Local entrepreneurs “Explore the Core”

By Kristen Oelschlagel

BELLEVILLE – If you take a stroll through downtown Belleville, you’ll undoubtedly see numerous For Sale signs and empty storefronts.

For some this may seem like a sign of bad times for businesses in the downtown. For others, it could be a new beginning. At least that’s what the members of the Small Business Centre and Belleville Downtown Improvement Area are hoping. On Tuesday the agencies held “Explore the Core” – a chance for potential business owners to tour established downtown stores, as well as vacant storefronts.

Charlene Bessin from the Small Business Centre says it’s a great opportunity for new entrepreneurs to network.

“It gives them a chance to talk to people who are already down here, understand what it’s like to own a business in downtown, what the atmosphere’s like, and they can hear it all first hand instead of just hearsay.”

Approximately 35 new and established entrepreneurs attended the seminar.