STEWART, Minn. — Graphic artist Janey Oberg has launched her own design business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Designs by Jane offers sign, print, promotional and logo designs — “business cards to billboards and everything in between.”
Oberg, who makes her home in Stewart, has associates degrees in design and marketing and multimedia design technology. She’s built a portfolio of work spanning 14 years, including design positions with the Hutchinson Leader and Herald Journal newspapers as well as Greater Minnesota Printing and Data Management.
“My motto is ‘bringing your vision to life.’ I love helping people take their thoughts and ideas and implementing it into the final project,” Oberg said. “I truly enjoy working with people and making the design process fun and easy.”
Customers can find Designs by Jane on Facebook (@DesignsbyJaneMN) or can reach Oberg directly at (320) 282-5589 or [email protected].
To get her new business up and running, Oberg reached out to SWIF for business financing. The loan funds helped her purchase needed technology and gave her sufficient working capital.
“SWIF is happy to help Janey build on her experience by starting her own business and trying something new. Her creativity is sure to serve her well as a small business owner,” said Jackie Turner, SWIF Economic Development Officer.
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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