Twelve Local Entrepreneurs Turn Their Passions Into Businesses With Starter Company Plus

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has announced the twelve entrepreneurs that were recently selected to participate in the Fall 2021 Intake of Starter Company Plus program.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and The Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

With assistance from a diverse group of subject matter experts from across the region, the program will provide a five-week course in business training. Six of the twelve participants will receive a $5,000 grant based on the overall strength of their business plan and pitch.

"On our first day, as the group introduced themselves, we heard from participants who were not willing to give up on their passions because of the pandemic," said Entrepreneurship Officer Hillary Manion. "They have adapted and created new businesses that allow them to continue to do what they love while offering products and services to their community."

The BAC will conduct all workshops for the Starter Company Plus Fall 2021 intake online. The classes will focus on marketing and business practices that have proven successful in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and financial acumen and mental well-being.

"This group of entrepreneurs are all subject and content experts. Many come with years of experience in their chosen fields and are now turning it into their own small business," said Manion.

An overview of the 12 participants follows below,

• Amanda O'Rourke: Belmont Farmstead, Havelock, ON – a small-scale farm and nursery growing ecological seedlings for home gardens and businesses, specializing in heirloom vegetable plants, culinary and medical herbs, and edible flowers.

• Angela McDonald: The Florest, Peterborough, ON – A local florist born out of a love for the outdoors and natural beauty offering fresh-cut flower bouquets with a selection of quality blooms.

• Brad Carson: Toureka!, Peterborough, ON – a mobile app and web-based platform that allows organizations of any size to offer their event-based tours in a brand new way.

• Caitlin Smith: ReCreate Space, Peterborough, ON – a professional organizing company helping residents and small businesses of Peterborough & the Kawarthas get more organized.

• Dawn and Lea Call: O & D's Fork in the Road Country Market, Lakefield, ON – a unique, upscale shopping experience offering fresh, wholesome, and local products.

• Dreda Blow and Bruno Merz: Shomakers Ptbo, Peterborough, ON - a musical theatre program for children all about making a SHOW!

• Jolene and Shawn Morris: Trim Time, Peterborough, ON – a family-run business offering mobile cannabis trimming and processing at your home.

• Kate Suhr: Voi-sings, Peterborough, ON – an independent voice-over business emerging in Peterborough & the Kawarthas in the winter of 2022.

• Lynda Todd: Vision Imports Ltd, Peterborough, ON – Manufacturer and distributor of keyboards and mice that can be disinfected and cleaned.

• Patrick and Deanna Leahy: Leahy Farm (final name TBD), Douro-Dummer, ON – A family farm that offers flavourful, top-grade, locally processed meat (beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey), as well as eggs from pasture-raised hens. Environmental sustainability and animal quality of life are priorities to The Leahy's.

• Rob and Denise Driscoll: Northern Cottage Comfort, Havelock, ON – Cottage furniture and designs constructed from recycled materials, including farmhouse benches, shelving, centerpieces, and seasonal signs.

• Travis Berlenbach: Trip Taco, Selwyn, Ontario – Peterborough's first and only Taco Truck inspired by flavours from around the world and offers a fresh and unique spin on a favorite.

Full biographies for each business can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.

The Starter Company Plus program, offered through the BAC since 2017, is made possible through funding from the Government of Ontario.

The program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough in the process of launching a business or expanding an existing business.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.