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.
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.
