Entrepreneurship

SWIF is working to provide access to resources and training for all southwest Minnesota business owners.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is deeply committed to the entrepreneurs of the region and believes they hold one of the keys to regional economic advancement.  The Entrepreneurship Initiative was created to facilitate and support regional resources to assist and invest in entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures.  SWIF is working to identify gaps in services available to entrepreneurs and create a seamless resource path for aspiring business owners.

Programs

• Entrepreneurship Resource Network
• Business Support Network

Entrepreneurial Education Opportunities

"Small Business Consultation Sessions" 

On the first Wednesday of each month meet with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant free of charge from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the SWIF office in Hutchinson.  These sessions are an opportunity to have your business or pre-venture questions answered and to discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding business ownership.  No appointments are necessary.  Appointments can be made for a different day and time by calling the SBDC at (800) 594-9480, ext. 7386.

"Starting a Small Business Pre-Venture Classes"

These three-hour sessions are held the third Wednesday of each month at SWIF and taught by staff from SWIF, SBDC and Ridgewater College Small Business Management (SBM) program.  The classes help entrepreneurs learn how to research and prepare a business plan, and determine whether a business idea is feasible marketable, and profitable.  Contact SWIF at (800) 594-9480 or info@swifoundation.org for more information.

"Going into Business Classes”

Classes will be offered for tuition credits on a quarterly basis at SWIF through Ridgewater College.  Classes will begin in September 2007.  Watch our calendar for dates and times. Contact SWIF at (800) 594-9480 or info@swifoundation.org for more information.

Entrepreneurs can also find a variety of loan financing options through SWIF’s Loan Programs.

For More Information:				Additional Resources:
	Contact: Jackie Turner-Lovsness Program Specialist (800) 594-9480 jackiet@swifoundation.org				African Development Center http://www.adcminnesota.org/ Becker Business Center http://www.beckerbusinesscenter.com/ Lincoln County Enterprise Development Corporation http://www.lincolnenterprise.org/ Latino Economic Development Center http://www.ledc-mn.org/ View Additional Resources