Antioch proving that small businesses can thrive

A seemingly relentless string of bad economic news has dominated the headlines. Major financial institutions are collapsing, the stock market is plunging, tales of woe are everywhere.

But a handful of small-business owners in downtown Antioch are pushing forward, hoping to thrive despite gloomy forecasts.

Seven new businesses have opened their doors this year, three of those started up in the last six weeks.

"It's great that you still have entrepreneurs that have the guts to make investments," said Tom Laures. The economic development director for Antioch says the business occupancy rate downtown is at 90 percent.

"It's a good number considering the current state of the economy," he said.

Antioch Model Trains and Hobby, The Village Thrift Shop and RFO Brazillian Jiu Jitsu have just opened. Spoonfuls Gourmet Bakery will open in October. Those business join Cafe Books, Suzanne's Frame Shop and A Book Store which opened earlier this year.

Laures believes the downtown business district is thriving in part due to its hometown feel.

"A lot of towns try to pretend they have 'historic' downtowns," he said. "But we have the authenticity. It's not window-dressing like some others have tried."

"I've grown up in this area," said Jack Scardina. He manages Antioch Model Trains and Hobby. The family business moved from Antioch a number of years ago, set up shop in another town, but has decided to come back. "We feel a loyalty to our fellow business owners here," he said.

The diversity of the nearly 80 stores downtown also help, says Laures. "We have a lot of unique and niche businesses, he said. "That draws people from towns beyond Antioch."

Tight family budgets might be one of the reasons business is hopping at the new Village Thrift Shop.

"We've been really busy since we opened," said employee Mary Schutt. "Things are going very, very well."

Laures is confident the nation's economy will eventually turn around with an improvement in the housing market. He said studies project Antioch's population to rise from its current level of nearly 14,000 people to almost 20,000 in the next 10 years.

"There's a lot of potential shoppers," he said. "We're going to strive to still keep that hometown feel."