News & Events

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

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...

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 to...

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...

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...

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 professional...

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...

Homeless Count

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

This count provides a community with a unique snapshot of their unsheltered homeless population as this data is generally not provided for by other measures. On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium – SD-500 Statewide Continuum of Care will be conducting the Annual Point-In-Time Homeless (PIT) Count and Housing Inventory Chart (HIC) activities. These activities are required by US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) nationwide as part of the Continuum of Care Program. The information is collected across the country and reported to the US Congress. The information is also used for measuring progress,...

Important tips to help prepare youth for financial wellness

Friday, February 10, 2023

Financial wellness starts with an awareness of money and savings early on. There are many lessons to be learned, and there could be some pitfalls on the way. New lessons and concepts will appear during different stages of your kids’ lives. Teaching them will require some planning, intentionality, and patience on your end and practice on theirs. However, it will be time well spent and your children will thank you for it later as their earnings are well spent (and saved)! Money need not be a taboo subject, and the earlier we start talking to our youth about it,...

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...

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...

National Write a Business Plan Month: Useful tips on writing a business plan for your enterprise

Tuesday, December 06, 2022

In South Dakota, entrepreneurs and business owners are crucial to our thriving community and economy. GROW South Dakota is here to support new and existing businesses in the community. Do you own a business? Are you just beginning the process of starting your own business? In either case, you can provide a sense of direction to your enterprise’s daily operations with a business plan. A well-written business plan can help you measure and guide your company goals. December is “National Write Your Business Plan” month, and there is no better time than now to explore how to create...

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

Rural Champion Award

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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.

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.

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...

Successful Digital Navigator Class

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

GROW SD along with the Sisseton Library, with funding from Rural LISC and Wells Fargo, hosted two video calling classes the week of December 5th at the Sisseton Library. Over the course of two days, a total of 12 participants successfully installed and navigated Zoom, FaceTime, Facebook, Messenger, and Snapchat. GROW SD is happy to help people connect for the Holidays! If you or anyone you know needs help with digital navigating please contact Olivia at (605)698-7654 x 122 or email olivia@growsd.org.

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...

News & Events

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