Longtime employee now owner of Prairie Support Services
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
WALNUT GROVE, Minn. – Jessica Schoborg is now the sole owner of local small business Prairie Support Services in Walnut Grove thanks to help from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Schoborg plans to relocate the business to 422 First Avenue in Westbrook this December.
Schoborg has worked for Prairie Support Services for the past 5 years. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business, she decided to buy it because she wanted to keep it in the community.
“I also wanted to ensure that our employees would be able to continue working for someone that will look out for their best interests, and I wanted the continuity for our clients as well. It can be so difficult as a vulnerable adult to be subjected to change and keeping Prairie Support Services operating as it has offered them that peace of mind,” Schoborg said.
Prairie Support Services supplies court appointed guardianships, conservatorships, trustees, substitute decision making, power of attorney, and health care directives for vulnerable adults. Currently the business serves 19 counties throughout Minnesota.
“I am passionate about the work that I do because it is so rewarding. I often come into a client’s life when they are at their lowest, and I have the connections and the resources to help turn their life around. Oftentimes, the clients don’t have family or a positive support system that can help them, and being able to be that person is very gratifying and makes all the difference,” Schborg said.
The business was founded in 2015 by Sheryl Woelber, Paulette Koch and Betty Schoephoerster. Loan proceeds allowed Schoberg to buy out remaining owners Koch and Schoephoerster. 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 entrepreneurs.
“Small business succession is critical for our communities in the region, and we’re happy to help entrepreneurs like Jessica create a new future for existing businesses,” said Selina Berning, SWIF Entrepreneurship Finance Officer.
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, accounting software 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. 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.