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.
Economic Development
Cool things made in southwest Minnesota
Minnesota companies have a long history of innovation, creating some of the “coolest” products to fuel our economy. This year, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is launching a competition to highlight this innovation. In the spirit of the contest, we wanted to share some of the coolest items manufactured in southwest Minnesota by Southwest Initiative Foundation’s current and former loan clients. This is definitely not an exhaustive list of the innovations created in our region or even by our loan clients, but it’s a fun sampling of some that are truly unique!
Southwest Minnesota Child Care Listening Sessions Summary Report
SWIF hosted a series of five listening sessions across southwest Minnesota to gather regional feedback on the draft standards. More than 150 child care providers, directors, economic development professionals, employers, parents and community leaders attended these sessions to voice their concerns and recommendations. Cheryl Glaeser of Achieve TFC, LLC. facilitated the sessions and developed a summary report in partnership with SWIF to highlight the key challenges noted in the listening sessions and a summary of recommended changes to the standards.
Gnometown Grounds
Gnometown Grounds — a locally owned café, bakeshop and gift shop — recently celebrated its grand re-opening in Dawson with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Emma Weber started this small business last year in the former Marc’s on Main gift shop. Following a brief soft launch, Weber had a planned closure starting in January 2024 to make major renovations, including adding a coffee bar and kitchen.
6th Street Logistics
Willmar-based trucking outfit 6th Street Logistics is expanding with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. The company is owned by Krista and Chris Nehk. Founded in 2021 with one semi, the company now has a fleet of trucks hauling a variety of freight from live birds to refrigerated goods. They have routes locally, within the Midwest and down to Texas.
Blush & Bliss Med Spa
Maisie Hagert has opened Blush & Bliss Med Spa in Redwood Falls with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. This beauty and wellness destination offers a wide range of medically guided cosmetic treatments and procedures, also known as medical aesthetics. Maisie’s interest in entrepreneurship started young, influenced by her parents’ successful businesses. The growing medical spa industry presented a unique opportunity for Maisie to merge her passion for business ownership with her nursing expertise, knowledge and compassion.
