Worthington, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Rural Rock, Inc., owned by Jessica Behnke, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for her hardscaping and trucking business in Worthington. Rural Rock will provide various rock types for hardscaping and softscaping to commercial landscapers and residential do‐it‐yourselfers. They also provide backhoe services and in‐ground watering system installation and maintenance. Typical small‐scale hardscaping examples include brick patios, rock gardens, and in‐ground watering systems. In addition, Rural Rock will provide trucking services for area farmers and business services, with its semi‐trailer, including OTR trucking.
Rural Rock will be run by Jessica Behnke, and manager David Janssen. They can be reached at 507‐ 350‐8182 for a free estimate or information on their services, or visit their website at www.ruralrock4u.com for more information.
“The Foundation is pleased to assist this new business in the Worthington area, which will serve a niche market with their hardscaping services,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.
Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment for 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. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.
In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
