Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After a year of renovations following a fire, the West Side Bazaar is back in business. A ribbon cutting was held Monday, and a grand opening is scheduled for later this month for the Niagara Street facility.
Erin Kelly of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative says it's a big day. "We're really thrilled to be part of the revitalization on Niagara Street. Working with them has been wonderful, the group Vision Niagara, working with the community on every level from the individuals who have donated to the customers who have told us on social media, how excited they are," says Kelly.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul says the Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind small business incubator supporting entrepreneurs on their path to becoming successful business owners with services like microloans and technical business assistance.
The renovation of a historic 16,000 square foot vacant building provides space for 24 restaurants, retail and professional services businesses. It also includes office space for WEDI, test and rental kitchens for independent chefs, classrooms, a stage and bar for events with seating for 200-plus patrons.
West Side Bazaar’s new location is expected to incubate approximately 20 small businesses initially, with room to house more in years to come. To date, the West Side Bazaar has incubated more than 45 small businesses.
Kelly says the bazaar is an incubator for startup owners who can't get credit through traditional banking institutions. "Many of some of those people who were experienced the fire in the shutdown last year now have graduated," says Kelly, including 007, a dim sum restaurant now in Hamburg.
The temporary bazaar downtown remains open. The grand opening for the Niagara Street facility is Oct. 31-Nov. 4.