Helena Hollow Expands Family Tradition with SBA Financing

From left: Jamie Griffin, Sawyer (16), Amy Griffin and Cricket (14)

What began as a dream to create a place where families could unplug and spend quality time together has grown into one of central Alabama's favorite destinations for outdoor fun and community gatherings. Since founding Helena Hollow in 2017, Amy and Jamie Griffin have transformed their family-operated venture into a thriving agritourism destination known for its annual pumpkin patch, themed holiday events, rodeo-style attractions, petting zoo experiences, fishing activities and private event spaces.

"We've always wanted Helena Hollow to be a place where families can slow down, enjoy being together and create traditions they'll remember for years," Amy says. "Watching our guests come back year after year has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey."

As attendance continued to grow, so did the Griffins' vision for the future. They saw an opportunity to expand their facilities, enhance existing attractions and create even more memorable experiences for families, schools, churches and businesses throughout the region.

To help bring that vision to life, Helena Hollow partnered with Central State Bank to pursue SBA financing for its next phase of growth. Alliance Capital Corporation served as the Lender Service Provider, providing SBA financing guidance, loan packaging support and coordination throughout the financing process. Working alongside Central State Bank, the project moved efficiently from application to closing in less than three months. On June 15, 2026, Helena Hollow closed on a $298,800 SBA 7(a) loan that will fund new construction, facility improvements, equipment purchases and working capital.

"Sam Renta was great to work with throughout the entire process," Amy says. "He kept us informed, answered every question we had and made sure everyone stayed on the same page. It made what could have been an overwhelming process feel very manageable."

The investment will support improvements across the property, including expanded attractions, upgraded event facilities, enhanced concession operations and additional infrastructure designed to elevate the guest experience. These enhancements will allow Helena Hollow to accommodate more visitors while continuing to provide a welcoming destination for community events and family entertainment.

Behind the business is a partnership built on complementary strengths. Amy leads marketing, customer engagement, staffing and event coordination, ensuring every guest feels welcome from the moment they arrive. Jamie oversees daily operations, maintenance and the ongoing development of the property's attractions, constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for visitors.

"Amy creates the experiences people remember, and I enjoy building and maintaining the spaces where those memories happen," Jamie says. "We've always worked well together because we each bring something different to the business."

Together, the Griffins have built more than an entertainment venue. Helena Hollow has become a gathering place where families celebrate milestones, children experience the outdoors and neighbors come together throughout the year. As the business has grown, so has its impact on the Helena community.

"Our community has supported us from the very beginning," Amy says. "Every improvement we make is really an investment back into the families and organizations that have made Helena Hollow what it is today."

With support from Central State Bank and SBA financing coordination from Alliance Capital Corporation, Helena Hollow is well positioned for its next chapter of growth. The planned improvements will allow the business to expand its offerings while remaining true to the mission that inspired its founders nearly a decade ago.

"We're excited about what's ahead," Jamie says. "This expansion isn't just about growing the business. It's about creating even more opportunities for families to make memories together. We're thankful to Central State Bank, and to Sam Renta and the Alliance Capital team for helping us turn this next chapter into a reality."