By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – A seminar held Tuesday night at the Apollo Resource Center could help East Side entrepreneurs bag some new business with the future Tops Supermarket.
The good news for Jefferson Avenue's redevelopment didn't start with Tops. Renovation of the Apollo Theatre was probably the first visible sign that the neighborhood was turning the corner. But news that the giant supermarket chain was setting up shop on the East Side has given even greater hope to area residents - and businesses. Councilmember Antoine Thompson says that once businesses get in the door, the sky is truly the limit.
"It's a strategy, an outreach to minority and women owned businesses in Buffalo and Western New York, so they can provide goods and services to Tops Markets," said Thompson. "Not only the Tops on Jefferson Avenue which will be opening in late June, but also to get access to the Tops Markets throughout Western New York and even America."
Although it's not known yet how much money could be generated by the new contracts, Thompson says the growth potential for young businesses is tremendous. Tops officials suggested strategies for getting started, during the seminar held at the Apollo Small Business Resource Center. Thompson says the next job for the Apollo will be to provide ongoing support as businesses grow.
"The Apollo is open every day, and they will be able to provide technical assistance to the businesses that seek doing business with Tops Markets," said Thompson.
Thompson says that initially they hope to get about ten local businesses involved in various service and vending contracts with the new Tops Supermarket. The full service store at Jefferson Avenue and Landon Street is scheduled to open in June.