SWIF has always been committed to supporting entrepreneurs and economic development. We know that the health of our entire region relies on a strong economic base. And, we always hear stories about the amazing things our loan clients and other businesses are able to do from right here in southwest Minnesota. Lately, others have been taking note of these stories, too.
Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has been running a series called Ground Level: Entrepreneurship and I’m so excited that many of these stories feature southwest Minnesotans. I believe there is no better place to do business. Our rich history of agriculture and innovation directly ties to our strong entrepreneurial spirit. Our region is home to smart, capable, creative and hardworking people who are willing to take risks to make things better for themselves and their families, businesses and communities—and we’re all better because of it!
Check out these stories that have a direct tie to our entrepreneurship and microlending programs:
- “Microloans and a hand to hold fill gap for startups” featuring SWIF’s microloan program and microloan client Chant and Amy Sinvongsa’s Jackson-based Wishy Washy Laundromat
- “Older, wiser Minnesotans turn to self-employment” featuring SWIF microloan client Chester Hoernemann and his Glencoe-based therapy practice, Step by Step Behavioral Counseling, and Greg Jodzio, former SWIF microloan client-turned staff member for our entrepreneurship and development teams
- “When starting a business is the only choice” featuring SWIF microloan client Greg Jenum and his Hutchinson-based business Atomic Tarp. The exercise studio and graphics company mentioned in the story are also SWIF microloan clients—Sarah Popp’s CORE Exercise Studio and AJ and Jessica Forcier’s Crow River Signs.
Many others in the region receive mention in the stories so far, including Granite Falls artist Brad Hall, Montevideo-based CURE, Worthington-based Newport Laboratories and Lac qui Parle EDA Pam Lehmann.
These stories also offer a perfect opportunity to recognize SWIF’s economic development team for their daily work to support businesses in our region. Our staff’s expertise, experience, support and connections help so many entrepreneurs through the many stages of doing business. Take a moment to thank our team next time you connect with them—Berny Berger, Greg Jodzio, Karen Larson, Scott Marquardt, Janet Menton, Kurt Thompson, Jackie Turner-Lovsness and Amy Woitalewicz.
What do you think makes southwest Minnesota a good place for entrepreneurs? Leave a comment to share your thoughts!
