campaign's outcome carries significant implications for rural economic development models. If successful, Bone + Bear Farms would demonstrate that community-funded, sustainable agriculture and tourism can thrive in rural Southern Illinois, potentially creating a blueprint for similar ventures in economically challenged regions. The project represents a multigenerational family business transforming 30 acres in Grantsburg into an integrated operation featuring heritage skincare production, eco-luxury glamping, and educational farm experiences.

Inman's vision connects directly to her family heritage, building on goat-milk soap recipes passed down from her grandmother Della. "I'm taking everything my grandmother handed me—our land, her recipes, and a belief in rural women—and turning it into a place where people can actually visit, meet the goats, and see where their skincare comes from," Inman explained. The farm aims to serve as both a tourist destination and rural workforce hub, training local women in skincare production, hospitality, and agritourism while showcasing products from nearby artisans.

The funding would complete several critical infrastructure projects, including a solar-powered production space for The Gilded Goat skincare line, glamping infrastructure with stargazer tents and tiny cabins, expanded water and electrical systems, and educational spaces where visitors can learn about farming, skincare, and renewable energy. Investors can review the full offering and terms at https://invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/Bone-+-Bear-Farms with investments starting at $100.

Honeycomb Credit, the SEC-regulated investment platform hosting the campaign, is waiving investor transaction fees from Small Business Saturday through Cyber Monday, allowing more of each investment dollar to go directly toward the project. This temporary fee waiver could provide crucial momentum in the campaign's final days as the December 1st deadline approaches.

The project's potential impact extends beyond immediate job creation and tourism revenue. By proving that rural places and multigenerational family businesses remain viable investment opportunities, Bone + Bear Farms could inspire similar community-supported ventures across rural America. The solar-powered aspect also positions the farm as a model for sustainable agricultural tourism, demonstrating how renewable energy can power rural economic development while reducing environmental impact.

With the campaign's success hinging on meeting the $50,000 minimum by December 1st, the coming days will determine whether Southern Illinois gains its first solar-powered agritourism destination or whether the funds return to potential investors. The outcome will signal whether community investment models can effectively support sustainable rural development in regions often overlooked by traditional funding sources.