Thinking of moving to Hollywood but unsure of what sort of job you could get after you give up your Toronto investment real estate? Why not open your own business? Contrary to popular perception, there's more to Hollywood than just the Walk of Fame and the movie studios. It's a thriving Los Angeles district with its own neighborhood businesses. Your new business can become a part of this landscape.

Film Industry

While most people could never hope to find the capital to open a studio like Universal, careers in the ancillary industries are possible. If you have experience in electronic design and manufacturing, you might find success opening a business that specializes in lighting or prop construction. Editing, post production, and special effects are other parts of a film that are sometimes farmed out to other companies.

Real Estate

Hollywood has seen a lot of revitalization in the past ten years or so, and because of all the new condos, lofts, and apartments that went up during this time, real estate has become a booming business sector. If you have experience providing real estate services in Mississauga then it would be fairly easy to get your certification as a realtor in Hollywood. If you have the capitol, you could also look into developing some of the remaining derelict properties.

Food and Retail

Hollywood Boulevard is a commercial area that has also benefited from revitalization. A popular destination for tourists because of the Walk of Fame and other attractions, it has become a great place to open a store or restaurant. Canadian franchises like Tim Hortons or Roots might be an idea to try on your leased unit at the Hollywood and Highland Shopping Center. Hollywood personalities have been opening night clubs on this street as well. Why not you? If you can't afford a lease on Hollywood Boulevard, there are plenty of other smaller malls and local shopping centers you might buy into.

Help from the Locals

If you're not sure what niches there are in the market or what Hollywood residents would like to see from a new business, you could try consulting one of the local neighborhood councils such as Hollywood United or the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Improvement. They advise on things like zoning and planning and are run by the community, so they might be able to answer your questions on workforces and commercial mortgage loans.