Boosting Economic Mobility

Three people stand and smile while talking in a room with wooden doors. The woman on the left has long blonde hair and a red top, facing two people, one man and one woman, who both have name tags and are standing near a table.

September 1, 2026

Marcella and John are leading the way in Southwest Minnesota

Resilient communities need people willing to step forward, test new ideas, and bring others together. That’s a perfect way to describe Marcella Prokop

A small town main street with parked cars, storefronts, hanging flower baskets, trees, and American flags on a sunny day.

July 24, 2026

Southwest Initiative Foundation receives 2026 CoBank Rural Prosperity Grant

Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is receiving a second round of funding through CoBank's Rural Prosperity Grant Program, reinforcing a shared

May 19, 2026

Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series

Strengthening rural economies through creativity and connection The Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series is a three-part learning

Large bold magenta text on a light blue background reads Rally Your Region Southwest Minnesota, with a colorful geometric pattern in the top right corner.

May 13, 2026

Rally Your Region is coming to Southwest Minnesota!

Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders are invited to join Southwest Minnesota partners, the International Economic

A group of ten people stand outside a building, smiling and holding a large banner that reads, “FRESH GOAT SALE 8 am-4:30 pm on Fridays! First come, first served unless pre-ordered,” with a goat silhouette on it.

February 17, 2026

Loan client Happy Halal Meats brings meat processing close to home

Collaborating to support small businesses Alongside PROMISE Loan financing from SWIF, additional funds came from Citizens Alliance Bank, the

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and business owner Lourdez Schwab with a group of people standing inside a gym in front of a large wall sign that reads “Bar Path CrossFit.”

November 3, 2025

Senator tours Promise Act projects in Willmar

Promise Act Projects We recently welcomed Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, president of the Minnesota State Senate, to Willmar for a firsthand look at