We are partnering with Propel Nonprofits to provide opportunities for training and professional development for staff, board members, and committee volunteers engaged with nonprofit organizations located in southwest Minnesota.
Stories
Woodgrain Custom Builds
Kevin Veldhuisen is reimagining his small business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Veldhuisen opened Woodgrain Custom Builds (originally named The Creation Workshop) in 2015. His woodworking career started even earlier in 2007 when he bought his first miter saw and started building simple furnishings for his wife, Anne, and their family.
Falls Boutique has what it takes to be a successful small business in rural Minnesota
When Falls Boutique opened, the focus was more on clothing. But shoppers gravitated toward gifts and home essentials like detergent and hand soap. Some items are still for fun: The store sells just as many Christmas ornaments throughout the year as it does in December.
Apply for the 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community, but need the tools and confidence to step into more formal leadership roles? Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is a leadership education program designed just for you. We’ll help you discover and build on your unique strengths so you can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.
Claire Meyers joins staff
Claire Meyers of Sleepy Eye has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff as Entrepreneurship Program Manager. In this role, Meyers will lead entrepreneurship, business education and technical assistance programs and initiatives for the nonprofit community foundation.
Fellowship empowers social entrepreneurs in southwest Minnesota
Are you an entrepreneur with a passion for tackling social or environmental challenges in southwest Minnesota? The Initiators Fellowship is here to support you! Designed for idea- and early-stage entrepreneurs, this fellowship helps foster the development of social enterprises—ventures with social or environmental good built into their mission and operations.
