Marilyn Schroeder begins serving Ivanhoe and surrounding communities
Marilyn and Dennis Schroeder of Ivanhoe recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start-up of Maris Hearing Center, LLC, located in the Ivanhoe Medical Center, 366 E. George St., Ivanhoe.
Maris Hearing Center will provide hearing tests, sales and service to residents of Ivanhoe and surrounding communities. An open house is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, during which time guests can sign up for free hearing tests and enjoy coffee and cookies.
Regular business hours for Maris Hearing Center are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 507-694-1416. Maris Hearing Center will also schedule visits throughout the surrounding area on a weekly rotation.
Marilyn Schroeder is a licensed hearing instrument dispenser and certified occupational hearing conservationist with a strong business background. “We are pleased to be able to assist Marilyn with the start up of this business,” said SWIF Microenterprise Program Officer Berny Berger. “It will complement the existing health-related services in Ivanhoe and benefit people in the surrounding area who are experiencing hearing loss.”
“With SWIF’s Microenterprise Program, I was able to purchase high-tech medical equipment including the ‘AuraCare’ for drying and cleaning hearing aids,” Marilyn Schroeder added. “This equipment will extend the life of hearing aids and keep the hearing aid performing correctly.”
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 that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship-building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $46 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 450 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which has created or retained more than 7,400 jobs. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
