Jose Lopez accelerates growth for El Chilero Auto Repair
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation, DEED loan programs
LITCHFIELD, Minn. – Entrepreneur Jose Lopez is expanding his auto repair business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program and DEED’s Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program. El Chilero Auto Repair is located in the heart of Litchfield at 526 North Ramsey Avenue.
Lopez founded the business in 2022 and later purchased his building from Doug Decker, who operated an auto repair shop for more than 40 years in the space. El Chilero offers routine maintenance, brakes, tires and transmission repairs for all car makes and models.
“Despite being a new entity in the market, we’ve made significant strides thanks to exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, bilingual support and fast, quality work,” Lopez said. “We’ve already seen accomplishments in building trust and long-term relationships with our customers, underpinned by a commitment to excellence and attention to detail.”
Before striking out on his own, Lopez gained experience working in a local dealership parts department. While there are several options for auto repair locally, Lopez believes El Chilero can uniquely serve the Hispanic community. He’s also catering to the needs of younger, tech-savvy drivers seeking convenience and transparency, as well as fleet owners and local businesses looking for reliable maintenance services.
Loan funds from SWIF provided working capital for El Chilero, including building renovations. 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 entrepreneurs.
“We’re proud to invest in entrepreneurs like Jose who are foundational to our small towns and their vitality. We look forward to seeing his business thrive, ” 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 at (800) 594-9480, (320) 587-4848 or email SWIF.
The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) supports the growth of businesses owned and operated by entrepreneurs who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC); low-income persons; women; veterans; and/or persons with disabilities. DEED provides grant funds to a network of nonprofit lenders that use these funds for loans to start-up and expanding businesses throughout the state.
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.