Ortonville business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
APRIL 30, 2010—Tri State Ag Solutions, owned by David Maas and Richard Huebner, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of their crop services business in Ortonville.
Maas and Huebner have had seed dealerships and sold foliar fertilizer for several years. They have worked with Crop Production Services in the past, and now will handle seed inoculants services in their new business, which will consolidate all their sales activities into one business.
Tri State Ag Solutions will offer seed treatment services, as well as sales of Producers Hybrids, NK Hybrids, Sabre Seeds, Country Vet pet food and BOGS boots. Tri State will also be a dealer for BATCO belt conveyors. The business will serve farmers in the tri-state area of west central Minnesota, southeast North Dakota, and northeast South Dakota. Tri State Ag Solutions can be reached at 320-839-9929.
“We are pleased to assist Dave and Rich with the start up of this agri-business operation,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “Their business will provide very beneficial services to area farmers.”
Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment for the start up of 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 that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
