Potato Barn Antiques Finds Relief in CEDC Grants
Potato Barn Antiques (PBA), a family-run business in Lancaster, has been a destination for antique lovers for 32 years. The 7500 square foot space in a 1928 barn is practically a playland for those looking to take a walk down memory lane checking out all things antique, vintage and collectable, from books and postcards to runner sleds and snowshoes and everything in between.
Also located within PBA is their other business, Lady’s Slipper Vintage, full of fashions from the Mid 1800’s to the 1960s .
Kellyann Yelle and her husband love their customers and feel blessed that they’ve been able to run a business for so long that they love so much.
While they typically take a winter break, shutting the store down from December to April each year, they did not expect the extended break COVID delivered. So, when they closed their doors for the winter in December, 2019, they had no idea they might not be opening their doors again till June, 2021.
But, as any business can attest, even when you’re not open, the bills keep coming. Luckily, PBA applied for and received a $2,000 COVID Emergency Relief Grant.
Kelly shares, “That $2,000 was such a help to offset those monthly costs and provide relief.”
Through this extended closure though, Kelly and her husband continued working from home, emailing with their customers and keeping communication and business moving. They were thankful to have an online presence, but quickly learned what it was “really like to do business online” and decided it was time for their website to get an upgrade.
Once again, CEDC and their grant opportunities have come to the rescue in the form of a $3,000 Technical Assistance Grant. With that grant, the Yelles have been actively working with a web designer to improve both PBA’s and Lady’s Slipper’s websites, planned to be complete in June.
Kelly comments, “Without that grant money, I never would’ve done that. After this year, we don’t have $3,000 just lying around.”
PBA has also applied for a Community Development Block Grant simply to help them cover other bills and pay property taxes.
Every little bit is a help in the Yelles continuing their over 30 year history of welcoming antique enthusiasts from all over to their fun shop.
Kelly concludes, “CEDC is such a wonderful organization. To have this resource look at you and your business and say, “what can we do to help you succeed” is phenomenal.”
Potato Barn Antiques is excited to open its doors again in June…open by chance or by appointment.
Want to know more about all the grants CEDC has available? Click HERE to learn more!