Expansion Capital Group Awards $25,000 to The Good Earth Farm Through Small Business Spotlight Contest
We are proud to announce The Good Earth Farm as the winner of our inaugural Small Business Spotlight contest and the recipient of a $25,000 grand prize.
Founded by Jeff and Nancy Kirstein in Lennox, SD, The Good Earth Farm is far more than a destination. It is a working farm and event venue rooted in sustainable living and community connection. The Kirsteins were selected from a pool of more than 80 applicants, with their story and community impact ultimately winning over our judging panel.
"After receiving over 80 submissions, it was a difficult task to narrow it down to one winner," said our CEO, Tim Mages. "The story of The Good Earth Farm and its community impact was the catalyst for its selection. This contest was our way of saying 'thank you' to the local heroes who keep our region vibrant and growing."
The $25,000 prize will go directly toward modernizing the farm's operations, specifically the construction of a new commercial kitchen. By moving out of a residential kitchen and into a professional-grade facility, The Good Earth Farm is positioned to scale its signature wood-fired pizza service and event catering, with projected revenue growth of up to 50%.
"The philosophy of The Good Earth is to bring back what matters most: laughter, play, and authentic interaction with the land," said Nancy Kirstein. "This capital allows us to scale that mission and share the heart of the American farmstead with even more people."
The new kitchen is expected to strengthen several pillars of the farm's operation: increasing production of its farm-to-table, wood-fired pizzas featuring estate-grown vegetables; enhancing the guest experience for weddings and community gatherings; and continuing to support its on-site animal sanctuary, which serves as both a forever home for animals and an educational space for visitors.
About the Small Business Spotlight
Small Business Spotlight is our way of giving back to the community we have called home since our founding. Through this program, we recognize one eligible small business operating in Sioux Falls or within 20 miles of the city and award $25,000 to support its growth. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating for at least one year, have fewer than $5 million in annual revenue, and employ more than one W-2 employee.
All eligible entries are reviewed by a panel of judges from our team and the local business community, evaluated on community impact, business story, and how the funding would be used. Businesses may nominate themselves or be nominated by customers, employees, or community members.
About Expansion Capital Group
