Autumn Dreier is the new owner of a long-time consignment shop in New London, and she’s given it a new name. Dreier purchased the asset’s of Camille’s Closet with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. It’s now the Closet Collective, where premium consignment and upscale thrifting come together for good.
Kristi Elaine Teigen Memorial Scholarship
It’s graduation season! Across southwest Minnesota, communities are celebrating. And our fund partners are investing in students’ dreams and goals through local scholarship programs. We currently host 10 dedicated scholarship funds as well as many others that provide scholarships in addition to funding other projects. One of our funds is the Kristi Elaine Teigen Memorial Scholarship, launched in 2010 to support Jackson County Central (JCC) High School graduates.
Little Eagles ‘Born Learning Trail’ blends fun and education
Installed last summer by Little Eagles Daycare, the Born Learning Trail received support from Madison Community Foundation with a $1,000 grant. This grant helped jump start the community project, with the Madison Arts Council and community volunteers – including kids! – putting forth the labor to make it a success.
Initiators Fellowship application open
The Initiators Fellowship is recruiting for its 2026-2027 cohort. The two-year program provides a suite of supports for emerging entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota whose business idea includes a socially beneficial outcome. The Initiators Fellowship application is open May 1 to June 16 at fellows.greaterminnesota.net.
What makes a leader?
In the face of challenges including addiction and incarceration, Mark Stewart has persevered. After suffering the loss of his partner, Taylor Joy, to mental illness, something clicked for him, and he has been relentlessly serving his community since then. A nontraditional leadership journey like Mark’s has steep highs and lows. He has kept going through them all.
Petra Jimenez on leadership
Petra Jimenez has lived most of her life in southwest Minnesota and makes her home in Fulda. A graduate of our latest Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort, Petra plans to run for the local school board next year. Last year, she organized the first Welcoming Week celebration in Fulda to help build belonging.
