BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI

North Country This Week

MASSENA — Despite COVID restrictions for the last 17 months, multiple businesses have recently opened in Massena and others have made changes to keep operating during the pandemic.

“COVID has had an obvious impact on our lives and the businesses in Massena,” Jim Murphy, executive director of the Business Development Corporation said.

Nonetheless, new businesses have opened in Massena including Simplicity, a retail clothing store on Main Street. 

Businesses that have opened during COVID include; Hayden Fitness (54 E. Orvis), SC Salon (92 Main St.), Funky Feet (68 E. Orvis), Virtual Precision Shooting Range (Main St.), Simplicity Clothing (48 Main St.), Massena Yoga Studio (69 Main St.), Old Tyme Tattoos (11 Main St.), Fahrenheit Niteclub (4 N. Main St.) and Eyland’s Restaurant (10 W. Main St.).

Murphy noted existing restaurants have been utilizing curbside pick up and online ordering to maintain business as dining rooms were closed.

The BDC has also seen significant interest from area business owners and potential new business owners seeking assistance, he said.

While the pandemic has forced some businesses to cut staff, hours and even close, Murphy said people are also seeing opportunities and finding solutions to open their businesses.

“I think COVID has actually had the opposite effect, strangely enough. We welcome the Canadian business and miss it but I think this has led to businesses becoming more creative,” Murphy said. The Canadian border was closed to most traffic for most of the pandemic.

Murphy also commented on the effect local entrepreneurs have had on the local commercial real estate market.

“At one point not long ago, I didn’t see a single commercial property available for under $100,000. Each one was listed as sold or sale pending,” he said. Commercial properties are now hard to find because the real estate market led to a frenzy of purchases by local entrepreneurs. 

Murphy encourages potential business owners to reach out to the BDC to take advantage of the resources available. BDC offers short-term and bridge financing for businesses, SBA loans, technology assistance, training and more.

“We help provide the resources and training for small business owners to be successful. We can’t create jobs at the BDC, but we can create an environment for jobs to thrive in Massena,” stated Murphy.

For more information, contact Murphy at (315) 769-8484 or jamesmurphy52@me.com.