County board approves two Get in the Cloud grant applications

Two Get in the Cloud small business grant applications were approved by the Cloud County board of commissioners during its regular meeting on Monday morning.
Downtown Girls was awarded $8747.74 and 785 Nutrition was awarded $11,500.
The Get in the Cloud grant program was established in 2014 as an opportunity for businesses in Cloud County to receive funding to help cover start-up costs or to help grow an existing business.
New businesses are eligible to receive a one-time grant of 50 percent of the start-up costs or $50,000, whichever is less.
Existing businesses are eligible for funds if they can show increased sales/customer base from an addition to the current facility.
A seven person committee reviews applications for the Get in the Cloud grant funds and makes a slate of recommendations for county commissioners.
The criteria on which the committee bases its decisions includes the impact on the community, jobs created, new product lines and financial soundness.
Those applying for Get in the Cloud small business grants must complete a Small Business Development class offered by CloudCorp.
Anyone interested in Small Business Development classes can check the CloudCorp Facebook page.
Earlier this year the county commission approved awarding CloudCorp $150,000 of Meridian Way Wind Farm dollars provided by EDP Renewables to support the Get in the Cloud program in 2021.
With the awarding of $20,247.74 to Downtown Girls and 785 Nutrition, CloudCorp has $129,752.26 remaining for 2021.
CloudCorp is accepting grant applications until October 4.
Downtown Girls - $8,747.74
Jennifer Harrington, owner of Downtown Girls, opened her women's boutique about a year ago at 120 W. Sixth Street. Downtown Girls' current location is exceedingly small and does not provide enough room to expand product lines. A larger space would allow her to carry more women's apparel as well as plus sizes, children's accessories and gifts. Jennifer is working with Eric and Jamie Widrig of Angel Square, Inc. to rehabilitate and rent the former Palmquist Drug Store.  The building is in need of significant aesthetic and constructional updates. Jennifer plans to use the funds to replace flooring, put in a bathroom, paint and install slat walls. Not only will it allow an existing business to expand but it will bring life to a building that has been sitting vacant for a number of years. The space will be rehabilitated for any future use if the opportunity arises.
785 Nutrition - $11,500
785 Nutrition is a retail store offering meal replacement shakes as well as energizing teas. In addition to in-house made shakes and teas, a line of health and nutrition products along with skin care products benefiting men and women of all ages will be available for purchase. Owners Natalie Vines and Lindsay Gordon have entered into a lease agreement for property at 216 W. Sixth Street, Suite A.  They have requested $11,500 in grant funds to aid in putting in a prep sink, wash sink and mop sink along with the appropriate plumbing required. They will also be having a counter top/bar built and installed at which patrons will be able to sit. 785 Nutrition is a diverse retail business that has the potential to serve area residents and visitors traveling through.