$100,000 grant allows Fayette woman to follow dream - KWWL.com

$100,000 grant allows Fayette woman to follow dream of starting her own business

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Written by Shelley Russell, Multimedia Journalist - bio | email
Rumor Prom and Bridal is located on 10 S. Main St. in Fayette. Rumor Prom and Bridal is located on 10 S. Main St. in Fayette.
Langel said the 150-year old building used to be a food shelf, furniture store and John Deere dealership. Langel said the 150-year old building used to be a food shelf, furniture store and John Deere dealership.
Langel said the store has 75 gowns in addition to wedding dresses, veils, shoes and jewelry. Langel said the store has 75 gowns in addition to wedding dresses, veils, shoes and jewelry.
Langel said she will start designing custom dresses for clients in the Fall. Langel said she will start designing custom dresses for clients in the Fall.
FAYETTE (KWWL) -

Cathy Langel still can't believe her dreams have come true.

"We're very proud of it. I know the whole city is proud to have this," said Langel.

Langel opened up Rumor Prom and Bridal in Fayette last month. This weekend marked the store's grand opening.

"We've had guests from Prairie du Chiene, all the way down to La Porte City, Waukon, New Hampton and everywhere in between," said Langel.

The store was able to open thanks to a grant from Upper Iowa University.

The Upper Iowa Business Development (UIBD) grant is offered annually to new or expanding businesses in Fayette.

The UIBD grant was funded by a $500,000 endowment given by Bob and Betty Firth.

The endowment was designed to spur economic development in Fayette and create a lively commercial sector in the hometown of Upper Iowa University.

"We try to grant enough money to start one business per year in Fayette," said Firth.

"We want a number of businesses all lined up here in Fayette and people coming 50 or 100 miles away to Fayette to stop, shop and stay awhile. That's our goal," said Firth.

Langel said she shares a similar goal.

"It definitely has been my dream to actually have a store front business right here," said Langel.

Langel said she plans on designing custom wedding and prom gowns in the Fall.

Meanwhile, applications for the 2013 UIBD grant will be accepted until June 30, 2013.

Anyone interested in applying for the grant can contact Andrew Wenthe at Upper Iowa University: wenthea@uiu.edu or 563-425-5348.

 

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