SMIF's winter Economic Development Newsletter

Greetings!

Shoutout to these leaders for their spirit of giving! This fall, our nonprofit peer network, Circle for Good, met to learn more business tools, including how to effectively communicate their message and inspire people to be a part of their mission.

They are not only passionate about helping others, but they also take the time to support each other by offering advice and sharing resources. They remind me that in this busy season, a bit of my time can make a big impact in someone's life.

There are more moments of generosity and connectedness to celebrate below!

Mary Athey

Vice President of Entrepreneurship

Explore Circle for Good

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SMIF lending director

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Entrepreneurs gather for a day of learning

This fall, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the region came together to share their expertise and make new connections at the 2025 Entrepreneurial Bridge.

"We are always so impressed by the ingenuity of the entrepreneurs in our region and inspired by their commitment to the entrepreneurial community," shared Mary. "Thank you to everyone who made this day possible!"

Learn more about the Entrepreneurial Bridge here.

A full day of FEAST!

The 2025 FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace was overflowing with treats, demos and more! As always, we had an awesome time visiting with the vendors and sampling their delicious wares. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Check out the FEAST! Local Foods Scoop to see the winners and explore the directory.

Two loan clients named best pizza farms

Photo: Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Waseca and Squash Blossom Farm, Oronoco

Two of SMIF's loan clients, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm in Waseca and Squash Blossom Farm in Oronoco, were featured in Tasting Table's 15 Best Pizza Farms in the US article!

"We are very proud of these two businesses," shared Marcia Haley, SMIF senior lending director. "They both use local foods when possible, some grown on their own farms. They also each offer a beautiful setting and, of course, delicious food! Check them out sometime!"

To learn more about lending opportunities through SMIF, contact Marcia at marciah@smifoundation.org or 507-214-7021 or visit smifoundation.org/business-financing/.

Discover more about Mary and her work

This summer, SMIF welcomed Mary Athey as the new vice president of entrepreneurship.

"I was raised in Martin County and now live in Faribault County, so southern Minnesota has always been home to me," shared Mary. "I’ve spent several years working directly with communities in the region, supporting economic development initiatives, small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

"At SMIF, I want to focus on helping communities build systems that really support their entrepreneurs. That means looking at the strengths and opportunities in a town, connecting people and resources and creating an environment where businesses can thrive."

Read the full story.

Celebrating new loan clients

Pictured: Brock Doering, Brandon Doering and Brian Doering with Three Brothers Meat Market and Marcia Haley with SMIF and Jazmine Flores with Region 9

The following entrepreneurs are growing their businesses in southern Minnesota and have recently received loans from SMIF:

Barleyberry Boutique, Owatonna | Boutique
Deep Wells Midwifery LLC, Wells | Midwife services
Elion Hair & Beauty LLC, Austin | Hair and beauty salon
Enat Ethiopian Kitchen LLC, Rochester | Restaurant
Three Brothers Meat Market, Mapleton | Meat market

Upcoming events

Using social media and influencers to grow your business

Thursday, Dec. 4

9:30 - 11 a.m.

Owatonna

Join us at SMIF for a free business training on how to use social media and influencers to grow your business! We’ll dig into the essentials of social media and working with influencers so you can grow your audience, attract customers and use your time wisely.

We are only $250,000 away from reaching our $1-million goal to support small towns! In honor of Tim’s lifetime work in southern Minnesota, we invite you to help us start the Tim Penny Small Towns Fund.

Donate now!

Leave a lasting legacy with FreeWill, a free online tool to write your legal will at no personal cost to you. This resource helps protect your family and friends, plan beneficiaries for your assets and support the causes and communities you love.

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Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | 507-455-3215 | www.smifoundation.org

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