PRESS RELEASE
Hometown entrepreneur opens Functional Nutrition
Luverne entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
LUVERNE, Minn. – Tyler DeCesare opened Functional Nutrition in December with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. The new small business on Luverne’s Main Street is a one-stop shop for vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, protein shakes, ready-to-eat fit meals and smoothie bowls.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the community, to see everyone stop down to people help on their health journeys,” said DeCesare, who grew up in the community and graduated from Luverne High School.
At the shop, DeCesare offers personalized support to assist customers in reaching their health and fitness goals. His passion for the importance of health and wellness to a person’s quality of life came from his experience in competitive body building. He’s also a member of the National Guard and takes online classes through the University of South Dakota.
Loan funds from SWIF provided startup capital for Functional Nutrition. 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.
Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
As part of the microloan program, DeCesare attended Startup Bootcamp in November to work on defining the vision, goals and strategy for his business. The bootcamp is hosted by redstar marketing un/academy, which provides customized programming for SWIF loan clients to help them harness the power of marketing.
“Tyler’s drive and vision will serve him well as an entrepreneur. We’re happy to be able to support him in opening a business in his hometown,” said Jackie Turner, SWIF Economic Development 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 protected].