Local business benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation microloan program
Hutchinson, Minn.— Sandi Sportelli will be expanding her pet supply business – Nala Jean’s, in rural Hutchinson with loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Sportelli has been selling healthy, high nutrition pet food (cat and dog) and pet supplies out of space in her garage for the past year and one-half. She has found a good market in the area, as well as the need for dog boarding and doggie daycare. With the building addition on her 5 acre home-site, Sandi is adding 6 suites for pet boarding, with plans to add more later as needed.
The business is named for Nala, Sandi’s 5 yr old Samoyed dog. Nala is a certified therapy dog, and makes regular appearances at area veterans clubs and long-term care centers. In 2014 Nala was taken for a routine visit to the vet, and it was determined that her liver enzymes and other test levels were high. Sandi talked to a friend in Nala’s therapy dog group, where she found out about several food options. She switched Nala to a grain-free diet and noticed a great improvement in her mood and energy levels. Since Sandi did not have easy access to purchasing the desired pet foods locally, and found other pet owners in the same dilemma, she decided to start a pet supply business herself to fill that need.
Sportelli has been in management positions almost her entire professional career, and has a good business background. Reservations for boarding can made by calling Sandi at (320) 221-5881. Pet drop off and pickup are by appointment only. For more information, check out her website at www.nalajeans.com or on Facebook at Nala Jean’s, where you will also find her retail hours.
Primary financing for the project was provided by Citizen’s Bank and Trust of Hutchinson. SWIF loan funds were used for working capital for the business.
“SWIF is very happy to assist Sandi in this project, which will provide a healthy alternative for pets in the Hutchinson area, as well as filling a need for pet boarding,” said SWIF Program Officer, Jackie Turner.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception as a way to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities by providing market-rate loans.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff—all who have personal business experience—to improve their business management skills, from business planning to reading financials to marketing and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
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].
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a single connection offering unlimited possibilities to grow and promote people, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities in rural southwest Minnesota. As a regional community foundation, SWIF has contributed more than $69 million through its grant and loan programs. SWIF has helped more than 660 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,400 jobs. SWIF has also established 16 Early Childhood Initiative coalitions, 24 community foundations and more than 90 school, donor-advised and other funds. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
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