Gnometown Grounds — a locally owned café, bakeshop and gift shop — recently celebrated its grand re-opening in Dawson with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Emma Weber started this small business last year in the former Marc’s on Main gift shop. Following a brief soft launch, Weber had a planned closure starting in January 2024 to make major renovations, including adding a coffee bar and kitchen.
Archives for July 2024
Patricia Dols completes 11 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Patricia Dols is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following 11 years of service. During her term, she brought her wisdom and leadership to the board starting in 2013, taking on many key roles. In honor of her service, Patricia is directing a $1,100 grant from SWIF to support the Willmar Early Childhood Initiative at Willmar Public Schools.
6th Street Logistics
Willmar-based trucking outfit 6th Street Logistics is expanding with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. The company is owned by Krista and Chris Nehk. Founded in 2021 with one semi, the company now has a fleet of trucks hauling a variety of freight from live birds to refrigerated goods. They have routes locally, within the Midwest and down to Texas.
Johanna Markgraf joins foundation staff
Johanna Markgraf of Buffalo Lake has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff as development and operations assistant. In this newly created role, Johanna will support resource development and regional fundraising initiatives. Johanna earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota-Twin and started her career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture before joining the finance industry. Her strong financial background positions Johanna well to support SWIF’s fundraising efforts.
Blush & Bliss Med Spa
Maisie Hagert has opened Blush & Bliss Med Spa in Redwood Falls with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. This beauty and wellness destination offers a wide range of medically guided cosmetic treatments and procedures, also known as medical aesthetics. Maisie’s interest in entrepreneurship started young, influenced by her parents’ successful businesses. The growing medical spa industry presented a unique opportunity for Maisie to merge her passion for business ownership with her nursing expertise, knowledge and compassion.
Together We Thrive Grant Recipients
We envision a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. We bring people together to find solutions that benefit the entire region because we believe we’re better together. To do good work together, we recently awarded nearly $60,000 in grant funding to 17 partners across the region who help create belonging by: providing a strong foundation for youth to develop essential skills and resilience; fostering thriving communities by empowering them to prioritize mental wellness; and creating a sense of belonging through collaborative projects that bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds.
