Hutchinson business is positioned to fulfill unique technology niche 
APRIL 20, 2010—Tammy Lauer, owner of My Computer Tutor, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of her computer software and technology training business in Hutchinson.
Lauer offers individualized training by assisting people at their home or business in computer software programs and electronic devices. She is well equipped to work with people who may not be tech savvy but would like to learn more about technology tools. She listens to her clients explain their goals and customizes training to meet their needs.
Lauer is a Certified QuickBooks Advisor and has experience to teach QuickBooks to home and small businesses as well project management skills. She has training and experience to teach Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and Project, as well as other software applications and technology tips.
A specific segment that Lauer is well suited to assist is older adults, in part due to her experience as a home health aide. She looks forward to teaching tools like e-mail to improve communication between grandparents and grandchildren, for example. Lauer also has a special interest in family history, photographs and online genealogy. She has helped individuals record their family history with photographs and memoirs to be passed on to future generations.
For more information about My Computer Tutor, visit www.mncomputertutor.com or contact Lauer at 320- 583-2567.
“We are very pleased assist Tammy,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “She has a gift of patience and understanding, which is a real benefit to her customers and her business. We think her services will fill a need in the community.”
Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital for the start up of the business. 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. Department of Agriculture.
PHOTO: Bette Corbin (right) of Hutchinson says that with assistance from Tammy Lauer (left), she can now communicate with old friends she used to work with, relatives and her 15 grandchildren spread all over the country. She also sets reminders in an electronic calendar to track birthdays, anniversaries and addresses.
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 $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
