The South Eastern Development Foundation (SEDF) was created to stimulate economic development in southeastern South Dakota by filling the financing niche between existing state and community loan program levels and banks. The Foundation will provide affordable but sustainable financial services to at-risk populations such as low-income, unemployed, underemployed and dislocated workers whom lack the initial capital required to create or expand a business. In doing so, the Foundation expects to contribute to regional job creation and retention. Along with its loans, the Foundation will partner with other entities to assure that potential clients receive training and technical assistance critical for their success.