Southwest Initiative Foundation has been selected by the Otto Bremer Trust as a philanthropic partner to award funds through its new Community Responsive Fund. SWIF will work closely with OBT to award $400,000 in grants of up to $75,000 each to support local organizations that directly respond to immediate challenges and opportunities in the community. The grant application deadline is 5 p.m. on April 19, 2024.
News Releases
Concrete Joe Construction
Joe DeVlaeminck is building his own business on the foundation of the former Tom Bofferding Construction company, which he purchased last year. Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program helped DeVlaeminck complete the purchase and launch Concrete Joe Construction, specializing in residential concrete work, from putting up foundation walls to flat work such as driveways, sidewalks and stamped slabs.
Functional Nutrition
Tyler DeCesare opened Functional Nutrition in December with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. The new small business on Luverne’s Main Street is a one-stop shop for vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, protein shakes, ready-to-eat fit meals and smoothie bowls.
Pink Apron Bakery
MacKenzie Dohmann opened the doors to Pink Apron Bakery in November, just in time for the sweet season of holiday treats. Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program provided working capital for the startup, which specializes in breads, bagels and unique cookies and confections.
2024-2025 Initiators Fellows Chosen
Nine social entrepreneurs have been selected for the 2024-2025 Initiators Fellowship cohort represent 53 counties and six Native nations in Central, Northwest, Southwest and West Central Minnesota. Suree Sompamitwong of Worthington is one of the selected fellows, with her social enterprise Creative Healing Space. Her term in the fellowship is supported by Southwest Initiative Foundation.
Beaver Creek Boarding
Beaver Creek Boarding hosted a ribbon cutting in October to celebrate one year of operating the new kennel, located just south of Olivia and owned by Katy Holland and Joshua Honzay. Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program and DEED’s Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program helped the entrepreneurs launch their business.