(KNSI) – Jules’ Bistro in downtown St. Cloud has been named the 2024 Minnesota Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Submitted by St. Cloud Chamber
The honor goes to owner Donella Westphal, a community advocate and creative leader who transformed the local eatery into a hub for art, music, and philanthropy. Since purchasing the bistro in 2017, Westphal has expanded its footprint, launched a bakery and catering company, and grown annual revenue from just over $200,000 to more than $1.7 million. This has allowed her to double her staff, going from 15 workers to 36.
“Most people assume I bought Jules’ because I love to cook. I didn’t,” said Westphal, a North Dakota native who moved to St. Cloud in 1999. “I bought it because I saw the opportunity to build community. Food was just the tool.”
Her journey includes completing the SBA’s THRIVE program and securing multiple SBA-backed loans – including during the pandemic, when she kept her team employed and business strong.
Westphal will be recognized during National Small Business Week, May 4th through 10th.
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