PRESS RELEASE
Auto Nation repair shop opens in Redwood Falls
Local entrepreneurs benefit from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
REDWOOD FALLS, Minn.— Ruben and Wendi Valdez have opened Auto Nation repair shop in Redwood Falls with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program and DEED’s Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program. The new business is located one block off Minnesota Highway 71 along Redwood Falls Airport Road.
Ruben is a certified auto technician with 20 years of automotive repair experience and a two-year automotive service technical degree. He previously worked for a Ford dealership in the service department and then became a shop foreman, mechanic and driver for GFW Public Schools in transportation, meanwhile making plans to open his own business.
“I’m excited to get back into auto repair because it’s what I love and what I’m good at,” Ruben said. “Customer service is my number one priority for my business. I want to be an active listener and pay attention to feedback. And I’m bilingual, which is a big plus for customers.”
Auto Nation will offer auto and light truck repairs including engine and transmission repairs, tune-ups and brake repairs. Ruben will work full-time doing repairs while Wendi manages the shop’s finances and administrative work on a part-time basis.
Loan funds helped Ruben and Wendi purchase machinery and equipment. 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 loan programs are a great fit for people like Ruben and Wendi who are looking to create self-employment opportunities that build on their skills and expertise. We’re happy to be a partner in helping them start and grow this new business,” said SWIF Economic Development Officer Jackie Turner.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, QuickBooks 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 at (800) 594-9480, (320) 587-4848 or send us an email.
The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) supports the growth of businesses owned and operated by entrepreneurs who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC); low-income persons; women; veterans; and/or persons with disabilities. DEED provides grant funds to a network of nonprofit lenders that use these funds for loans to start-up and expanding businesses throughout the state.
