Olivia Floral, Gift and Garden Center set to grow in new ways
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
OLIVIA, Minn. – Nicole Johnson is expanding her business, Olivia Floral, Gift and Garden Center, with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Olivia Floral is a full-service floral and gift shop that creates custom flower, gift and garden arrangements and offers quality products for special occasions, seasonal projects and everyday events.
Johnson grew up in Olivia and after high school earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences. Her parents and grandfather have been business owners in the town for more than 50 years, so entrepreneurship runs in the family.
Olivia Floral was established in 1954, and Johnson purchased the business in June 2021. It was a leap of faith, but she leaned in to her local connections, and her personal and professional knowledge in both business and gardening.
“When I was in the process of buying this business, I talked to banks, the EDA, and so many other local business mentors. I talked to my family. I job shadowed. I watched and learned new things online. I created a business plan. I took action, despite the fact that I was scared out of my mind where this journey would take me,” Johnson said.
Three years later, Johnson manages the store with two part-time employees plus three employees who are on-call for holidays, weddings and funerals. And she’s ready to grow the business in new ways.
“I’ve got a vision and I’m seeing the pieces of the puzzle be put together. My goals are to grow and to create a legacy, to build freedom, to reconnect with nature and to inspire others,” Johnson said.
Loan proceeds from SWIF helped Johnson purchase inventory to expand. 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 also 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.
“We’re always excited to see a small business grow, and we’re happy to be able to support Nicole in her vision for what Olivia Floral can become,” said Jackie Turner, SWIF Economic Development Officer.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF by calling (800) 594-9480, (320) 587-4848 or email SWIF.
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 $115 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.