By Nea Maaty
(Nea is a journalist with the Focus Media Arts Centre, funded by the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative)

Our Market Place (Ourmarketplace.ca) is a new online entrepreneur business that formed during the pandemic. The goal of the business is to provide local businesses and entrepreneurs in the St. Jamestown area with an on-line platform to promote and sell their goods and services. The business was started by Tolani Mak and Chelsea Hamel, both of whom had formerly lived in St. Jamestown and were long-time admirers of the community. They decided to come up with Our Market Place as a way of creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, many of whom are from ethno-racial diverse communities, to contribute to the economy.

Considering the Covid-19 restrictions, connecting small entrepreneurs in St. Jamestown to one website for neighbourhood businesses, could be a very empowering tool for vendors especially if they lack the technology skills and resources to deliver their goods on-line.

One of the great features of the website for potential customers is that it is interactive, simulating an actual shopping experience.

The community response so far has been very positive. "This is definitely a need," said Chelsea feeling proud to be a part of the big picture, finding actual solutions to challenges in the neighbourhood.

According to Chelsea, “Our Market Place is a true example of what love of the neighbourhood can do”.

Tolani and Chelsea are encouraging people and small businesses to connect with them. Even if you haven't started the business yet, they will be happy to support you and give the needed advice for you to start your business.

If successful, Tolani and Chelsea hope to bring their market place pilot to other neighbourhoods in Toronto.

If you have business in St. James Town or an idea and you don’t know where to start, Ourmarketplace.ca is happy to help you start your business in St James town.