News & Events

This page highlights the most recent news about GROW South Dakota and our surrounding communities!

Economic Developers: A Great Resource for your Business

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Setting up a business is a challenge. Just managing the paperwork, accounting and regulations alone can be daunting to an entrepreneur. Not to mention the essential capital requirements every business needs to kick start operations. Where can a new business owner turn to get their questions answered? Look no further than GROW SD. GROW South Dakota is a statewide non-profit organization that provides programs and loan products to advance housing, community, and economic development, and is a valuable resource to help build your businesses or to get help attracting the right talent for your team. Resources to Help Your Business At GROW SD...

Holiday Video Call Class

Friday, November 18, 2022

Kristin Hofland receives CCAP

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Kristin Hofland of GROW South Dakota was recently recognized as part of the 2022 class of Certified Community Action Professionals (CCAP), a designation earned from the National Community Action Partnership in Washington, D.C. for demonstrating mastery of community action vision and values, history, management, 21st-century leadership, and addressing the causes of poverty. Earning the CCAP credential is a rigorous process. Candidates must complete a candidate data form, develop an executive skills portfolio to demonstrate professional expertise, and pass a four-hour exam. Benefits of achieving the certification include earning recognition for accomplishments, enhancing credibility as a leader in the field, and increasin...

Small Business Saturday - Let’s support our small business community

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Many favorite shopping memories are made when visiting a small business in a downtown setting. There is something special about shopping at a local store where the owners greet you by name, swap stories with you, and ask you how your family is doing. You will undoubtedly experience this type of friendly atmosphere in South Dakota. This Small Business Saturday, the team at GROW South Dakota would like to thank all of the small businesses in South Dakota for the positive impact they have on our lives – during the holidays and all year long! Recognizing Local Businesses this Small Busines...

A Place to Call Home

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

When Tasha brings in foster children, she knows the children need a safe place to call home, if only for a short time. It was hard for her to call her rental place home when it really wasn’t hers. She dreamed of purchasing a place to call her own, a home that she could welcome others into during their time of need. That’s when she started doing her research, as she knew she wouldn’t be able to afford a house through a bank without a down payment. After hearing about GROW South Dakota’s homeownership programs, Tasha decided to reach out t...

Digital Navigators are here to help close the digital divide

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

If you struggle to market your business, want to learn more about social media, or want to learn how to better navigate your devices the GROW South Dakota digital navigator team is here to help. GROW South Dakota has partnered with RURAL LISC to help close the digital divide in Northeast South Dakota. If you are struggling to pay for your internet you may qualify for the ACP program, click here to find out more information. (link: https://www.fcc.gov/acp )

Kimberly Lorensberg receives a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

Kimberly Lorensberg recently received a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Center for Corporate Citizenship thanks to the Wells Fargo Academy for Nonprofit Leaders. Kimberly said 'It was an honor to have been nominated and selected as one of 15 leaders across the nation for the Fall 2022 program! I am grateful for the connections made with industry leaders and the amazing faculty and I look forward to using the knowledge gained to further the impact made by GROW South Dakota!"

How small businesses can cope with inflation

Monday, September 12, 2022

Inflation is impacting everything - from manufacturing, grocery, and retail to small businesses. Inflation has been reported to range from 6.8 to 8.2% for 2022 - staggering rates of inflation that haven’t been seen since the 1980s. The all items index increased 9.1 percent for the 12 months ending June, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending November 1981. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, at the same time as inflation is rising, real average hourly earnings for all employees decreased by 0.6 percent. That’s the impact of inflation because it reflects a 1.0 percent increase in the Consume...

Avoid future home repairs with preventative maintenance

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

It is said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. The best way to avoid costly repairs to your home is to carry out regular maintenance on it. Remember, the more effort you put into caring for your home, the less money you will need to spend on it. With smart home care devices driven by technology, more and more homeowners can get savvy in taking care of their homes. Here is a handy guide to keeping your home in great shape: Pipes: The cost of a leak or a sewage back can be significant to homeowners. Leaky pipe...

The importance of budgeting for individuals and families

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

The usefulness of having a budget in our daily lives cannot be overemphasized. What is a budget? A budget is simply a financial plan that takes into account both current and future incomes and expenditures. Armed with a budget you can keep your spending in check. You will also stay informed of your savings and whether they are on track for the future. In the current market scenario, budgeting is even more important - a wise budget seeks to ensure you and your family have financial security and are working effectively to achieve financial or lifestyle goals. Below are some reason...

