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.
Stories
Grant Spotlight: MACCRAY 2180 Foundation supports academic and extracurricular activities for students
The new school year is off to a strong start at MACCRAY School District thanks in part to grants from its local education foundation. The district serves 758 students from the communities of Maynard, Clara City and Raymond. The MACCRAY 2180 Foundation is a resource for teachers, coaches and other staff, who can submit grant requests each year to the foundation’s volunteer advisory board members.
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.
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!
Nonprofit Training Opportunities
We host workshops and trainings designed to support the growth and success of nonprofits that serve southwest Minnesota.
Southwest Initiative Foundation awards $400,000 in grant funds through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
Southwest Initiative Foundation recently awarded 16 grants totaling $400,000 through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund to support local organizations that address community asset building, basic needs, health and well-being and restorative and responsive services.
