Brent and Megan Bramstedt purchased Town ‘N Country Appliance, Inc. in May 2007. The store had been in the community 50 years already at that point, and Brent had worked there since 1996. Buying the business gave the couple flexibility to dedicate time to their family and stay in the Windom area.
Town N’ Country is full-line dealer for GE, LG and Speed Queen appliances and offers full in-home service for all brands. The store also carries LG TVs and electronics and has The Big Green Egg grills popular for outdoor cooking.
Bramstedts’ first loan with Southwest Initiative Foundation was 15 years ago when they needed help paying off debt. They said the loan was a “lifesaver” for their business. Since then, they have paid off that loan and taken out two additional loans. The most recent loan helped them purchase a new service truck, since servicing appliances makes up a large portion of their business.
Entrepreneurship has taught Brent and Megan life and people skills and allowed them to give back locally, they said, and they appreciate how SWIF supports communities. Megan currently serves as a volunteer on the ambulance squad in Windom. Brent is a member of the Cottonwood County Agricultural Society, which puts on the annual Cottonwood County Fair.
Creating economic mobility through lending
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since the beginning, supporting communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Microloan clients 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.
Every microloan we provide is more than just funding—it’s a lifeline of mentorship, training, and opportunity for entrepreneurs across southwest Minnesota. Donate today and be the spark behind someone’s success story!
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].
