The city of Monmouth is one step closer to having some new downtown businesses.
The Shops at Monmouth Retail Business Competition drew 18 entrepreneurs interested in opening their own business.
The field has been narrowed to six. It’s a diverse group including coffee shops, a high-end women’s clothing store, an artisan gift and stationary boutique and a beer-friendly movie theater.
- G’s Café Haus
- Maude Specklebely’s
- The Rhinestone Junkie Bouique
- The Rivoli Theater
- Western Stoneware Company
Economic Development Director Paul Schuytema said the community would benefit from any one of the businesses opening downtown.
“I think a lot of these businesses are poised, contest or not, to really start and open their business, which is what we want. Maybe the contest kind of catalyzed them to get going right now.”
The finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges during an open event at Monmouth College’s Fusion Theatre on Wednesday, July 30.
Three winners will be chosen to receive prize packages valued at $25,000 to help open their business downtown.
