Flirty aprons, an orem-based manufacturer of well-designed aprons, has had a busy first year. Since launching its business on March 10, 2008, through a combination of online and in-person retail selling (Flirty Aprons has a kiosk in the University Mall), the concept has taken off.

The initial order of 500 aprons has since been replaced by orders in the tens of thousands. Flirty Aprons has, using regressionary statistics, projected that 2009 revenues will see a 300 percent growth from 2008. And Flirty Aprons has more plans in its polka-dotted pocket.

eFileCabinet was launched in 2001, after software developed to help James Blaylock’s accounting firm became increasingly popular. Blaylock just wanted something that would keep his records stored digitally — saving him cabinet space and management costs.

Now the company is a national leader in digital document storage and is growing all the time. In fact, from 2007 to 2008, the company grew 39 percent. And last quarter, the company had its best quarter ever. The company also launched a new channel program and a major product upgrade. Now that’s some good news.

The company expects no slow down in 2009. Company officials expect to expand its staff, channel program and office space — all while saving clients space in their own offices.

RETAIL
The University Mall is enjoying continued growth and success, despite reports of the national economic downturn. Shoppers are still spending, even if they’re being more careful about it. In fact, the University Mall gift certificate program has remained stable over the past couple of years, according to Cindy Koenig of the University Mall.
Also, the mall is expanding. The new University Mall Village has been built and already houses a new Cinemark movie theater and Iggy’s Sports Grill. Also, look for the new Jared Jewelers coming soon.

REAL ESTATE
“While the rest of the country was dealing with dramatic slowdown and negative economic change, over the last six months, Utah County observed its most significant amount of new growth,” says Brandon Fugal, with Coldwell Banker Commercial.
Landmark projects include Thanksgiving Park, Grove Creek Center and North Point — all in north Utah Valley.
Fugal notes that companies are also there to fill these spaces, including Horrocks Engineering, Decco (an EMC Company), ProPay, Sorenson Capital and the University of Phoenix.

CINDY’S MINUTE
Cindy Kelly is the assistant vice president, business services at Family First Federal Credit Union

“Despite the slowing economy and the tightening of the credit market, entrepreneurs still have plenty of ways to raise funds for their companies. They just need to know where to look.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE