The future of rural is here.

At Dakota Resources, we believe that the future of rural is shaped by people who are passionate about their communities. While community development often begins with one person or with one idea, a thriving rural makes room for diverse visions to co-exist. We structure our work according to our values – to include, connect, inspire, empower, and celebrate – so that all are welcome to participate fully in decision-making in their communities.

The work of Dakota Resources began more than 25 years ago, but our mission – to connect capital and capacity to empower rural communities – remains true today. Our work has impacted more than 160 communities across the nation, and as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides financial support to rural and underserved areas across the nation, our work contributes to a thriving rural in measurable ways. Our five programs, all of which are dedicated to building financial and leadership capacity within rural communities, ensure that a thriving rural is here to stay.

  • 1996

    Our Beginnings

    A group of South Dakota leaders form South Dakota Rural Enterprise, Inc (SDREI). Its mission is to enhance the economic vitality of rural South Dakota communities. The focus is to pool capital from banks, corporations, and other funding sources and relend it to local Economic Development Organizations (EDOs).

  • 1998

    Beth Becomes Executive Director

    Beth Davis is hired as the organization’s first Executive Director.

  • 1998

    Community Development Loans Launches

    We achieve Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Certification and begin lending to Economic Development Organizations across South Dakota.

  • 2004

    New Markets Tax Credit Launches

    Together with our partner Rural Development Finance Corporation, we form a subsidiary called Dakotas America LLC and it achieves certified Community Development Entity (CDE) status, enabling us to apply for New Markets Tax Credit allocation authority.

  • 2005

    Community Coaching Launches

    We begin offering community engagement opportunities to help build the capacity of leaders in rural places. This effort evolves into our Community Coaching program.

  • 2008

    Dakota Rising

    We launch an entrepreneur development program called Dakota Rising. Fellows are selected each year to join a cohort process, form relationships with peers, and build their small business capacity.

  • 2010

    Hello Dakota Resources

    Dakota Resources becomes the new name for SDREI. Our headquarters moved from Sioux Falls to Renner, SD.

  • 2013

    We Expanded Nationally

    Our New Markets Tax Credits program expands to create community impact nationally.

  • 2016

    Our First Ever RuralX

    Over 200 people attend the first-ever RuralX summit in Aberdeen, SD to hear from speakers like Emily Pilloton (Project H) and design an agenda around what’s important to them.

  • 2016

    Learning Network Launches

    We launch the Learning Network to support and build the capacity of economic development leaders. It expands to offer four core areas for capacity building: housing, community engagement, supporting entrepreneurs and leading an economic development organization.

  • 2018

    Joe Becomes President

    Our first leader Beth Davis retires. Our board selects Joe Bartmann as Dakota Resources’ new President.

  • 2019

    Building Local Entrepreneur Support

    The Dakota Rising program for entrepreneur fellows sunsets. We shift our energy from working directly with rural entrepreneurs to helping economic development organizations build local entrepreneur support systems.

  • 2020

    We Launch Our New Brand

    We launch our new brand and website so we can better support a thriving rural. We’re always looking for new ways to make the future of rural communities bolder and brighter, and we want our look to match our vision.

  • 2020

    Lin Steps Down And Dustin Steps In

    Fifteen years later, Lin Van Hofwegen leaves her position at Dakotas America, and Dustin Ludens is named the new Managing Director.

  • 2021

    Cheers to 25 Years

    This calls for a celebration! We have reached a milestone in our organization are commemorating 25 years of shaping rural communities.

  • Present

    The Future of Rural is Here

    We believe that leadership capacity and access to capital are key to creating that future. Our programs are aimed at supporting rural shapers and economic development organizations.

What Rural Shapers Are Saying

At Dakota Resources, our goal is not just to empower rural leaders and help rural communities thrive, but to celebrate the people and communities who are actively making a difference every single day.

Paula Jensen, Vice President of Program Development, Dakota Resources