TRACY, Minn.— Sarah’s Pet Grooming gives cats and dogs a fresh new look, and recently the business got its own makeover. Owner Sarah Willhite purchased a building in downtown Tracy to serve as her new location. Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) helped make the move possible with financing through its Microenterprise Loan Program.
Willhite has been running her successful pet grooming business from her home since 2014 and needed more room. SWIF financing helped her purchase the former Perfect Reflections hair salon on Morgan Street and renovate it. Services at Sarah’s Pet Grooming include grooming for small, medium and large dogs, as well as cats, and pet boarding at a separate location in Tracy.
“Animals are my passion. As a child I always wanted to be around the rabbits, cows, chickens, pigs, and help them,” said Willhite, who grew up on a farm near Tracy.
Appointments have been filling up fast for Willhite, who says she loves the new shop space. She’s adding dog training classes soon, and is always looking for opportunities to serve pets and owners.
“SWIF is happy to be a resource for Sarah to help her grow her business, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for her in downtown Tracy,” 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. 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 $75 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.
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