Jackie Turner is retiring from her role as an economic development officer at Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF). In honor of her 21 years invested in our mission, the foundation will dedicate $2,100 at Jackie’s direction to support technical assistance for entrepreneurs in southwest Minnesota.
Jackie has been a remarkable champion for entrepreneurs, and our region is better because of her commitment and expertise. During her tenure, our microloan program earned national, regional and state recognition. Jackie mentored more than 300 loan clients at the foundation, offering each one a relationship that extended well beyond a balance sheet or a business plan.
“I’m always so surprised at how many people I’ve had the honor to work with. It’s very humbling, the impact that not just me but also the foundation, its mission, the microloan program have had,” Jackie said. “I’ve always said I have the best job in the world. I will miss being a part of SWIF so much.”
In retirement, Jackie looks forward to having more time to spend with her husband, traveling, catching-up on hobbies, and spending more time with family and friends. She also plans to work with entrepreneurs as a consultant for Southwest Minnesota SBDC.
Before joining SWIF, Jackie worked in economic development at the county level. And before that, she was a small business owner. Surrounded by entrepreneurs growing up, Jackie knew she wanted to be one. When she opened a coffee shop, Jackie learned firsthand the ups and downs of owning a small business.
“I remember when I started my business, I was clueless. I had a passion; I had a dream and nothing was going to stop me. I just jumped into it,” Jackie said. “I wished I would have had someone guiding me. I did have help, but I wished I would have had more hands-on help. I would have worked smarter, not harder.”
Photo credit: redstar creative
That experience inspired her approach to working with clients in our Microenteprise Loan Program, providing resources and tools to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Driving throughout the region, Jackie can proudly point out the many businesses she has worked with in our communities.
“We are so fortunate to have the entrepreneurs we have that are providing the goods and services and entertainment we do. I wish everybody knew how rich southwest Minnesota is,” Jackie said.
Jackie said the biggest road blocks for small business ownership have remained the same during her career: access to capital and resources. She tried to make both more visible through her work. Jackie was a passionately supportive partner who walked alongside entrepreneurs to understand their problems and cheer them on. Even if someone’s dream of business ownership ultimately didn’t work out, they could still be a success in Jackie’s eyes: “If you gave it your all, you did not fail.”
Congratulations to Jackie on her well-deserved retirement! While we are sad to see Jackie go, we are grateful for all she’s invested in our work. Her last day at the foundation will be Nov. 8, 2024.
Hear from Jackie in her own words on the redstar marketing unacademy podcast.
