News & Events

Getting the keys to your first home is an exciting event! But making it happen comes with its own challenges that can be overwhelming for anyone.What if I don’t qualify for traditional funding? What if I don’t have enough for a down payment?They’re tough questions… But GROW SD has your answers!As we celebrate National Homeownership Month throughout June, we wanted to take a moment to talk about the various services we offer to help you turn your dream of homeownership into a reality.Every Step of the WayDid you know that GROW SD offers a variety of home ownership programs that...

Each year, NeighborWorks Week offers a special opportunity to reflect on the impact of community development and the power of partnerships. As we celebrate this week, we are proud to honor our journey as a chartered member of NeighborWorks America since May 2007. From the very beginning, our mission has been rooted in strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Our first grant of $75,000, awarded at the time of our chartering, marked the beginning of an impactful partnership—one that has been defined by dedication, reliability, and measurable outcomes. Since joining the NeighborWorks network in 2007, GROW South Dakota...

Starting your own business is a dream come true. But turning those dreams into a reality? Sometimes, it’s a challenge!  Did you know GROW South Dakota was created with the specific purpose of helping promote and foster economic development in the rural corners of the state?As we celebrate National Economic Development Week (May 11-17), we thought it’d be a great time to outline the resources we offer, from developing a business plan to special lending programs, all designed to GROW your business dreams into a reality!Small Business? Think Big! Entrepreneurs can get discouraged by the cost of operating a business. But you...

The Aberdeen Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office was recognized recently for 40 Years in Business by the Aberdeen Area Chamber Commerce.  The SBDC program began in South Dakota in 1985.  The Aberdeen office is one of seven across the state and is hosted by GROW South Dakota.  The recognition was presented at the Chamber’s Business After Hours event hosted by Northern Valley Communications on May 7, 2025.  (L to R) Rachael Cramond, SBDC Business Consultant; Kelly Weaver, SBDC Regional Director; and Gail Ochs, Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce CEO.Kelly Weaver, SBDC Regional Director, offered a few comments.  “Over the...

In South Dakota, winters can be brutal, especially for older homes that struggle to keep the cold at bay. For Mary and Roger, living in a house built in 1941, the challenge of keeping warm and managing high electricity bills was a constant struggle. Drafty walls, doors, and windows, with a lack of proper insulation, made every winter a battle.Seeking relief, Mary contacted GROW South Dakota, hoping to find a solution. The weatherization crew conducted a thorough assessment of the home and implemented energy-efficient upgrades. From installing insulation to addressing repairs and even providing a brand-new refrigerator, their efforts transformed...

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money. It lies in the joy of achievement. In the thrill of creative effort.”One of the major joys of achievement for most folks involves buying a home. But the process can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing or downright impossible.Did you know that GROW South Dakota is a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency and Housing Education Resource Organization (HERO) offering individual and online education geared towards helping you achieve homeownership?As we celebrate National Financial Literacy Month throughout April, we’re encouraging residents to take advantage of our financial literacy programs related...

Samantha Wipf, owner of Optimal Performance in Aberdeen, South Dakota had a vision for what she wanted her physical therapy practice to be, but with that vision came many questions: How do I craft a business plan?  How do I accurately gather my business numbers and projections?  How do I figure my start-up costs?  It was these questions that led her to Kelly Weaver, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Aberdeen, SD.When asked about her experience with SBDC, and how it helped her, Samantha had this to say,  “Kelly was able to work through all my...

Since December 12, 1994, BASEC has been a part of economic development for both Beadle and Spink Counties. With some start-up guidance from the Northeast South Dakota Community Action Program (NESDCAP), BASEC was established to address the unique needs of these counties and has played a key role in community development. Over the past three decades, BASEC has generated an impressive $30 million in loans, directly contributing to the economic growth of both Beadle and Spink Counties. These loans have helped local businesses thrive, supported agricultural advancements, and enabled community projects to further benefit the community. Today, BASEC stands as a testament...

SD BIG Idea Finalists:Front Row: Owen Hoeft, Kelsey Lehr, Mallory Bellikka, Addyson Stiehl, Kyra Heupel, Samantha GeffreBack Row: Greyson (Pack) Forster, Matthew Cypher, Gage Kaiser, Jonathan Butler, Ethan Koopman, Ashley Haven.The 2024 BIG Idea Competition marked another successful year providing entrepreneurship opportunities for high school students.  A total of 283 entries were received involving 377 students from 66 schools. The competition has solidified itself as a national competition, offering a virtual competition for finalists outside of South Dakota in addition to the in-person event for South Dakota students. The 2024 event wrapped up Wednesday, December 11, at Northern State University (NSU) with...

 Catherine Ramsell was in a bind. She knew that she needed to replace her 50-year old furnace, but had no idea where to start. Being on a fixed income, she was unsure of whether or not she would be able to come up with the money to replace an entire furnace. Looking for resources, one of her children contacted social services, and one of the pamphlets at the social services office said to contact GROW South Dakota for further help. This is where the pieces started to fall into place for Catherine. Once she applied, Catherine found out that she had...

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...

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...

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...

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".Fallon’s...