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.
News Releases
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.
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders graduates first cohort
Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program recently graduated its first cohort of 14 participants. This leadership education program supports emerging leaders in southwest Minnesota and is a partnership with University of Minnesota Extension.
Southwest Minnesota celebrates 2023 Welcoming Week
Internationally, Welcoming Week takes place September 8-17 this year. Communities in southwest Minnesota are hosting activities throughout the month of September to lift up and celebrate welcoming, inclusive communities.