LAKEFIELD, Minn. — Kathryn Vacek-Wiese of Lakefield has opened a mobile pet grooming service, Decora Klips Mobile Pet Spa, to deliver personalized grooming services to clients with a fully outfitted pet spa in a custom trailer. She launched her business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program and the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program, which is funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Previously, Vacek-Wiese worked as a groomer at PetSmart in Houston, Texas, and she has a background in customer service. She moved to Minnesota with her husband more than a year ago and has been working on launching her business since then. She opened Decora Klips in May.
“I love pets, and I wanted to be able to offer a relaxing spa experience for them. A mobile pet grooming service helps prevent stress for both the pet and the pet owner,” Vacek-Wiese said.
Loan funds helped Vacek-Wiese purchase a grooming trailer and equipment.
“We’re excited to support Kathryn in this creative business venture and look forward to seeing her success,” said SWIF Economic Development Officer Jackie Turner.
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 people looking for self-employment opportunities.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance 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. The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) is funded by DEED, which provides grants to a network of nonprofit lenders that use these funds for ELP loans to start-up and expanding businesses throughout the state. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
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 $82 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.
