News & Events

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...

South Dakota is known for its opportunities, resilience, and close-knit communities. Central to these values is the importance of safe and affordable housing. GROW South Dakota, a statewide nonprofit organization, diligently ensures that housing is necessary and a cornerstone for building better lives and thriving communities.The Role of GROW South Dakota in HousingSince its inception, GROW South Dakota has been a pillar of support for homeowners and prospective buyers throughout the state. By offering tailored programs and loan products, the organization helps individuals and families achieve their dream of homeownership. These efforts address immediate housing needs and contribute to long-term...

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...

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...

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...

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"...

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...