Lori Varcoe has opened The Gift II in Canby with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. A longtime employee of the original boutique, The Gift, Varcoe purchased the business and updated its name. The Gift II offers clothing, décor, gifts, permanent jewelry and furniture. Varcoe also provides consignment opportunities for local artists and fellow small business owners.
News
Juul Underground
Matt Yurek’s business Juul Underground is ready to dig into new projects with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Launched earlier this year, Juul Underground provides sewer and water repairs. The company’s name may look familiar to locals: Yurek previously worked for Juul Contracting, whose owner is retiring from the business. Keeping part of the previous name Yurek hopes will help with brand recognition.
K&S Roll-Off’s
Kyle and Sommer Harris are growing K&S Roll-Off’s with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. The couple launched in April 2023 and have seen success in their first couple years as small business owners. K&S drops off and picks up dumpsters and disposes of a wide variety of waste on behalf of customers. Options include roll-off containers in three sizes: 13-yard, 17-yard and 21-yard.
Meet the 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders
The 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort is a dynamic group of individuals from across southwest Minnesota who are stepping up to shape the future of their communities. This year’s participants represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared passion for local leadership and community impact.
Closet Collective
Autumn Dreier is the new owner of a long-time consignment shop in New London, and she’s given it a new name. Dreier purchased the asset’s of Camille’s Closet with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. It’s now the Closet Collective, where premium consignment and upscale thrifting come together for good.
Kristi Elaine Teigen Memorial Scholarship
It’s graduation season! Across southwest Minnesota, communities are celebrating. And our fund partners are investing in students’ dreams and goals through local scholarship programs. We currently host 10 dedicated scholarship funds as well as many others that provide scholarships in addition to funding other projects. One of our funds is the Kristi Elaine Teigen Memorial Scholarship, launched in 2010 to support Jackson County Central (JCC) High School graduates.
