Over most of 2009 I have considered numerous business opportunities that would be well suited in one way or another to the Niagara Region and Welland in particular.

Establishing myself as an independent energy provider. In the process of looking to save energy I have frequently come to the conclusion that by generating my own electricity I could actually make money - not simply save it. Your high-efficiency furnace will still cost money, albeit less, but electrical generation goes from your home through the grid to power our domestic industry. Even if it is a trickle at first the money made helps make our Canadian communities stronger economically and in turn easier to live in. I haven't pursued this dream.

Working on a Downtown Outdoor Theatre. I've come to miss the ease of access to projectors and the Anime Club at Brock University. Through this the idea to establish an open-access outdoor theatre came to mind. Rather than by trying to take on corporate vendors like Cineplex it would be good to focus on either niche markets (Anime), public domain films (ie. Marx Brothers), Documentaries, and other media ased on local interests. By keeping costs low and acquiring the proper permits this could be operated through food service/vending funds. Everybody wins, but I haven't pursued this dream.

Canal-side tourism and camping. There is very little canal-side business activity despite the fact that it is among our most advertised assets in Welland. I have rolled around the idea of a campground, Renaissance Faire (Small Theme Park) and even a floating restaurant. The issue of winter always arises - but there are effective and profitable ways to get past that. I haven't pursued this dream.

Maybe I should get one of these done... If only I could find work or stable capital investment for a university grad.