News & Events

Marcia Erickson grew up on a cattle farm in rural South Dakota where neighbors knew and took care of one another. If one neighbor fell ill or got hurt when it was time to bring in the corn, the others were ready to help. “The crops can’t wait,” Erickson said.  That spirit of helping her rural community stayed with her and made a career in affordable housing and community development a natural fit. Erickson has worked in the field for 38 years and counting, coming up with fresh ideas, strategizing and giving voice to rural concerns. Her work as a...

Budgeting isn’t exactly a popular topic to talk about. Who likes the idea of not getting what we want?Instead of looking at a personal household budget as something to hold you back from making an amazing purchase or buying something you love, it's actually a really cool tool that acts like a financial roadmap to get you more in the long run.And most importantly, budgets help us make sure we’ll have enough money every month.Because when we know exactly where our money is going, we don’t experience that nagging anxiety month after month, stressing out over whether we're going to...

For over four decades, GROW SD has been on a mission to support entrepreneurs across South Dakota through affordable business financing.Whether you’re looking to purchase real estate, equipment, or inventory to grow and scale your operations, as your partner in economic growth, we’re here to help. Both startups and existing businesses are encouraged to apply!GROW SD operates from a mission of fostering a thriving business community in our region by providing collaborative lending solutions or comprehensive consulting services.In 2025, we saw a high demand for affordable business loans. Fifty loans totaling over $5.5 million in funding were granted to 44...

For over 40 years, GROW South Dakota has been a key player in promoting homeownership throughout the state.But did you know that as a statewide lender, we can also provide new and potential residents with down payment assistance?Down Payment Assistance in South DakotaWe understand that saving for a down payment can feel impossible, especially for families and individuals with limited resources.That’s why our assistance focuses on those who need it most, offering Down Payment Assistance (DPA) for income-qualified households purchasing homes in rural South Dakota communities.How does the Down Payment Assistance program work?Here’s how the DPA program works: Most assistance...

Akiptan and GROW South Dakota receive grants to expand economic  opportunity for rural and tribal entrepreneurs statewide Mobridge, SD – Aug. 11, 2025 – The Wells Fargo Foundation recently announced a  $1 million philanthropic investment to support small business growth across South  Dakota, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs in rural and tribal communities. The  funding will be distributed evenly between Akiptan, a Native-led community development  financial institution, and GROW South Dakota (GROW SD), a statewide economic  development organization, providing critical resources and capital to small business  owners and agricultural producers throughout the state. As Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) highlighted...

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...

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...