Minor Shops, Big Impact, a community-driven initiative supporting local entrepreneurs in Sioux Falls, returns for its second year starting May 1, 2025. The program, designed to strengthen neighborhood economies through mentorship, microgrants, and collaborative events, will once again pair emerging small business owners with experienced mentors from the city’s established commercial sector.
Organizers say the initiative reflects Sioux Falls’ ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, particularly in underserved communities. By connecting grassroots ventures with resources and networks, the program aims to amplify the impact of local entrepreneurship beyond individual storefronts.
According to the City of Sioux Falls’ official announcement, the 2025 cohort will include 25 selected entrepreneurs across retail, food service, and creative industries. Each participant will receive a $2,000 microgrant and six months of tailored business coaching[City of Sioux Falls Press Release, April 5, 2025].
Building on Last Year’s Momentum
In its inaugural year, Small Shops, Big Impact supported 20 businesses, collectively generating over $1.2 million in revenue and creating 45 new jobs within the first year of operation[City of Sioux Falls Annual Impact Report, January 2025]. Participating shops ranged from a Lakota-owned beadwork studio in the East Bank district to a refugee-run bakery serving traditional Somali pastries near McKennan Park.
Mayor Paul TenHaken highlighted the program’s role in reinforcing the city’s identity as a hub for collaborative enterprise. “Collaboration, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship have helped make Sioux Falls the vibrant community it is today,” TenHaken said during the 2024 program showcase. “This initiative ensures that opportunity isn’t just concentrated in one part of town — it’s shared across neighborhoods.”
The mayor’s remarks were echoed by local philanthropic partners, including the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, which contributed $50,000 to the 2025 program fund. Additional support comes from First Bank & Trust and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, both of which have committed to providing in-kind mentorship and workshop space.
Focus on Equity and Access
This year’s cohort places increased emphasis on accessibility, with application materials offered in English, Spanish, and Lakota. Selection prioritized applicants from historically underrepresented groups, including women, racial minorities, and individuals with disabilities. Over 60% of the 2025 participants identify as BIPOC, and nearly half are women-owned ventures[City of Sioux Falls Demographic Summary, March 2025].
Program administrators say the goal is not only to launch sustainable businesses but to create ripple effects — from increased foot traffic in commercial corridors to stronger intergenerational wealth-building in resident communities.
What’s Next for Participants
Following the May 1 launch, participants will attend a series of weekly workshops covering financial literacy, digital marketing, and supply chain logistics. A public market event is scheduled for June 14 at Falls Park, where the public can engage directly with the entrepreneurs and sample their products.
City officials plan to release a mid-year progress report in September, tracking metrics such as sales growth, hiring activity, and customer retention. Long-term, organizers hope to institutionalize the program as an annual fixture in Sioux Falls’ economic development strategy.
As the city continues to grow, initiatives like Small Shops, Big Impact underscore a broader vision: one where economic vitality is measured not just by large-scale investments, but by the resilience and ingenuity of its smallest enterprises.
To learn more about the program, view participant profiles, or get involved as a mentor or volunteer, visit the City of Sioux Falls’ Small Shops, Big Impact page. Share your thoughts on how local entrepreneurship shapes community resilience in the comments below.
