Small-business sector strong.

• Author: Clark, Pauline
• Position: North Bay

There are an estimated 2500 to 3500 small businesses in North Bay, and it is a sector where interest seems to be steadily increasing, says Erin Richmond, manager of The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound.

"We don't have exact numbers, but there's definitely been an increase in inquiries in our office," Richmond says. "We're happy with the level of interest in the small-business sector especially the micro-businesses, that's one- to two-person businesses."

"There's also been an increase in the number of people registering business names and in the number of consultations we've been doing with both starting and expanding businesses," she adds. "Our office deals with a lot of service-based and home-based businesses, such as consultants, sewing and repair workers and Web development companies."

Richmond estimates 50 to 60 per cent of small businesses in the area are being run from homes.

"People may not see all these businesses when they look around, but they're there," she says.

The home-business trend, she says, is one that seems similar to other northern cities.

"In talking with people from other areas, they're noticing the same increases," she says.

Richmond attributes the increases to a few factors. One of those is the perception of lack of opportunities in other areas, due to such things as company downsizing.

She says there are also large numbers of baby boomers retiring and seeking out second careers.

"Many of those who come in to see us have 30 or so years experience in a field and want to go into consulting on a freelance basis," she says.

Richmond also attributes small-business growth to youth entrepreneurship.

"Government youth strategies such as both the Summer Company and My Company programs (offered by us)...