News & Events

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

GROW South Dakota: Helping businesses to grow and succeed

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

What makes South Dakota a great place to do business? As one of the best states in the country to expand your business or to re-locate it, South Dakota has a conducive business environment, where innovation and talent are encouraged, there is room to grow, and a reliable workforce helps business aspirations to come through - all these from the geographic center of the United States. Today, South Dakota is characterized by a strong work ethic and high productivity workforce, a state with the #1 business tax climate in America, and accessibility to leaders to get the job done. A robust busines...

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...

GROW South Dakota Assists with Starting a Business

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Starting up a new business can be a daunting challenge. Many decisions must be made such as where to locate the business, how to get start-up funding, and how to create a successful business plan. Entrepreneurs should not fear this process, though, as there are programs that can help make this adventure a smooth process. For more than 40 years, GROW South Dakota has supported business owners through loans and business technical assistance to new and existing borrowers. According to GROW South Dakota board member Craig Rau, “The programs have helped people live their dream of starting a business. They hav...

GROW South Dakota Provides Assistance to Businesses

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

As an attorney, Vince Foley deals with people who have great ideas about how to contribute to the economic growth in their community. As a board member of GROW South Dakota, he uses his experience to guide those ideas into action. Over the years, that organization has grown into a state-wide leader in providing assistance in housing, community, and economic development. This includes housing and business loans, down payment and closing cost assistance, homebuyer education, and emergency assistance. According to Foley, “Too many times, the barriers for people with ideas are the lack of knowledge on how to proceed, and then th...

Lending Made Possible Through GROW South Dakota: Making Home Ownership Dreams Come True

Thursday, March 03, 2022

GROW South Dakota’s housing programs support individuals and families in making their dreams of homeownership come true with direct financing for the purchase of a home, and down payment and closing cost assistance funds for income eligible applicants. GROW South Dakota is a HUD-approved counseling agency & Housing Education Resource Organization (HERO), offering individual and online education for current and prospective homeowners. Eligibility criteria and types of financial assistance GROW South Dakota offers two types of financing. The Direct 1st Mortgage Financing program is available to potential borrowers who meet program eligibility, have acceptable credit, repayment ability and meet other underwriting an...

Financial Awareness for Business Health

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

It makes good business sense to be aware of your financial fundamentals. Sound financial health can dramatically improve your business and prevent calamities. Good business health means you have the ability to reach your goals and take advantage of opportunities- these lend you the flexibility to pursue your dreams. The only way to achieve financial health is through financial awareness. We are just into the beginning of the year, and it is always a good time for business owners to take a look at their spending, determine their goals for the year and set saving plans to achieve them. Bu...

GROW South Dakota Programs Available to Local Residents

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

Residents hoping to make much-needed home improvements can turn to GROW South Dakota for assistance. One of the organization’s many programs includes weatherization where a home energy audit is completed to determine what repairs are cost-effective to increase energy efficiency and reduce the cost of utilities. Income-eligible homeowners may also qualify to receive help with roofing, siding, windows, furnace replacements or repairs, or other necessary home improvements through other programs. According to local board member, Haden Merkel, her community of Mobridge includes a large population of older residents and families on fixed incomes. “I think everyone wants to be able t...

Lender Appreciation

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

GROW South Dakota would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every lending partner that utilized the Down Payment /Closing Cost program through our agency.

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

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

At GROW South Dakota, entrepreneurs and business owners are crucial to our thriving community and economy. One of GROW SD’s goals is to maintain good relationships and communication with the business community. Advice and technical assistance are offered, in order to help companies problem-solve to optimize their chances for success and expansion. Do you own a business? Are you just starting out to own one? 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. With December as Nationa...

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...

GROW South Dakota Highlights NeighborWorks Week

Monday, June 08, 2020

During NeighborWorks Week, June 6-13, GROW South Dakota and other NeighborWorks organizations across the country will host several events that educate, train and inform. GROW South Dakota will provide a virtual platform this year to bring awareness about the programs we have to offer including home ownership options and economic development. Other activities this week include a Regional Economic Roundtable for economic development leaders to come together to provide development opportunities and solutions, and GROW SD will host a QuickBooks online tutorial. "NeighborWorks America provides a very impactful role in partnering with non-profits across the country. NWA, along with its man...

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!