Our loan client Smokey Dukes is a new family-owned and operated snack food business in Hutchinson. Brother and sister duo Lance Walter and Mari Wildt co-founded the company, which sells smoked, seasoned pretzels.
Economic Development
Introducing Southwest Minnesota Community Capital
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has formed a new subsidiary called Southwest Minnesota Community Capital with the goal of achieving certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Pursuing CDFI certification marks a bold step forward in realizing our vision of a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. This transformational initiative will deepen our impact and strengthen our role in advancing economic mobility for our region.
Loan client Town N’ Country Appliance, Inc.
Brent and Megan Bramstedts’ first loan with Southwest Initiative Foundation was 15 years ago when they needed help paying off debt. They said the loan was a “lifesaver” for their business. Since then, they have paid off that loan and taken out two additional loans. The most recent loan helped them purchase a new service truck, since servicing appliances makes up a large portion of their business.
Juul Underground
Matt Yurek’s business Juul Underground is ready to dig into new projects with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Launched earlier this year, Juul Underground provides sewer and water repairs. The company’s name may look familiar to locals: Yurek previously worked for Juul Contracting, whose owner is retiring from the business. Keeping part of the previous name Yurek hopes will help with brand recognition.
K&S Roll-Off’s
Kyle and Sommer Harris are growing K&S Roll-Off’s with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. The couple launched in April 2023 and have seen success in their first couple years as small business owners. K&S drops off and picks up dumpsters and disposes of a wide variety of waste on behalf of customers. Options include roll-off containers in three sizes: 13-yard, 17-yard and 21-yard.
Closet Collective
Autumn Dreier is the new owner of a long-time consignment shop in New London, and she’s given it a new name. Dreier purchased the asset’s of Camille’s Closet with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. It’s now the Closet Collective, where premium consignment and upscale thrifting come together for good.
