Woodgrain Custom Builds grows business in Marshall
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
MARSHALL, Minn. – Kevin Veldhuisen is reimagining his small business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Veldhuisen opened Woodgrain Custom Builds (originally named The Creation Workshop) in 2015. His woodworking career started even earlier in 2007 when he bought his first miter saw and started building simple furnishings for his wife, Anne, and their family.
Today Veldhuisen has expanded his skills to provide custom cabinets, office suites and furniture. He also moved operations from his garage to a storefront on the north side of Marshall in the industrial park on Erie Road. Veldhuisen remains the only full-time employee, with Anne assisting on finish work, installations and bookkeeping.
“Our builds are very customized and specific to each customer’s needs, and we have found a particularly strong niche in the historical homes,” Veldhuisen said. “My customers tend to seek me out when they need something very specific, or simply cannot find anything that suits their needs.”
During 2024, Woodgrain Custom Builds experienced setbacks – a large shop fire and a serious hand injury for Veldhuisen – while still doubling demand from the previous year. With so much on his plate, Veldhuisen reached out to SWIF for both financing and support.
“The help I’m getting from SWIF is extremely valuable to me and my growing business. I have grown quickly, and I need to find a manageable pace that is sustainable and profitable,” Veldhuisen said.
Loan funds from the foundation provided working capital for the business. Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, accounting software training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
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 entrepreneurs.
“Loans can help a small business get up and running, but we’re also here to support entrepreneurs as their dreams grow and evolve. We’re happy to help Kevin finance the next phase of his business,” said Selina Berning, SWIF Entrepreneurship Finance Officer.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF by calling (800) 594-9480 or (320) 587-4848, or email SWIF.
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 $120 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.