MANITOUWADGE -- There’s a feeling of spring in the air, and with it comes a sense of hope, renewal and change for the better. For some folks, that fresh start might include owning and operating their own business, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The town of Manitouwadge has several such turnkey opportunities for the budding entrepreneur.
In this day and age of remote, work-from-home jobs, living in Manitouwadge is an ideal situation. In addition to low housing prices, the town has all the amenities you’ll need to live and work comfortably. High speed wi-fi, cell phone service, transportation and delivery services, as well as adequate health and wellness facilities are all available, but to those who want to shed the tether of working for someone else and become their own boss, a turnkey business might an exciting, rewarding alternate choice of career.
Perhaps you dream of tending bar at your own drinking establishment; you can own a fully equipped pub and grill for as little as $199,000! Does the idea of running a little bistro and living in the upstairs apartment appeal to you? How about the opportunity to get away from the office and operate a bread delivery service or manage a fleet of snow clearing vehicles? Manitouwadge just may be the place to make your dreams come true.
At the present time, there are at least five businesses and commercial spaces listed with MLS.ca, and others are for sale privately. Restaurants, pubs, retail stores, a welding shop, as well as service operations are all available at very reasonable prices, and there are several commercial spaces for lease as well.
There are plenty of resources available. Entrepreneurs and existing businesses have access to a variety of organizations that offer services, such as the Manitouwadge Economic Development Corporation, which offers a community stabilization fund and is able to invest money in the community. The Superior North Community Futures Development Corporation, a federally run program, provides access to capital, business services and community development. More information and access to these and other programs are available on the Township of Manitouwadge’s Business Assistance web page.
As for a customer base, Manitouwadge has a population of approximately 2,000, with a median age of 41. The average household salary hovers around the $116,000 mark, which, combined with extremely low housing costs, leaves plenty of room for discretionary spending. It’s an expanding community, too, with new mining and forestry opportunities opening up this year and in the near future. According to the 2021 census, the population has grown by 2.9 per cent, a significant change, especially when compared with neighbouring towns, which all have decreased in population, according to the Statistics Canada website.
“There’s an exciting housing bubble in Manitouwadge,” Simone Donaldson declares, describing the housing situation. “It’s a total anomaly. There’s no prices like this anywhere. It’s a great opportunity to own a beautiful, modern house for less than $150,000. And it’s a great place to live, work, and play.”
COVID restrictions may have stalled business for the last couple of years, but now’s the time to rise and take on the challenge of growth and renewal, both personally and for the community.
For more information on businesses or homes for sale, contact Simone Donaldson at Remax Generations Realty or (807) 823-0587
