Dakota Business Lending Hosts Open House Event

Dakota Business Lending was proud to host an open house event at their new headquarters office in South Fargo last week. The event brought together more than 60 lenders, partners, borrowers, Board of Directors, members of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and others from throughout the community and beyond to celebrate the organization’s recent name change, tour the new state-of-the-art facility, and celebrate Dakota Business Lending’s exciting milestones throughout the past 35 years of operation. Guests enjoyed food catered by Spitfire and live music by the JT Kennelly Band, a local folk and bluegrass band. The construction of the new headquarter office was very intentional and creative, giving every element of the facility a story to tell. From its exterior foundations to the smallest of detail, each piece has a unique purpose or rich history. Using contractors from businesses they have financed throughout the years, Dakota Business Lending did their best to build on their history, both literally and figuratively. The wooden beams and paneling throughout the building are made from fortified and reclaimed wood taken from various structures and barns throughout Fargo, North Dakota, and Minnesota. In addition, the design also was built with the intention to build upon Dakota Business Lending’s existing creative and collaborative environment. “The facility was designed with an understanding of organizational culture and collaborative styles, improving the way we work together both internally and externally,” commented Steve Dusek, Dakota Business Lending’s President and CEO. The new facility’s multiple open concept spaces welcome borrowers, lenders, partners, and other members of the community and beyond to utilize the space as well.

Bill Manger (right) traveled from Washington D.C. for the event.

Among the attendees at the event was Bill Manger, a special guest who traveled from Washington D.C. to join Dakota Business Lending in celebrating and furthering their mission. Manger is the Associate Administrator for the Office of Capital Access with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Prior to the event, Manger spent his time discussing small business lending with a group of Certified Development Companies from across the country and led a lender roundtable discussion about small business lending in North Dakota and western Minnesota the following morning. His presence was an honor to the Dakota Business Lending Board of Directors, team, and all visiting Certified Development Companies and lenders as they were able to learn and discuss ways in which they can better help businesses reach their full potential. To conclude the event, an official ribbon cutting ceremony was held with comments and remarks from Manger himself, along with Patrick Traynor, President of the Impact Foundation, David Martin, State Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, Andy Maragos, Chair of Dakota Business Lending’s Board of Director, and Steve Dusek, Dakota Business Lending’s President and CEO. After celebrating their success of small business throughout the past 35 years, Dakota Business Lending sees their new location and open house event as a milestone achievement that further builds upon their foundation for continued growth and success into the future.\