ACT Policing were called to Town Centre Takeaway on Purdue Street following reports from ACT Ambulance of a 42-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to his upper body.

Upon arrival, police found the man bleeding from his chest and abdomen and he was conveyed to Canberra Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Dave Turner of criminal investigation told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that the victim, the owner of the business, was recovering in hospital after what was believed to be an attempted robbery.

"About 7.07am police were contacted by ACT ambulance who were at the premises," Detective Sergeant Turner said.

"[Ambulance officers] said a person had sustained injuries at the premises.

"He appeared to have suffered some stab wounds."

ACT policing has since spoken to the victim who believes it was an attempted robbery.

Detective Sergeant Turner said there was no information to suggest the stabbing was a targeted attack on the victim.

"There was no one else in the store at the time," he said.

He could not confirm the number of stab wounds but said they were not as serious as originally thought. The victim did not undergo surgery but instead received treatment at Canberra Hospital.

"We're trying to follow up all available evidence, including CCTV footage," he said.

The offender was described as being male, about 30 years old and of a solid build with short dark black hair. He was wearing dark clothing at the time of the robbery.

Detective Sergeant Turner said robberies with injuries were fairly rare in the ACT.

Police will continue to doorknock in the area, which is largely commercial, on Wednesday.

The business owner of a store several doors down, who asked not to be identified, was shaken by the incident.

"We were in shock too, this has never happened before," she said.

"People stealing things, that's normal, but nothing like this."

She said she was pretty worried about the safety of her staff in the wake of the stabbing.

"I'm going to put in one more camera," she said.

She said the Town Centre Takeaway had only recently opened, "less than six months ago".

A worker from another nearby store said there had been a spate of petty theft and crime in the area recently.

He said the business where he worker had deadlocks on all doors as well four security cameras, which he said were "essential" to operating the business.

At midday on Wednesday the store remained cordoned off by police, and forensics were at the scene.

ACT policing's criminal investigations are handling the matter.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time or who can assist in the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.