Claire Meyers of Sleepy Eye has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff as Entrepreneurship Program Manager. In this role, Meyers will lead entrepreneurship, business education and technical assistance programs and initiatives for the nonprofit community foundation.
News
Fellowship empowers social entrepreneurs in southwest Minnesota
Are you an entrepreneur with a passion for tackling social or environmental challenges in southwest Minnesota? The Initiators Fellowship is here to support you! Designed for idea- and early-stage entrepreneurs, this fellowship helps foster the development of social enterprises—ventures with social or environmental good built into their mission and operations.
‘Small towns can bloom in big ways’
Picture a city where streets bloom with baskets of flowers, trees grow to shade the sidewalks and residents take pride in their surroundings. This is the city of Dawson, thanks in part to Dawson Community Foundation grants dedicated to city beautification efforts.
Bird Island-Olivia Community Foundation supports students
Students attending BOLD High School in Olivia are experiencing extra support at school this winter thanks to grants made by the Bird Island-Olivia Community Foundation. The foundation granted a total of $6,075 in fall 2024, including $2,500 for the Care Closet.
El Chilero Auto Repair
Entrepreneur Jose Lopez is expanding his auto repair business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program and DEED’s Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program. El Chilero Auto Repair is located in the heart of Litchfield at 526 North Ramsey Avenue.
Skating through winter thanks to Clarkfield Area Community Foundation grant
What used to be an open field in Clarkfield is now an ice rink thanks to $1,000 from a Clarkfield Area Community Foundation grant. Transforming the former Clarkfield archery range into a place to skate opens up opportunities for recreation during winter months when it can be harder to find something fun to do outdoors.