National Homeownership Month: Owning a home has many benefits

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

For many of us, a home is more than just a residence. It is a place that evokes a feeling - that of pride, security, comfort, and joy. A home is where we can face life’s challenges and watch our children grow. Across the country, National Homeownership Month is celebrated in the month of June every year. Owning a home renders great value to families, communities, and neighborhoods across America, and by becoming a homeowner, a person gets one step closer to fulfilling the American dream. The month of June celebrates the joys of becoming a homeowner, bringing manifold advantage...

A Path to a Better Future

Thursday, June 09, 2022

They say when it rains, it pours. For one GROW South Dakota client, it was a torrential downpour! First, his car broke down, so he didn’t have enough money to fix it because he had to pay his monthly bills. Then he nearly lost his job because he didn’t have transportation to get to work. The last drop in the bucket was an emergency stent surgery. It was a dire situation. “I was very concerned about the cascading crisis of potentially becoming homeless, losing my car, and possibly losing my job,” he stated. “I really didn’t have anyone t...

NeighborWorks Week

Thursday, June 09, 2022

In honor of NeighborWorks Week, staff from NeighborWorks Amercia came to visit the staff of GROW SD. They received a tour around the town of Siseton to highlight the work done by GROW SD. GROW SD staff provided sidewalk chalk and treats to area daycares and after school programs. NeighborWorks staff and GROW SD staff attended the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition convening in Flandreau, where Lori Moen was elected to the first official board of directors. https://youtu.be/_x9INlqgdjE

Creating a Better Business and Family Life

Wednesday, April 06, 2022

Being a business owner can be an exciting, yet stressful venture, which can come with its own set of risks and rewards. Having already been in business for 15 years, Ashley Cleveland, owner of Simple Pleasures Massage Therapy in Sisseton, SD, knows this firsthand. Once Ashley got word that the salon she rented space from would be closing, she knew she had a decision to make. Ultimately, Ashley chose to relocate her business to her home, which also meant that she would need more space. Ashley contacted GROW South Dakota to discuss financing options. She was able to secure financing to ad...

Dakota Grain & Salvage

Wednesday, April 06, 2022

Dakota Grain & Salvage specializes in fast and effective grain salvage and clean up services. Their pneumatic systems are able to clean up the toughest jobs. Services include anything from cleaning up grain, fertilizer or any commodity left in bins or storage. Helping with fire, floods, spills, mold, sour grain, and even infestation. In addition, their service area is quite vast from being able to travel all over the Midwest and West Coast. No job is too much for this determined, experienced, and trained team of professionals. Prior to the success of the company, Bridgette (Co-Owner) worked at a clinic locate...

Making the Leap to Homeownership

Wednesday, April 06, 2022

Tired of throwing her money away on rent for a small trailer, Dana Hansen was ready to become a homeowner. But, she needed some guidance. GROW South Dakota worked with her to make a plan to save money and improve her credit. They provided her with a homebuyer education class at no charge and assisted her through the whole process of purchasing a house. She stated, “They are all-out amazing people and helped me every step of the way. I am so happy in my home.” Dana now is saving money because her monthly mortgage payment is cheaper than paying ren...

SBDC/GROW SD Ribbon Cutting

Monday, July 26, 2021

Staff are pictured at the ribbon cutting at the SBDC/GROW offices in July, along with the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. Representing the agency and programs are Marcia Erickson, Brenda Waage, Kelly Weaver, and Kendra Hinz. The Aberdeen office relocated to Malchow Plaza at 506 South Main Street, Suite 2, this spring.

Women in Leadership

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Committed, inspired, dedicated, empowered. These are just a few words that describe the journey taken by the leadership within GROW South Dakota. More impressive, is the chief leadership positions are held by four women with a combined total of over 100 years of experience with GROW SD. This dedication to persevere through decades of challenges, growth, and change has allowed GROW SD to become one of the nation’s leading organizations in their industry. Marcia Erickson, Co-Chief Executive Officer, has been with GROW SD for over 32 years and Lori Finnesand, Co-Chief Executive Officer, has been with GROW SD for 30 years. ...

