Willmar trucking firm 6th Street Logistics expands business
Local entrepreneurs benefit from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
WILLMAR, Minn. – Local trucking outfit 6th Street Logistics is expanding with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) 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.
Krista has worked in temperature-controlled transportation for more than 20 years and has previous experience managing a trucking firm. Chris has safely traveled more than 1 million miles as a driver. He also has experience as a dispatcher and as fleet manager, making sure trailers and truck are serviced properly for safe and secure hauling.
“6th Street Logistics got its name because that is where the dream of owning a trucking business came alive, our first home on 6th Street in Willmar,” Krista said. “It started out with a semi that we purchased for $2,500, restored by Chris and his supporters and put on the road; the rest is history.”
Today, the company is located at 7400 County Road 9 Northeast just outside Willmar.
Loan proceeds from SWIF provided the business with working capital to grow their refrigerated and dry van hauling. Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities.
“Our Microenterprise Loan Program is designed to help local businesses like 6th Street Logistics reach their full potential. Krista and Chris are a dedicated couple with a passion for this business, and we’re happy to support them,” said Selina Berning, SWIF Entrepreneurship Finance Officer.
Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, accounting software training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF by calling (800) 594-9480, (320) 587-4848 or email SWIF.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $115 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.