Amidst the spread of buildings in Rochester, there are plots of land spread throughout the city that have become an oasis for many immigrants. What started as a way to grow food for their families has turned into a way to generate income and give back to others. Several SMIF grants have supported this entrepreneurial growth.
The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) received a $15,000 Inclusive and Equitable Grant from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in 2021. These funds were used to create a pilot series of business development workshops.
SMIF awarded an Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant to Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research in 2021 that went towards presentations to increase the number of Latino-owned businesses within nine counties in southern Minnesota.
After Rice County Neighbors United received a $15,000 Inclusive and Equitable Entrepreneurial Communities Grant from SMIF, they created an association for minority-owned businesses within their community.
Contact:
525 Florence Ave
PO Box 695
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone (507) 455-3215
inquiry@smifoundation.org
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible 36-3454285.
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