Worthington Business Receives 200th Microloan from SWIF
Palma Customs & Auto Sales benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Palma Customs and Auto Sales, owned by Juan and Angela Palma, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. This marks SWIF’s 200th microloan since starting the program in 2001 with funding from the Small Business Administration. Juan has operated a used auto sales, parts, accessories, detailing and service business in Worthington since July 2006. Angela serves as the office manager and accountant for the business. The auto sales portion of the business has grown significantly since the business started, and SWIF’s loan will enable the business to increase their inventory of quality used cars.
Juan is able to communicate with customers in Spanish, which helps him to serve the Hispanic population in the area. He can be reached at 507‐376‐9181 or 507‐370‐3960.
“Juan has shown great progress in the growth of his business expansion,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “Palma Customs has great potential for success and growth in its niche market.”
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.
John and Tammy Roos Purchase Prairie Decorating with Loan Assistance from SWIF
Worthington, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
John and Tammy Roos recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to assist with the purchase of Prairie Decorating in Worthington. Prairie Decorating has been a long‐time business in downtown Worthington, started by Paul and Lois Woll in 1972. Paul and Lois have chosen to retire from the business and spent late summer helping John and Tammy prepare to take over the business in September.
Prairie Decorating continues to provide high quality Benjamin Moore paint products and supplies; flooring products by Armstrong and Shaw; and Kirsch and Graber window coverings and wallpaper, as well as installation and service. Home accents are an added product line. Visit “Tammy’s Corner” in the front of the store from now until Christmas for seasonal accents. Hours for the business are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact John or Tammy at 507376‐6847 for free estimates.
John was formerly the Chief Information Officer at Minnwest Community and Technical College and Tammy has previous experience in paint and home décor products. John and Tammy have been involved in several home makeovers and have been “do‐it‐yourselfers” with their own home over the years.
“John and Tammy’s combined backgrounds in management and decorating services will serve them well in this new venture,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.
Proceeds from the loan were used to assist with the purchase of the business, together with financing from First State Bank Southwest, Worthington, and the Worthington Regional Economic Development Corporation. 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.
Wagner Chiropractic Opens With Loan Assistance from SWIF
Hendricks, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Wagner Chiropractic, owned by Dr. Josh Wagner, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of his chiropractic office, located at 202 South Main Plaza in Hendricks. Wagner Chiropractic will offer traditional chiropractic services along with educating the public on the benefits of chiropractic care and preventable health care.
Wagner visited the community with family earlier this year and was impressed with the area. Hendricks did not currently have a chiropractor, with the closest located in Ivanhoe 13 miles away, so he felt this was an opportunity for him to open his practice. Wagner Chiropractic officially opened for business in November and Wagner has been pleased with the initial response in the community. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and alternate Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wagner can be reached at 507‐275‐6932.
“We’re very happy to assist Josh with the opening of his chiropractic office,” said Microenterprise Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “It will provide a service and promote economic growth in the community.”
Proceeds from the loan, along with funding from the Hendricks EDA, will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital 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. 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.
Battery CPR Opens with Loan Assistance from SWIF
Ivanhoe, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Mark Paluch recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of Battery CPR, a battery recycling business in Ivanhoe. Battery CPR will be an exclusive dealership for Battery Services International (BSI) serving southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and eastern South Dakota.
BSI has developed a technology and process that restores, rejuvenates, maintains and increases performance and capacity of all types of lead acid batteries, including starting, deep cycle or marine, forklift and electric batteries. Most batteries die with about half of their useful life left and are discarded. Paluch’s business will take batteries and remove the sulfate which plugs up the cells, thereby allowing batteries to again accept a charge, at a lower cost to the consumer than replacing with a new battery. This is fairly new technology in the industry, and not currently available in this trade market area. Battery CPR will also offer refurbished batteries for sale, at a cost savings to the consumer.
Paluch can be reached at 507‐828‐8470 for information on battery recycling. Battery CPR’s shop is located at 2825 190th Ave. west of Ivanhoe, just off of State Highway 19.
“In this time of concern for the environment, and ‘green’ business practices, this is a prime example of using new technology to reduce waste,” said SWIF Program Coordinator Berny Berger.
Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase inventory 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. 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.
Property Cleaning Services Receives Loan Assistance from SWIF
Willmar, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Property Cleaning Services, owned by Angelica Leiva Vargas and her husband Heriberto Leiva Zavala, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to help start up their property cleaning business in Willmar. The business provides cleaning services, lawn mowing, snow removal, painting and small handy‐work jobs for property rental units, homes and to real estate companies preparing homes for sale.
Heriberto can be reached at 320‐295‐8863 for information on their services.
“Heriberto and Angela are hoping to fill a need in the community for handy‐man type services,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “They will benefit from SWIF’s Diverse Business Program, and we are pleased to be of assistance to them.”
Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase a tractor‐mower with snow blower, and provide working capital for the business. Hispanic Business Consultant Roberto Trevino will be providing technical assistance to the business under the program. 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.
