Belleville, ON, Canada / Quinte News

The opening of more small businesses and being able to put on events for the City of Belleville are just some of the accomplishments for the Belleville Chamber of Commerce in 2023.

CEO of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Jill Raycroft, says eight events under the Discover Belleville banner took place this past year.

“These are all free admission family festivals that are in part supported by the City of Belleville and also our team here at the chamber,” Raycroft tells Quinte News.

“So that included everything from the Family Fun Fest at Loyalist College in the winter to the Santa Claus parade in December and the Caribbean Festival, Diwali and the Waterfront and Multicultural Festival at our three weekends in July.”

Raycroft also highlighted how the business community grew in 2023.

“We’ve been part of over 55 new businesses opening in the past year or two,” Raycroft said.

“We have never gone through so much ribbon, our scissors are dull. We’re really looking forward to seeing those businesses flourish and become part of the community.”

Raycroft said the businesses ranged from coffee shops to creative spaces for the community.