WILLMAR -- Mr. B. Chocolatier recently received a loan from the Southwest Initiative Foundation's micro-enterprise loan program to assist in moving the production facility to a new, larger location on West Litchfield Avenue.
The business, which is co-owned by David and Patricia George and Ian and Danielle George, produces handmade European-style chocolates. It has a new retail store in Willmar, located at 2211 S. First St., and numerous other business outlets throughout Minnesota.
The business was purchased by the co-owners from Dwight Barnes, the original Mr. B., in June. Before opening Mr. B,'s, Barnes spent two years in Belgium as an apprentice to Hans Burie, one of the most renowned chocolatiers in Europe. Following his extensive training, Barnes started his chocolate business in Willmar, using European methods of making chocolate products and important special ingredients. Until his recent retirement, Barnes attended continuing education with Callebaut, one of the world's top producers of raw chocolate and one of the most renowned chocolatier schools in the world.
Barnes has trained Ian George, husband of his granddaughter, Danielle, as an artisan chocolatier. Ian is trained as a professional chef, and he and his wife will carry on the traditions of this family business.
Loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation will be used for additional fixtures needed at the new location, as well as working capital for moving costs.
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The Southwest Initiative Foundation's micro-enterprise loan program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwestern Minnesota that have a need for additional sources of funds. Technical assistance is available from the Southwest Initiative Foundation as needed for the length of the loan.
The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Otto Bremer Foundation.
