Providing access to affordable capital through gap financing for business start-up or expansion
The UMVRDC Revolving Loan Fund is designed to provide gap financing for business and industry starting up or expanding in the five-county region of Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine, and the Upper Sioux Community. The primary focus of the program is manufacturing and industrial-related businesses that will create or retain jobs.
Chippewa Projects [PDF, 235.14 KB]LQP Projects [PDF, 213.75 KB]Swift Projects [PDF, 225.42 KB]Yellow Medicine Projects [PDF, 255.41 KB]Big Stone County Projects [PDF, 212.79 KB]
Eligibility: Must be located in Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, Yellow Medicine Counties, or Upper Sioux Community.
Types of Activities Financed
- Business start-ups or expansions with priority given to manufacturing, technology and/or diversification of the local economy.
- Non-profits are eligible for financing but must meet all other lending requirements.
- Commercial/retail activities must fulfill a local need for essential goods and services and not be in direct competition with a similar business
Key Lending Objectives
- Job Creation – 1st priority
- Job Retention – 2nd priority
- Create or retain full-time livable wage jobs
- Encourage private sector investment
Support diversification of the regional economy
Free Small Business WebinarsMarketing Webinar RecordingsRLF Videos
Microloan Fund Program
The Microloan Fund Program is designed to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local businesses, and expand economic opportunities across our region. This program provides flexible financing options for individuals and small businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans.
We take a holistic approach to lending—considering not only credit scores, but also your business plan, character, and potential community impact.
Program Highlights
- Loans up to $50,000
- No primary lender required
- Flexible underwriting that considers alternative credit history
- Designed for startups and growing small businesses
Eligible Uses of Funds
Microloan funds may be used for:
- Equipment purchases
- Furnishings and fixtures
- Working capital
Defederalized Loan Plan
Supporting Business Growth in Western Minnesota
The Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC) is proud to offer Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) financing to support business development across Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties.
Our region is rooted in agriculture and small communities, and we understand the unique challenges businesses face here—from limited access to capital to workforce and population shifts. The RLF is designed to help bridge those gaps and strengthen our local economy.
🚀 What the RLF Can Do for You
The RLF provides flexible, gap financing to help businesses start, grow, and succeed when traditional funding alone isn’t enough.
We support:
- New and expanding businesses
- Business retention and ownership transitions
- Essential local services (grocery stores, restaurants, hardware stores, and more)
- Entrepreneurs and startups, including incubators and co-working spaces
- Disaster recovery efforts (fire, flood, storm impacts)
- Redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties
Our goal is simple: create jobs, strengthen communities, and diversify the regional economy
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