New owner consignment shop in New London
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
NEW LONDON, Minn. – 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.
Dreier has experience in the retail business, including as assistant manager of a consignment store in Sauk Rapids. She holds a bachelors’ degree in psychology and is a certified health coach.
Having a consignment store appealed to her as a sustainable business model that helps reduce waste. Dreier also sees it as a way to empower others and create opportunity for more people.
“A consignment store doesn’t just benefit the family behind it—it also provides valuable support to consignors and creates opportunities for members of the local community to earn extra income. Whether it’s a full-time worker or a stay-at-home parent, there’s potential for anyone to get involved and make a meaningful contribution,” said Dreier, herself a mother of two young kids.
Loan funds from SWIF helped Dreier purchase the existing business, which has been in the community for more than 20 years. Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, accounting software training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Autumn has a strong vision for the future of the Closet Collective, and we’re proud to be part of bringing that to life,” said Selina Berning, SWIF Entrepreneurship Finance Officer.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF by calling (800) 594-9480 or (320) 587-4848, or email SWIF.
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.