By Dianne Gouliquer
Thunder Bay is seeing its fair share of new business startups in all sectors, the local chamber of commerce reports, and the result is a steady growth of new job opportunities.
"We are seeing some small-business startups, and the growth in job creation is predominantly done by the small business," Mary Long-Irwin, chamber of commerce president, says. "But I really believe we, as a community - the partners and the stakeholders - have to work together a bit more so that we create more of an environment for the growth and startups of small business."
Long-Irwin admits the number of small-business startups in the city could be higher, but she is impressed by the fact that the city is seeing new ventures from almost every sector, from manufacturing to service to technology.
She adds getting a new business going is no easy task, especially if an entrepreneur is having problems securing financing for the venture.
"For some it's difficult to obtain financing; that's a standard (problem) because we are somewhat isolated and not all the decisions are made here locally," she says. "The interest rate is a little lower, but everybody is being very, very cautious when it comes to lending.
In addition, taxes, she notes, are often a barrier for small-business owners who are struggling to make a profit during the crucial first years.
These challenges, however, are being met, Long-Irwin says. "Sometimes it just takes a bit of time, but they are being met."
Laurie Abthorpe is just one example of a local entrepreneur who is meeting the challenges of owning her own small business.
Abthorpe, who opened Laurie by Design in December 2000, says while financing for her graphic design and window display business wasn't a challenge in the beginning, gaining the confidence to launch her own small enterprise was.
"I had never been in business before, so this was a challenge not only to me but to the business," Abthorpe says.
"Having the confidence to take that step and go for it (was difficult).
"I was extremely lucky; I qualified for the Canadian Youth Foundation Business Loan program so I was able to take advantage of that" to get the business started.
But six months into operations and Abthorpe is facing financial obstacles of a different kind.
"Trying to get a credit rating for your business to be able to have the small-business credit cards and the things that you need to run a business takes perseverance with the credit card companies," Abthorpe says.
Abthorpe and Long-Irwin both agree that Thunder Bay is an ideal community in which to start a small business.
Abthorpe applauds the city's support network, like the chamber and its small business development committee, which supports the development and growth of small business in Thunder Bay.
"I find Thunder Bay is extremely welcoming to small businesses," Abthorpe says. "There are many organizations and programs available to help small businesses out, the networking is fantastic and there are basically open arms everywhere."
Long-Irwin points out Thunder Bay's location as being ideal for business startup.
"We're centrally located as far as transportation east or west," Long-Irwin adds, noting roads in Northern Ontario are not the best, but improvements are being made.
She says Thunder Bay also has a "large, strong labour pool," which shows the quality and standards of Thunder Bay's products and businesses are high.
