Claire Meyers joins Southwest Initiative Foundation staff
Meyers is new Entrepreneurship Program Manager
HUTCHINSON, Minn. — 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. SWIF serves the 18 counties and two Native nations of southwest Minnesota by connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities.
A shared love for rural Minnesota and the spirit of entrepreneurship drew Meyers to working at the foundation. A former business owner herself, Meyers co-founded VantagePoint Marketing Consultants in Morton alongside Heather Koffler. The pair launched their business in 2010 and grew it to a full-time staff of four.
“Starting and co-owning a small business for 14 years has given me first-hand knowledge of how hard and rewarding owning a small business is,” Meyers said. “I’m so excited to meet more passionate entrepreneurs and those who support the entrepreneurs of our area.”
Economic development programs at SWIF support local businesses, employees and communities to help create economic mobility for everyone in southwest Minnesota. As SWIF Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Meyers will work directly with prospective and current loan clients and other entrepreneurs and business leaders, in addition to project partners, economic development organizations, program funders, and technical assistance partners. Her role is to provide leadership in technical assistance and business coaching, relationship management, coordination of resource providers and partners, professional communication and outreach and marketing.
“We are thrilled to welcome Claire to our team! Her skills, experience, and passion for serving rural Minnesota will be invaluable to our work and our partners,” said Missy Maiers, SWIF Chief Administrative Officer. “Claire’s expertise will make her a tremendous thought partner in advancing our economic development and entrepreneurship programs, and we are lucky to have her.”
Visit our staff directory for Claire’s full bio.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $120 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.