Back to My Roots hair salon had its grand opening this weekend at 337 Main Street North in Renville. Entrepreneur Kirsten Bjorklund opened the business with help from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. A licensed cosmetologist, she offers haircuts, colors, manicures, pedicures, massages and waxing. As her business name suggests, it’s a homecoming of sorts for Bjorklund. Growing up on a farm south of Sacred Heart, she attended and graduated from Renville County West High School, then went on to the cosmetology program at Ridgewater College.
News Releases
Prairie Support Services
Jessica Schoborg is now the sole owner of local small business Prairie Support Services in Walnut Grove thanks to help from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. Jessica has worked for Prairie Support Services for the past 5 years. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business, she decided to buy it because she wanted to keep it in the community. Plans are under way to relocate the business to 422 First Avenue in Westbrook this December.
Promise Loan Program funding available
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has funding available for local economic development projects through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Promise Loan Program. The Promise Loan Program makes loans to businesses, nonprofits and developers in communities that have been adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, a loss of population or an aging population, or a lack of regional economic diversification.
Kathy Wehking completes 6 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Kathy Wehking is retiring from our board of directors following 6 years of service. Kathy started her term in 2018, drawing from her experience as an educator, community leader and farmer. During her service, SWIF accelerated its investments to support access to quality, affordable child care; launched Welcoming Week and the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program; and leveraged connections and expertise to ensure relief and recovery funding flowed into the region’s businesses and communities.
Sunny & Sprout
Sunny & Sprout children’s boutique celebrated its grand opening this summer in Worthington. Shay VonHoltum and Alex LeBrun opened the new shop with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Sunny & Sprout is located at 922 5th Avenue in Worthington’s downtown and offers clothing for kids from size 2T to youth XL. Shay has had a passion for fashion and the retail industry as far back as she can remember. Her years of experience working in retail combined with becoming a mom herself inspired Shay to pursue entrepreneurship.
Abdirizak Mahboub completes 6 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Abdirizak Mahboub is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following just over 6 years of service. Zack joined the board in 2018, stepping in to complete several months of an open term, then staying on. His interest in helping families and youth build safe, successful neighborhoods and lives shaped his decision to serve.
