NEW LONDON, Minn. — Heather King is making space for books and community at her new flyleaf book shop in downtown New London. Loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program helped King open the bookstore, named for the blank page at the beginning or end of a book.
As a partner with Lake Affect Coffee Shop at 32 Main Street, flyleaf book shop is co-renting space that serves book and coffee lovers alike. The quaint, eclectic shop offers new and used books and merchandise related to books, as well as space for writing and creative arts workshops, classes and book clubs.
In addition, flyleaf book shop will coordinate quarterly Story Shows featuring locals reading their own writing. The live storytelling events have been hugely popular in the past, King said. Each show has a theme, with submissions curated around that topic. Local writers often submit work, but it’s open to anyone who would like to give it a shot. King got the idea from a similar project she directed in the Twin Cities and Austin, Texas, called “Listen To Your Mother.”
Previously, King owned the Cre8tive Escape, a collaborative space in New London providing class and studio space to artists. She is a freelance writer and social media manager, and a former social worker. Her father, Mike Westberg, is mentoring King as she launches flyleaf book shop. He ran his own construction company for about 40 years before retiring.
Using SWIF loan funds, King purchased inventory and furnishings, including material her father used to build the shop’s shelving. She also relied on the SWIF financing for working capital.
“SWIF is happy to assist Heather in opening flyleaf book shop. She’s creating a space not only for reading and creativity, but for community,” said SWIF Program Officer Jackie Turner.
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 people looking for self-employment opportunities by providing market-rate loans.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff — who all have personal business experience — to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and reading financials, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a single connection offering unlimited possibilities to grow and promote kids, families, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities in rural southwest Minnesota. As a regional community foundation, SWIF has contributed more than $72 million through its grant and loan programs. SWIF has helped more than 690 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,500 jobs. SWIF also established 25 community affiliates and more than 100 school, donor-advised and other funds. SWIF has also established 16 Early Childhood Initiative coalitions to support young children. SWIF has received 1,650 acres of farmland through our Keep It Growing℠ farmland giving program. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
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