News & Events

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, GROW South Dakota recognizes the spirit of innovation and resilience that characterizes our communities. Through our dedicated programs focused on housing, community growth, and economic development, GROW SD is helping residents build their dreams and create a lasting impact.A Foundation in Homeownership and Community DevelopmentAt GROW South Dakota, we understand that homeownership is more than just owning property; it is about establishing a foundation for strong, vibrant communities. Our organization offers a variety of programs and loan products designed to make homeownership accessible for individuals and families throughout the state. We nurture stable communities...

This article was originally published by the USDA Rural Development.Inspiration can strike at the most unlikely times. For Trey Hendrickson, it struck when he was returning from deployment in Afghanistan. He had, what he recalls as ‘the best cup of coffee’ he’d ever had. It was a taste of home.U.S. Marine Trey Hendrickson found inspiration for Wild Grounds LLC while returning from a deployment to Afghanistan in 2013.Trey served five years in the United States Marine Corps and deployed once to Afghanistan. Now 11 years later, Trey and his wife own and manage Wild Grounds LLC, a coffee grinder and...

Autumn Neigel founded Chasing Dandelions Play Therapy and Counseling Services, a one-of-a-kind business in her community. As she embarked on her counseling journey, she quickly recognized a significant gap in mental health services for young children. "I saw a need to work with young children in mental health where previously, there was little to no help," she explained. Autumn’s dedication and perseverance have helped her achieve remarkable milestones. She became the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, and she will soon hold the distinction of being the only registered play therapist in the area.GROW SD has played an...

Homeownership is a fundamental pillar of stability and prosperity in America, representing a crucial avenue to financial security and leaving a lasting legacy for most of the population. However, not all communities have enjoyed equal access to this opportunity, and significant disparities persist. GROW South Dakota (GROW SD) champions housing, economic development, and community support to foster sustainable communities.The Benefits of Homeownership Homeownership serves as a proven pathway to wealth accumulation and financial stability. Owning a home offers several long-term advantages, including:Forced Savings: Monthly mortgage payments build equity over time, effectively serving as a form of forced savings for homeowners. Wealth Creation:...

Starting a business can be overwhelming, and financing is just one piece of the puzzle. Fortunately, GROW South Dakota has knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you get started. When Derek Diedrich, owner of Fun Time Rentals, was planning his venture, he sought advice from a local banker who recommended the GROW South Dakota business loan program. Reflecting on their journey, Derek shared, "We had never owned our own business. Now, we own two: Fun Time Rentals and Fun Time Adventures." He added, "We started as a seasonal rental company offering just boats, campers, and jet skis. Now, we've...

A Legacy of Support for Business OwnersGROW South Dakota continues its mission to support business owners through loans and business technical assistance. This dedication to fostering economic growth remains steadfast, ensuring businesses have access to the resources they need to succeed.  Mark Nelson, Senior Business Loan Officer at GROW South Dakota, says, "Our mission is to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the financial tools and guidance they need to succeed. We are committed to helping businesses thrive and contribute to the economic prosperity of our communities."Affordable Business Financing StatewideAs a statewide lender, GROW South Dakota offers affordable business...

After 28 years in the business, Anthony Schwan, owner of Anthony Jewelers, fell ill and had to sell his business to keep up with his medical expenses. After some time had passed, he was able to move back to Aberdeen and restart his business. His finances looked grim, but with the help of GROW South Dakota, he was able to get back on his feet after being closed for two and a half years.  Anthony utilized GROW South Dakota’s business loan services and the digital literacy platform, Initiate. Initiate gave him a renewed sense of independence in today's digital age...

June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize homeownership's pivotal role in building strong communities and fostering economic stability. For many, owning a home is more than just having a place to live; it represents a cornerstone of the American Dream, providing stability, a sense of belonging, and an opportunity to build wealth. GROW South Dakota, a statewide non-profit organization, is dedicated to making this dream a reality for the residents of South Dakota. Through a range of programs and services, GROW South Dakota empowers individuals and families to achieve and sustain homeownership, contributing to the economic development of...

HH Design Employees Maggie Gefroh and Nicole Ingvalson, Owner Hillarey Warner, and GROW SD CEO Marcia EricksonHillarey Warner owner of HH Design in Britton, South Dakota, was selected to be the U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Dakota 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, after being nominated by GROW SD.After graduating from Northern State University with a BA in Advertising Design, Hillarey decided to return home and support the small community she grew up in. Hillarey began her business in 2014, in her home, but quickly realized she would need a much larger space to work in. She began leasing a...

It was a journey filled with ups and downs, but Alexis's dream of purchasing her first home became a reality with the help of GROW South Dakota. Her story is a testament to the organization's commitment to supporting individuals on their path to homeownership.Alexis had always dreamed of having a place to call her own, a space where she could build memories, and a house she could truly make into a home. However, it was a challenge to save for a down payment and navigate the complex home-buying process.That is when she discovered GROW South Dakota and its down payment...

For more than 40 years, Grow SD’s mission has been providing innovative advancement of housing, education, and economic opportunities throughout South Dakota. David Lau utilized Grow SD’s services that support business owners through loans and business technical assistance. Lau owns Lau Repair and Trucking, located in rural South Dakota, and has had multiple loans with GROW SD over the past 10 years.  His most recent loan was for the refinancing of a higher-interest loan that he used to install solar panels on his shop building.  With the funds from Opportunity Finance Network, GROW SD was able to reduce the interest rate...

More than 200 women gathered on May 23 to celebrate accomplished businesswomen at the Pivot Great & Small: Celebrating Women in Business Awards Luncheon at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center. Lori Finnesand, the co-CEO of GROW South Dakota in Sisseton, was named the Enterprising Woman Intrapreneur Award. For the last 32 years, Finnesand has served rural communities through her work at GROW South Dakota. GROW South Dakota is comprised of three separate non-profit organizations. Finnesand has been the co-CEO of GROW South Dakota for 19 years, and she oversees all Economic Development programming. Under her leadership,...

Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country for their community leadership and achievements. In conjunction with that, the SBA South Dakota District Office has selected Fallon Deutsch of Langford as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Fallon is the owner of Distinctly Drey, an online boutique that offers a variety of different clothing, tops, bottoms, outerwear, loungewear, clothing for toddlers, and so much more. Fallon stays on top of fashion trends and changes her clothing with the seasons. She frequently runs sales, and one of these sales includes the "Cyber Monday Mystery Bags"...

Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country for their community leadership and achievements. In conjunction with that, the SBA South Dakota District Office has selected Dan Duenwald of Clark as the Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.  Duenwald was raised in Hoven, South Dakota by Bob and Olivia Duenwald. He married Clarice Bollinger in 1974 and has four children, two girls, and two boys. Dan started driving a bus in August of 1985 with the Conde School, he drove with them for ten years. In August of 1996, Dan made the...

GROW South Dakota has released a new program called Digital Literacy. In this program, GROW South Dakota is offering FREE options to renew or expand your knowledge of the digital world. There are multiple courses to fit a variety of needs and we can also work with you on a one-on-one basis, if you prefer. Online education is provided through the NorthStar program, which offers classes on Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows, Mac OS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, Social Media, Information Literacy, and Career Search Skills. These classes are self-paced and can be...

GROW South Dakota’s CEO, Marcia Erickson, was one of two individuals that received the 2022 Rural Champion Award at the Rural LISC Conference in Washington D.C. This award goes to individuals who have helped to elevate, amplify, and advocate for the unique needs of our rural communities. For over 30 years, Marcia has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to helping rural communities across the state of South Dakota.