SG Civil: Building Opportunity Through the “Thrill of the Drill”
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director
(605) 455-2500
tbrunsch@lakotafunds.org
For Jason Brewer, entrepreneurship has always been about recognizing opportunity, meeting a need, and building something that can grow beyond himself.
Jason and his business partner, Matt LaForest, grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, and have pursued business opportunities together since their teenage years. Jason built experience in landscaping, underground utilities, forestry, construction, and directional drilling before returning home with a vision to build SG Civil, a Native-owned company combining engineering and construction services.
In 2024, SG Civil recognized a growing need in the Black Hills. As fiber and utility projects expanded into increasingly difficult terrain, specialized rock-drilling equipment was needed to work effectively in South Dakota’s challenging ground conditions.
Lakota Funds helped SG Civil turn that opportunity into growth.
Through a $686,875 loan, SG Civil invested in a complete rock-drilling system centered around a Ditch Witch AT32, along with the truck, trailer, rods, tooling, electronics, mud system, and locating equipment needed to operate effectively.
The investment became even more affordable through the Wells Fargo Interest Rate Buydown Grant, which reduced SG Civil’s interest rate from 7% to 4%—saving the business $80,722.30 in interest over the life of the loan. These savings allow SG Civil to keep more resources available for operations, workforce development, and continued growth.
Today, SG Civil offers specialized rock-drilling capabilities that are scarce in the Rapid City and Black Hills area. The expansion is attracting new customers, creating opportunities to partner with other contractors, and providing workers with access to specialized, high-value skills.
For Jason, the impact goes beyond business growth. SG Civil employs more Native workers than workers of other backgrounds, and he is committed to developing employees into equipment operators, crew leaders, and skilled tradespeople who can build lasting careers.
Currently Jason has 5 employees and is working on building a second crew which would add 3-5 additional employees.
Looking ahead, Jason and Matt envision SG Civil providing infrastructure services from engineering and design through construction and final completion. Their goal is to expand sewer, water, and communications infrastructure work while increasing the company’s capacity to serve reservations and Native communities.
Lakota Funds financing, strengthened by the Wells Fargo Interest Rate Buydown Grant, did more than help SG Civil purchase equipment. It provided affordable capital that is helping a Native-owned business expand, create skilled jobs, train workers, and build capacity to serve communities—one project, one crew, and one opportunity at a time.