Sunny & Sprout celebrates grand opening in Worthington
Local entrepreneurs benefit from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
WORTHINGTON, Minn. – Sunny & Sprout children’s boutique celebrated its grand opening Aug. 22 in Worthington. Shay VonHoltum and Alex LeBrun opened the new shop this summer with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program.
Sunny & Sprout is located at 922 5th Avenue in Worthington’s downtown and offers clothing for kids from size 2T to youth XL. VonHoltum has had a passion for fashion and the retail industry as far back as she can remember. Her years of experience working in retail combined with becoming a mom herself inspired VonHoltum to pursue entrepreneurship.
“My dream is to provide not only fashion but comfort and convenience to parents, grandparents, and anyone else who is shopping for children in our community. It is my goal to be a one stop shop when looking for school clothes, play clothes, outfits for family photos, special occasions or a gift to give without having to set out the time to travel a distance away,” VonHoltum said.
VonHoltum holds a bachelor’s degree in family studies and child development and has a full-time job with Des Moines Valley Health & Human Services in Windom that she plans to continue. Meanwhile, she’ll be working at Sunny & Sprout in the evenings with help from her mother and sister. LeBrun operates his own business – LeBrun Trucking – and is a financial partner in the boutique.
“Worthington is an ever-growing community and it is our vision to be a positive part of that growth,” VonHoltum said. “Self sufficient communities that thrive on local small businesses and supporting each other is our passion. I am excited for what the future holds for Sunny & Sprout.”
Loan proceeds from SWIF helped purchase equipment and inventory and provided working capital for expenses. 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.
“Helping people like Shay pursue their dreams of small business ownership is a core part of our work, and we’re happy to see Sunny & Sprout open its doors!” 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.