Loan Funds

Since inception, part of SMIF’s mission has been to catalyze entrepreneurial activity within our region. SMIF offers loans and investment options for small and large businesses in southern Minnesota. We offer a range of services and financial options to empower new and growing business owners. Click here for a recent list of loan and equity investments. SMIF is an equal opportunity lender.

Not sure where to start?

Connie Lau, Lending Coordinator
Phone: 507.214.7044
Email: conniel@smifoundation.org

Up to $200,000

SMIF’s Business Loans target several key industries: manufacturing, technology, local foods, agriculture and health care. Our Business Loan program works in partnership with local lending institutions, economic development organizations and government agencies to help “fill the gap” between available and necessary financial resources.

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Up to $15,000

Our Building Blocks Loans support the business of family childcare by providing financial resources and technical assistance to help expand or enhance licensed child care businesses. All Building Blocks Loan recipients are eligible for free technical assistance.

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Up to $15,000

SMIF’s Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (EELP) is a partnership with Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This program supports the growth of businesses owned and operated by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans and/or persons with disabilities.

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Up to $15,000

The Grow a Farmer Fund provides small-scale sustainable farmers lower-interest loans to help them improve their operations and increase their bottom lines.

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Up to $35,000

SMIF provides microloans through a partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans support small business owners or start-up entrepreneurs who create service, retail, local foods, and manufacturing businesses. Small Enterprise Loan recipients are eligible for free technical assistance.

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Who to contact

Connie Lau

Connie Lau

-Initial steps

507-214-7044
Email Connie

Marcia Haley

Marcia Haley

-Business loans across SMIF’s region

507-214-7021
Email Marcia
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Molly Bartels Roth

-Lending support

507-214-7020
Email Molly

 

Equity Funds

SMIF also provides equity funds to early-stage and start-up companies. Learn more here.

Our Clients

SMIF representatives were wonderful to work with. This loan enabled us to take over our local corner grocery store which was slated to close. We’ve kept the focus on local, natural and organic items and try to offer a wide assortment of basic needs items as well.

Caleb Lauritsen-Norby, Parkway Market & Coffeehouse, Lanesboro
Loans for small businesses in Minnesota

We didn’t have a ton of collateral to put down for a traditional loan, so this has helped us get the equipment we needed and the payment terms were very simple for us. The loan program has also allowed us to chat with a QuickBooks expert on SMIF’s staff.

Paula Trenda, Curly Girlz Candy, Owatonna
Loans for small businesses in Minnesota

SMIF is an equal opportunity lender. Limited Sharia acceptable financing is available.