West Central Initiative
West Central Initiative supports economic development in west central Minnesota through loans, grants, and community programs, focusing on sustainability, racial equity, and inclusivity.
Services
West Central Initiative offers a range of loan programs to support economic development. These include Small Enterprise Loans, Business and Industry Loans, Access to Capital Loans, Child Care Loans, and the Good Food Loan Fund. These loans aim to provide the necessary capital for businesses and enterprises to grow and thrive in west central Minnesota. West Central Initiative also operates as a gap lender, typically covering between 10% and 40% of the total financing needed by qualified applicants.
Events
West Central Initiative hosts the 17 Rooms event, which is designed to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster cross-sector collaboration. This event brings together different stakeholders to focus on actions that can accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs. Additionally, West Central Initiative participates in Welcoming Week to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity within the community.
Grant Programs
West Central Initiative provides various grants to support community initiatives. This includes the Resilient Communities Grants, which focus on promoting sustainability and racial equity. The organization also distributes PROMISE Act Grants, designed to support small businesses and nonprofits that did not receive state grants during the pandemic. These grants play a crucial role in fostering economic resilience and community well-being in west central Minnesota.
Community Development
West Central Initiative engages in regional planning and community development, aiming to support both economic and social growth in west central Minnesota. The organization facilitates the Rural Democracy program, which seeks to strengthen civic participation and leadership within the region. Through these efforts, West Central Initiative helps build strong, resilient communities.
Childhood Programs
West Central Initiative supports early childhood programs that focus on improving health, education, and care for young children. These initiatives are vital in ensuring that children in west central Minnesota have the resources they need to thrive from an early age. By investing in early childhood, West Central Initiative helps lay the foundation for a healthy, educated, and well-cared-for future generation.