Juul Underground provides sewer and water excavation
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
HUTCHINSON, Minn. – Matt Yurek’s business Juul Underground is ready to dig into new projects with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Launched earlier this year, Juul Underground provides sewer and water repairs.
The company’s name may look familiar to locals: Yurek previously worked for Juul Contracting, whose owner is retiring from the business. Keeping part of the previous name Yurek hopes will help with brand recognition. Juul Underground also employs three former Juul Contracting staff as full-time, seasonal workers.
Many of Yurek’s customers are municipalities, including Hutchinson, Silver Lake and Hector.
“It’s very expensive to get a contractor to come dig in their city and they want to know they have the best crew on the job,” Yurek said. “The goal of our line of work is to generally get a road opened back up. I know the proper plan of attack to get a project completed as safely and efficiently as possible.”
Loan funds from SWIF helped Yurek purchase machinery and equipment. 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 small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We’re happy to help Matt start this new business, which provides critical services in our region that benefit our communities,” 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 by calling (800) 594-9480 or (320) 587-4848, or email SWIF.
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.