Three more businesses approved for downtown program

Three more businesses have been accepted for participation in Clear Lake’s Downtown Retail Business Incubator Program.

White Barn Picket Fence, Nash & Ivy and Charlie’s Soda Fountain were all approved at Monday night’s City Council meeting.  Each of the businesses will be located within the former Corner Drug and Thrifty White location at 2 N. 4th St.  The building is owned by Austin and Jessica Wood, who are also the owners of Charlie’s Soda Fountain.

White Barn Picket Fence offers photography services for families and a retail space with unique farmhouse finds, clothing and gifts.  The store is  located in Algona, Iowa and owned and operated by Amanda and Courtney Krumwiede, a husband and wife duo living in Britt.  The couple will be expanding the business to Clear Lake.

Nikki Eden is the founder and designer behind the Nash & Ivy jewelry and lifestyle brand which is based in Iowa. She designs and creates the necklaces for the brand while sourcing all other products from women-owned businesses.

Under terms of the city’s incentive program, all three businesses have secured the necessary three-year leases for their locations.  Incentives will include partial rent reimbursement over an 18-month period and a forgivable grant for business facade and signage improvements on a 50:50 basis, not to exceed $2,500.  During months one-six the business will receive a 50 percent subsidy ($830 per month maximum); months seven-12 a 33 percent subsidy ($560 per month maximum); months 13-18 a 17 percent subsidy ($275 per month subsidy).