We’re looking forward to the trio of ribbon-cutting ceremonies taking place later beginning at 5:15 p.m. and into the early evening. That’s when three new businesses downtown will be ready to welcome the public and show what they have to offer.

You’ll recall that this past spring the second StartUp program announced the newest recipients of grants to get them started in their businesses: Kim Mallon Children’s Therapy Concepts; Katrina Manley of Spoken Interior Homes; and Andrea Epps of Tiers to You. For your future reference, the first is located at 107 E. Third Ave.; the second at 111 N. Main St.; and the third at 116 E. First Ave.

Naturally, we’re optimistic that not only will these three will be welcome, but more importantly they’l thrive in the years to come.

If you’re contemplating staring a new business, but not sure how to start, we encourage you to meet with representatives with the Downtown Franklin Association (562-6900) and the Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. (562-1958) and learn how. Like the aforementioned trio, you could become a part of what’s making the city stronger.