Worthington, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
John and Tammy Roos recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to assist with the purchase of Prairie Decorating in Worthington. Prairie Decorating has been a long‐time business in downtown Worthington, started by Paul and Lois Woll in 1972. Paul and Lois have chosen to retire from the business and spent late summer helping John and Tammy prepare to take over the business in September.
Prairie Decorating continues to provide high quality Benjamin Moore paint products and supplies; flooring products by Armstrong and Shaw; and Kirsch and Graber window coverings and wallpaper, as well as installation and service. Home accents are an added product line. Visit “Tammy’s Corner” in the front of the store from now until Christmas for seasonal accents. Hours for the business are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact John or Tammy at 507376‐6847 for free estimates.
John was formerly the Chief Information Officer at Minnwest Community and Technical College and Tammy has previous experience in paint and home décor products. John and Tammy have been involved in several home makeovers and have been “do‐it‐yourselfers” with their own home over the years.
“John and Tammy’s combined backgrounds in management and decorating services will serve them well in this new venture,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.
Proceeds from the loan were used to assist with the purchase of the business, together with financing from First State Bank Southwest, Worthington, and the Worthington Regional Economic Development Corporation. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.
In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
