Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill to Host Grand Opening Feb. 11 and 12
Lynd business benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation Microenterprise Loan Program
Vicente Hernandez recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of the Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill in Lynd. Vicente reopened the Bar and Lynd ballroom complex in October. In addition, he now offers a full restaurant menu, including appetizers, steaks, burgers and Mexican specialties including enchiladas, flautas, fajitas and chimichangas.
The Lyndwood will also feature Tex-Mex entertainment, providing a dance theme venue with live music and DJ entertainment. The Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill will be celebrating its Grand Opening Feb. 11 and 12 with food and drink specials. Hours for the business are Wednesdays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Vicente can be reached at 507-865-4000 to inquire about upcoming entertainment, or to book events in the ballroom.
Hernandez has been employed most recently as a shift manager for five years at Logic, Inc., in Montevideo. He has always been interested in having a restaurant/entertainment venue, and worked as a cook for four years in a restaurant. Hernandez felt the opportunity was right when the Lyndwood came up for sale this year and decided to purchase the business.
“SWIF is pleased to assist Mr. Hernandez with opening the restaurant in Lynd, which has been a long-time asset to the community and surrounding area,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.
Together with primary financing from Klein Bank of Montevideo, proceeds from the SWIF loan will be used to purchase the equipment for the start up of the Lyndwood. 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. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.
In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one-to-one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and 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 $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
Applications Now Accepted for 2011 Valspar Corporation’s Minnesota Beautiful Grant Program
Southwest Initiative Foundation and Valspar Corporation partner for 14th year to support community projects
Applications are now being accepted for consideration in the Minnesota Beautiful program, a grant program that provides paint and coatings to complete various restoration projects in Minnesota communities. The program is administered by the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) in partnership with the Minneapolis-based Valspar Corporation. This 14-year partnership between the organizations provides community restoration and beautification opportunities in southwest Minnesota.
Selected projects must be located within SWIF’s 18-county southwest Minnesota service area. Projects must also meet criteria including visual impact of the project, public benefit to the community, volunteer participation and support, current and/or intended use of the structure and benefit to the needy. Qualifying projects may include—but are not limited to—historic buildings, structures or landmarks, facilities for senior or disabled citizens, community centers or other public buildings and murals or other visual impact projects. Some projects not within the scope of this program include denominational churches, city maintenance or privately-owned facilities that do not meet any of the above criteria.
Completed application packages for the Minnesota Beautiful program must be received by March 7, 2011.
Contact SWIF Community Resource Assistant Marsha Frauendienst at marshaf@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480 with questions.
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 $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
Glacial Ridge Winery Expands with Loan Assistance from SWIF
Spicer MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Glacial Ridge Winery, owned by Ron and Kim Wothe, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the expansion of their farm winery located at 15455 Old Mill Road in rural Spicer. Glacial Ridge Winery began operations in August 2007 and recently remodeled a large barn on the property to improve and expand the winery’s production area, while also adding public space to accommodate larger indoor events, including weddings, parties, entertainment and corporate events. The new event venue has décor inspired by the barrel rooms of working wineries—open and airy with exposed beams, tin and barn wood, as well as lighting and ceiling fans—which creates a simple, yet elegant space large enough to comfortably seat approximately 150 guests.
Glacial Ridge Winery continues to garner awards for their hand crafted Minnesota wines. Most recently, five Glacial Ridge wines were awarded medals at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York. Winning wines included St. Pepin, receiving gold; Castle Rock Red and Sippin’ From a Slipper, receiving silver; and Jazzy and Anitque Car Run, receiving bronze. More information about the winery can be found online at www.glacialridgewinery.com or by calling 320‐796‐6127.
“The Foundation is very pleased to be able to assist Ron and Kim with this expansion of their business, which is a vital part of the local tourist trade area around Spicer and the Willmar lakes region,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital for the start up of the service center. 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. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.
In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture.
SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives
Green Earth Lawn Care Expands with Assistance from SWIF
Hutchinson, MN business adds snow removal services
Green Earth Lawn Care, owned by Jamie Scharfencamp, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to expand his business services to include snow removal. Scharfencamp has been offering a full service lawn and garden service in Hutchinson and the surrounding area for the past four years, building a successful business. He has recently added irrigation and snow removal services to his business, providing a full range of lawn and lot maintenance services.
Scharfencamp is available for snow removal services this winter, as well as handling lawn care and irrigation needs for 2011. In addition, Green Earth Lawn Care also serves a business niche market providing “green” applications of all natural liquid lawn fertilizer and a unique fertilizer/pesticide application service that allows spot spraying of broadleafs during the application process, reducing cost to the customer and using less chemical. Scharfencamp can be reached at 320‐296‐9465, or on his website at www.growtheglow.com to schedule any needed services.
“Jamie continues to work hard to provide good customer service, utilizing good business planning efforts to grow his business in a competitive market,” said SWIF Microenterprise Program Coordinator Berny Berger.
Proceeds from the loan will be used for equipment. 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. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.
In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Neil’s Nuttin’ But Nuts Opens in Kandi Mall with Loan Assistance from SWIF
Willmar, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Neil’s Nuttin’ But Nuts, owned by Neil Hughes, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of his nut roasting vending business within K‐Mart at the Willmar Kandi Mall. The business features premium almonds, pecans, cashews and proprietary coatings from the Nutty Bavarian Company, all fresh‐roasted at Hughes’ stand.
Hughes, 52, was a farmer until a massive stroke in 1993 caused left side paralysis. Today, he walks with a cane and walker, and is employed part‐time with West Central Industries of Willmar. A stroke survivor, Hughes was the 2009 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award recipient. Established in 1992, the award, administered by Courage Center, recognizes the pursuit or achievement in a business entrepreneurial endeavor by a person with a physical disability or sensory impairment.
“The Foundation is pleased to be able to assist Neil with his goals of self‐sufficiency and we are very impressed with his determination to succeed,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “Hughes has been an inspiration to our program.”
Proceeds from the loan, together with a monetary award from the Jacobson Fund, was used to help purchase equipment for the start up of the vending 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. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.
In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