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Monday, March 15, 2021

In recognition of Women's History Month, GROW South Dakota is commemorating and celebrating the vital role of women in American history. One of the leaders we celebrate is JoAnn Schaefers, Faulkton, and previously from Polo. JoAnn Schaefers has served on the Board of Directors for GROW South Dakota for 47 years. Schaefers served on the Northeast South Dakota Community Action Program (NESDCAP also known as GROW South Dakota) Board of Directors for 10 years, including a number of terms on the State Community Action Board. Following her tenure on the NESDCAP Board she began serving on the Northeast South Dakota Economic Corporation (NESDEC also known as GRO...

Erickson Named President of National NeighborWorks Association Board

Monday, March 15, 2021

Marcia Erickson, GROW South Dakota CEO, recently became President of the Board of Directors for the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA). She will serve a two-year term. NNA is a national membership-based trade association for NeighborWorks America chartered organizations that are providing over $9.3 billion of affordable housing and community development across the nation. NNA provides national advocacy for policy and funding for these organizations as well as membership benefits that either reduce operating costs or increase revenues. Marcia has been with GROW South Dakota for more than 30 years and became the CEO in 2005. Marcia has a broad range o...

Warming Up an Old Home

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

I was living on fixed income, in an old home with very little insulation; even setting my thermostat to 78 degrees did not warm the house up. My daughter looked online and found GROW SD and helped me apply for their Weatherization Assistance Program. GROW SD completed an energy audit on the home, which helped to determine what work was needed on the home. Insulation was added in the attic, basement and walls; light bulbs were replaced. The dryer vent and bathroom exhaust fan were fixed, plus much more. Because of GROW SD, my house is warmer and peaceful. I d...

Celebrating June as Home Ownership Month

Monday, June 08, 2020

Helping Those Who Help Others Moving to a new state to be closer to children and grandchildren, one Washington state pastor found out it takes a lot of money to purchase a house. He cashed out his 401K but that wasn’t enough for the down payment. His bank suggested he contact GROW South Dakota for assistance. Through the down payment assistance program, the pastor and his wife were able to purchase a home in a central location near their family. After years of renting, they now will be building equity in a home of their dreams. Finding That First Home Many jobs requir...

Making your Home Ownership Dream a Reality

Monday, June 08, 2020

Have you always dreamed of owning your own home? Does the process seem overwhelming, and you’re just not sure where, or how to start? GROW South Dakota is here to help make that dream a reality. GROW South Dakota is a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency and Homeownership Education Resource Organization (HERO). With our team of trained, HUD certified counselors, we are here every step of the way to ensure you have the tools, knowledge and education needed to become a successful homeowner. Each counseling session is tailored to fit the individual needs of each client. In addition to home ownership counseling...

A Life Changing Event

Monday, May 18, 2020

“Because of this program, I no longer have to worry about C02 poisoning. I have adequate heat and no wind blowing through the windows and doors. For the first time, I don’t have to walk to the outhouse and worry about falling. I’m able to take a shower without going to someone else’s house. To say what I have received from the program has been life-changing would be a complete understatement.” In 2018 GROW South Dakota’s weatherization team received a call from Ruth, a senior resident, in need of assistance with heating her house. When the weatherization team went t...

Dakota Butcher - 2020 SBA Entrepreneur of the Year

Monday, May 04, 2020

Seeing a business close their doors in a small town is always difficult. When the Clark meat shop closed in 2008, Randy Gruenwald decided he wasn’t going to stand by and watch it happen. His professional experience was an excellent fit to revive the business. He worked 15 years as a meat department manager for Nash Finch. Then Randy worked as a banker before he purchased the butcher shop. Karen, Randy’s wife and business partner, worked for the previous meat shop owners and brings exceptional customer service skills and experience to their ownership team. Able to capitalize on their professiona...

A Dream of Owning my Own Home

Monday, January 27, 2020

Kaitlain Meyerhofer moved to Sioux Falls in 2017. Single, with a full-time job, she was living in a one-bedroom apartment, but always dreamed of homeownership. She wanted a place she could paint the walls; a place she could make unique to her. She had assumed with one source of income that purchasing her first home would be difficult. She contacted GROW SD to see if she could receive financial help to purchase a home. With the help of her First Mortgage Lender and GROW SD’s down payment assistance program, she was able to purchase her first home without hassle or stress. Her hopes and dream...

News & Events

The GROW South Dakota Organizations Have had a Remarkable Few Years!