Welcome Center awarded grant

Published 1:40 pm Saturday, July 26, 2008

A recent grant to the Welcome Center will provide funding to train and support rural residents with micro-farming, a small-business agricultural operation that offers economic opportunity and sustainability, according to staff.

On Thursday, AgStar Financial Services presented the Welcome Center board with a $10,000 check, money that will be used to design a program curriculum, build collaborations and support staff for the pilot project.

“We are so happy we can partner with you,” AgStar fund administrator Jody Bloemke said. “You have the program, we can provide the funding. It’s a win-win relationship.”

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Welcome Center executive director Liliana Silvestry said the project will mirror a business initiative already in place that provides training and support to diverse populations hoping to launch, expand or learn about business.

“The core business planning provides that knowledge is a very basic way,” she said, noting that topics included loan applications, business plans and budgeting.

The center received $10,000 for the program this spring from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

Silvestry said next steps for this latest initiative is to assemble partners, such as Central Campesino, the Minnesota Food Association and other organizations that will provide a network of resources for participants.

Her staff spent time last year determining the degree of interest from rural minority residents; Silvestry said while she doesn’t know exactly how many will take part, but believes there is “strong interest” in the project.

“It’s a sustainable income for a family, but something where they don’t know where to go,” she said.

The Welcome Center will work with residents in Mower, Freeborn and Steele counties.

Founded in 2000, the non-profit is designed to connect local newcomers with resources and information to help them better integrate, as well as promote multi-cultural understanding and awareness.