Several new businesses are opening in Decorah

These are challenging times for small businesses, which must cope with the COVID-19 epidemic as they try to bring in enough business to keep going.  Decorah businesses are doing better at that task than those in many communities—in fact, there are several new businesses which are in the process of opening this holiday season.

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Director Kristina Wiltgen says a number of ribbon cutting ceremonies are scheduled.  The Silver Birch on Water Street hosted a ribbon cutting late last month, while a ribbon cutting was held Tuesday at Gracie's Boutique and Broker Leather to celebrate their new collaboration.  Friday there will be a ribbon cutting at Beautistry by Eileen on Water Street and next Friday there will be two—one at Urban Nutrition and the other at The Dress by Morgan Lynn—both on Water Street.

Wiltgen say the Chamber is actively working with one start up business with its Revolving Loan funds and has another existing business looking at a relocation/expansion that may use the funds. In addition, a new owner of Decorah Greenhouse took over officially on Monday.