Posts by Andrea Van Essen
Maximizing Excellence marks 10 years of business success
Only about one in three businesses achieve the milestone that Cindy Elifrits Peterson just marked: one decade as a small-business owner. Elifrits Peterson celebrated the 10-year anniversary of her business, Maximizing Excellence, on July 15. It’s the latest chapter in a success story built on the passion and drive she brings to her work that started…
Read MoreSioux Falls businesses make efforts to uplift diversity in the workplace
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, the Black Lives Matter movement has been a critical topic of discussion across the country—in homes, on college campuses, in the media and, of course, in the workplace. The movement has sparked conversations about racism, privilege and bias, and it has compelled groups and individuals to…
Read MoreOrganization Focus: Dakota Business Finance
Business owners seeking long-term, low interest financing for hard costs such as land, buildings, or equipment can benefit from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 loan program. The 504 program was designed to provide another lending avenue for small businesses that would promote growth and advancement. Because assets like land or equipment act as collateral…
Read MoreRe:Boot Sioux Falls seeks technology donations for nonprofit organizations
When you consider donating to local nonprofits, gifts of money, time, or products related to the organization’s mission often come to mind first. However, for many organizations, basic operating tools and resources can be difficult to source or fund. Technology is often critical for an organization to run efficiently, and local biotech consulting firm, DRACO,…
Read MoreZeal facility reopens, debuts new partnership with NAI
Zeal has long provided a physical space for connection and collaboration within the startup community—a role that required some shifting after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sioux Falls. In order to serve the many tenants who rely on a physical workspace, the facility never closed down completely. However, restrictions and safety measures were…
Read MoreFalls Fintech team counts first cohort a success despite COVID-19 challenges
On Friday, May 29, the first cohort of the Falls Fintech accelerator program graduated virtually after ten weeks of intensive, remote programming. Nikkee Rhody, co-founder and managing director for Falls Fintech, says the inaugural cohort faced unprecedented challenges in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. The accelerator kicked off with a welcome reception in Sioux…
Read MoreThrough the ups and downs, First National Bank stands with businesses of all sizes
First National Bank Wealth Management is a premier sponsor of Startup Sioux Falls. As the city’s oldest financial institution, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls (FNBSF) has weathered numerous storms but never wavered as a reliable and trustworthy partner for its clients. Founded in 1885, FNBSF has maintained its commitment to being the principal,…
Read MoreSouth Dakota Change Network equips community members to make an impact
Founded on the principles of inclusion, diversity and equity, a year-long program in both North and South Dakota helps people pursue change in their communities by taking a hard look at how they communicate and the unconscious biases they may be harboring. Change Network is a program developed by National Arts Strategies and funded by…
Read MoreSDMTS works with local manufacturers to create safe, efficient practices during Covid-19
Businesses of all sizes and across industries have had to make changes in response to Covid-19. Manufacturers, many of which have been deemed essential, face their own set of stressors and challenges when it comes to these adaptations. South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions (SDMTS) exists to support manufacturers across the state, and of course,…
Read MoreSBA launches second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding
When the Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the first round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding—made possible by CARES Act legislation—South Dakotans received 11,400 loans totaling $1.6 billion. Across the country, the $349 billion in PPP funding dried up in less than two weeks. As the second wave of funding became available on Monday, April 27, SBA District…
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