Business growth on track in Carbonear

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury

Business growth is continuing apace in Carbonear according to the Town’s economic development officer.

Kerri Abbott made her remarks to council following a report by Deputy Mayor Fred Earle, who chairs council’s economic development committee.

Earle reported that nine new commercial businesses and three new home-based businesses have been established in Carbonear in 2026 so far.

Abbott said she has received 157 inquiries from potential businesses. She explained these only include inquiries for which she has had at least two interactions with the inquirer.

“It can be anywhere from someone with just an idea who’s looking for funding, to someone who’s looking for help to do a business plan, who’s looking for commercial space,” said Abbott. “What I’ve learned through speaking to other economic development officers is that number is always going to be high because there are some obstacles for people who want to start a business. If you don’t have the capital to start, you’ve got to find funding. If you’re not good with business plans, you’re going to need to find someone to help you with it.”

Abbott said there are five businesses currently in the permit process.

“The biggest aspect of that is usually with the Service NL portion of it,” she said. “The forms that we require them to fill out look intimidating to someone who’s basically just got a business idea, they want to open their store, and then all of a sudden they’ve got to know what’s in the walls. It’s intimidating, so we help them with that.”

Abbott said the business networking sessions the Town hosted this year went over well.

“There was a good uptake on it to the point that I’m now being called by businessowners asking when the next one is,” Abbott said. “So we are going to do one in October. I’m going to send you out some possible dates to see what works for council, and we’ve had some funding agencies who asked if they could come and speak at it.”