Watertown Development Company Selected for USD’s Coyote Business Consulting Initiative | Local News

{KXLG, Watertown, SD} — The Watertown Development Company is proud to announce its selection for the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business’s Coyote Business Consulting initiative, a student-centered program designed to strengthen South Dakota’s business landscape through strategic, real-world collaboration. Launched in 2020, Coyote Business Consulting was created to bridge the gap between higher education and the business community, with a special emphasis on supporting small rural businesses, which represent nearly 60% of South Dakota’s workforce. The program provides no cost consulting services to small businesses while offering students valuable hands-on experience and financial support. Watertown Development Company’s selected project will focus on the development and implementation of a Business Health Survey, a comprehensive tool designed to assess the vitality of local businesses. Much like a medical check-up, the survey will evaluate key indicators such as revenue trends, cash flow stability, operational efficiency, workforce dynamics, and market positioning. The goal is to identify both strengths and areas for improvement, providing actionable insights to guide business development and long-term growth. “This initiative represents a meaningful opportunity to better understand the needs of our business community,” said Angie Yahne, who will be leading the project on behalf of the Watertown Development Company. “By partnering with Coyote Business Consulting, we’re not only gaining valuable data—we’re also helping students gain real-world experience that will shape their future careers and strengthen our local economy.” The survey will include an opt-in feature for businesses seeking follow-up support from the Watertown Development Company, particularly those facing operational challenges or exploring expansion opportunities. This data-driven approach will allow WDC to proactively support business retention, resilience, and strategic planning across Watertown’s economic landscape. Watertown Development Company was officially notified of its selection on September 5, 2025, and will receive all project deliverables by November 7, 2025. The initiative will culminate in a Coyote Business Consulting Showcase event on November 12, 2025, in Sioux Falls, SD, where participating organizations and students will present their collaborative outcomes. For more information about the Business Health Survey or Watertown Development Company’s involvement in the Coyote Business Consulting initiative, please contact Angie Yahne at [email protected]