The three finalists for the 2018 Destination Downtown competition in Brainerd have been announced.

Knotty Pine Bakery, BluPaisley Boutique and Sourdough Sam’s are the three finalists for the 2018 Destination Downtown competition.

Destination Downtown is a unique business competition that rewards the winner with a winning package worth over $50,000 to help the winning owner with start-up or expansion costs. The competition has three phrases, starting with an online application that has up to 10 entries advance to the second round. The second round consists of the business plans. Three of the ten entries then advance to the third round. The final round consists of the pitch to the judges. Then during the Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s Celebration of Excellence, the winner will be announced.

A short description of each finalist business is below:

Knotty Pine Bakery

Knotty Pine Bakery is run by Marie Kirsch and wants to open a locally-owned from scratch bakery in Downtown Brainerd. She currently runs a cottage food business out of her home kitchen that serves up homemade baked goods using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

BluPaisley Boutique

Lindsay Topp currently owns BluPaisley Boutique in Downtown Nisswa and hopes to use this opportunity to open a second store in Downtown Brainerd. BluPaisley Boutique focuses on woman’s clothing with supreme wearability and comfort while choosing products made locally and in the United States.

Sourdough Sam’s Cook Shanty

Sourdough Sam’s Cook Shanty is looking to become an expansion of Wing’s Airport Cafe that is located at the Brainerd Regional Airport. Sourdough Sam’s will be a three component operation with a homestyle bakery, diner and catering.