News & Events

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...

A recent report stated that almost 75,000 South Dakotans could lose their food assistance benefits if Congress is unable to come to an agreement to end the federal government shutdown.As of November 11, the Senate has voted 60 to 40 to approve a continuing resolution which would reopen the government. But the shutdown will not end right away; the House of Representatives must also pass the legislation with a majority vote before President Trump can sign it into law.GROW South Dakota has launched an Emergency Food Campaign to provide nutritional support to families through our Community Action Program service area.The...

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...

The Aberdeen Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office was recognized recently for 40 Years in Business by the Aberdeen Area Chamber Commerce.  The SBDC program began in South Dakota in 1985.  The Aberdeen office is one of seven across the state and is hosted by GROW South Dakota.  The recognition was presented at the Chamber’s Business After Hours event hosted by Northern Valley Communications on May 7, 2025.  (L to R) Rachael Cramond, SBDC Business Consultant; Kelly Weaver, SBDC Regional Director; and Gail Ochs, Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce CEO.Kelly Weaver, SBDC Regional Director, offered a few comments.  “Over the...

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...

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".Fallon’s...