February Jefferson Awards: helping local entrepreneurs fund their dreams

Stewartville natives Tom and Sue Slightam started Jimmy’s Salad Dressings & Dips 30 years ago. However, in the early days of the business, the couple struggled to get financing from local banks.

Tom recalls the frustration he felt, as he and his wife were both confident in their business plan and the quality of their products.

It was then that the Slightams created the vision for the Low Water Bridge Foundation, a grant-based program to ensure that new Stewartville businesses start off on the right foot.

Sue says they’re thankful to the Stewartville community for supporting them, and now they want to return that support.

Since the start of the non-profit foundation in 2017, Tom and Sue have been able to help fund 4 Stewartville businesses in addition to donating to local fundraisers and events. Just last month, they donated 10-thousand dollars to the owners of the new Cabin Coffee Company that’s set to open this spring.

Though the couple is thankful for the entrepreneurs they’ve already helped, they’re hoping to fund the opening of more Stewartville businesses in the future.

For more information about the Low Water Bridge Foundation, click here.

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