Business Services | Community-Building | Ways to Give | IQ Magazine 

The Initiative Foundation sends regular newsletters with events, updates, grant opportunities and learning initiatives. We focus on what you need to know to complement the important community and economic development work that matters most to you.

Rooted in Resilience

Local entrepreneurs and nonprofits thrive with a CDFI in their corner


In downtown Long Prairie, a once-empty century-old building now hums with life. At Viva Bar and Restaurant, owners Gabrier Perez and Miozoti Nieves have turned a vacant space into a lively gathering spot with six renovated apartments adding much-needed housing.

In Waite Park, Gladys Winkelman’s African Pinkylicious Salon is thriving under a new lighted sign that boosts the visibility of her business. And in Sauk Centre, Eagle’s Healing Nest, once near closure, is again supporting veterans through renewed leadership and stability.

Each success was supported by the Initiative Foundation—a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution. Through flexible microloans, partnerships and coaching, the Foundation and its Impact Fund fill often-overlooked financing gaps that help entrepreneurs and nonprofits thrive.

Read the fall edition of IQ Magazine to see how mission-driven lending is transforming communities across Central Minnesota.

Also in this edition:



• Small Towns, Big Change—Across Central Minnesota, small towns from Hackensack to Milaca are proving that big ideas—and a lot of heart—can drive lasting community change.
• People-Powered Prosperity—To sustain economic growth, rural communities are rethinking their approach—focusing less on recruiting businesses and more on attracting and keeping people.
• Camp's Spirit Lives On—After selling its longtime property, One Heartland is making sure camp spirit endures by launching a fund to sustain affirming, inclusive experiences for generations of kids.
• Rainbow Hair Hats—Inspired by her daughter’s journey with epilepsy, one Minnesota mom created a hat that hides EEG wires, brings comfort and gives back to families facing similar challenges.
• Regional Highlights—Read highlights from Central Minnesota’s 14 counties and two Native nations.

Thank you for reading IQ Magazine, and thank you for supporting the Initiative Foundation!

Bob McClintick

Marketing & Communications Director

P.S.--If you like what we do, I invite you to share it in a review.

Support the Foundation

A gift to the Initiative Foundation or one if its Partner Funds goes a long way to support regionwide community-building efforts. Support our work to help regional nonprofits and small businesses grow and prosper, to bring support to those who are underserved, to be part of Central Minnesota's childcare solution, and to create access and opportunity for local students.

Act Today: Advertise in IQ Magazine

IQ Magazine is an intelligent, affordable advertising choice to reach a regional marketplace and enhance your brand reputation as a community-focused organization. Posting a 40 percent increase in circulation since 2019, IQ Magazine is a go-to source for solutions and insights for Central Minnesota readers and leaders.

Contact:

Brian Lehman

Advertising Director

lehmanconsulting2@nisswa.net

(218) 838-4158

Emily Davis

Advertising Sales Representative

davis.emily0502@gmail.com

(218) 290-5190