![Thunder Bay Police Service walking patrols during the day help reinforce a sense of safety in the downtown](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/May-Street-Fort-William-Police-Walking-Patrol1.jpg)
There are Opportunities in Downtown Fort William
THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Thunder Bay is a community with enormous potential. You will hear that statement from politicians, the Chamber of Commerce, business leaders and realtors and the Shift Network. The Entrepreneur Centre is training a whole new future of business owners and entrepreneurs. What is needed is a solid business action plan which will help make all of the dreams a solid reality.
So? Where can that happen?
The Downtown Represents Opportunity
One of Thunder Bay’s hidden gems is right downtown in the Fort William Business District. Empty storefronts, for rent and for sale signs are all too common right now. What that really represents is opportunity. Right now the opportunities are here in the area.
Part of the solution comes with business owners who are working to bring the neighbourhood together for later hours. The courthouse, which was once pushed as a solution for the downtown needs far more going on to make a difference. The other solution might be in being open on Saturday for some of the shops.
The other push should come in the major business opportunities in the Fort William Business District. There are many fantastic office spaces available.
![Talk about a view, perfect for a law practice, or? What is your dream, downtown Fort William likely has the space for you!](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/View-from-Chapple-Building.jpg)
|
|
What some see as empty, entrepreneurs will see as opportunities.
There are new businesses opening in the area. Over the past months there has been a slow steady shift in attitudes in the downtown area.
![For sale or for lease, an amazing brick building in the downtown Fort William Business area](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Opportunity-Fort-William-Victoria-Ave.jpg)
|
|
While many people complain about Victoriaville, and look back to the 1970s and say the decision to close off the streets was a mistake, the reality is that the centre is here, not likely to change and there are some pretty fantastic shops on what is still officially Victoria Avenue. Taking a walk through, while there are not lots of retail shops, there are some neat businesses, and there are vacancies that make it possible for you to build on your dream as well.
![Thrive Fitness and Blue Sky Community Healing Centre are in the Renaissance Building on Victoria Avenue East](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Renaissance-Building-on-Victoria.jpg)
There are changes in the area as new businesses come in and new owners take over some of the old businesses.
![Official-Coffee-of-NetNewsLedger](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Official-Coffee-of-NetNewsLedger.jpg)
For tea lovers, Steepers is under new ownership. They have brought in fresh new ideas, and are ready to serve you. Redd Boutique, and Crafters Corner along with Jonmar Computer are all ready to serve you.
![Steepers Tea is under new ownership, Redd Boutique offers exciting fashions for the ladies, and Crafter's Corner lets you choose neat hand-made gifts](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Steepers-Redd-and-Jonmar-on-May-Street.jpg)
![Excuria on Archibald Street in the historic Coo House is opening soon - showing faith in the neighbourhood](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Excuria-on-Archibald-Street.jpg)
|
|
There is lots of things happening downtown. And for business owners, looking for opportunities, getting in on the ground floor is always a good idea. That time is now in downtown Fort William.
|
|
![]() |
![]() |