Peterborough Blogs
StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Champagne Photography, PKED, Hot Chocolate Fest, Indian River Acres and Launch Kawartha Innovation
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Woodville Photographer Vicky Champagne recently opened her own photography studio and retail space.
Champagne Photography Studio offers family photography, from parents to Grandparents, babies to fur babies. Vicki also offers editing tutorials, mentoring, a unique new baby photography design app and you can purchase an array of photography products including wall art prints, albums and more. Located at 87 King St. in Woodville or visit champagne.photo or champagnephotostudio on Facebook or Instagram.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development will once again host the popular Starter Company Plus Showcase on Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough.
The event should be big, as it will celebrate more than 24 participants and grant winners from the seven intakes of the Starter Company Plus program that occurred through the pandemic. The Starter Company Plus program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs in the City and County of Peterborough, who are launching a business or expanding an existing business. To get your free tickets to the showcase visit investptbo.ca/events.
If you missed the Hot Chocolate Festival in Lakefield last week, no worries!
The DBIA’s Hot Chocolate Fest is now on until this Sunday in Downtown Peterborough. There are 15 participating cafés and restaurants. Visit ptbohotchocolatefest.com for details.
pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.
Congratulations to Kevin Cornish and Janet Dawson of Indian River Acres, who were recently honoured with the inaugural Peterborough Agricultural Innovation award.
Created by the Peterborough Agricultural Roundtable and co-sponsored Sunderland Co-op, the award recognizes Kevin and Janet’s dedication to innovation and sustainable processes they’ve implemented for their sweet corn, garlic, pumpkins and squash. Details are at ptboagnews.com
And Launch Kawartha and the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas recently partnered to create the Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Lindsay.
Offering a Free collaborative workspace to help entrepreneurs grow their business and connect with in-house experts in various business sectors visit launchkawartha.ca for details.
Voice of Businesss: Businesses Are Optimistic About Themselves But Lack Confidence In the Economy
/Coming out of few rocky years and into another year of economic uncertainty, business confidence has dropped to a new low according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) seventh annual Ontario Economic Report (OER).
“Ontario business confidence has dropped to a record low in 2023. Labour shortages, inflation, health care system vulnerabilities, and forecasts of an economic contraction are dampening confidence in the province’s economic outlook,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, OCC. “Only 16 percent of organizations surveyed have confidence in the economy. This is down from 29 percent last year. Promisingly, most businesses feel confident they can withstand these headwinds and continue to grow in the year ahead.”
The Ontario Economic Report is an interactive report with regional and sector-specific data on business confidence, public policy priorities, regional forecasts, and timely business issues such as employee health and well-being, climate change, succession planning, diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and remote work.
Key highlights of the report include:
Business confidence has dropped to a new low, with only 16 per cent of organizations expressing confidence in the outlook of Ontario’s economy in 2023 (down from 29 per cent in 2022).
Inflation and labour shortages are primary concerns for organizations.
Despite low confidence in the economy, 53 percent of businesses are optimistic about the outlook and growth prospects of their own organizations, as high employment rates and population growth should prevent a sharp decline in consumer spending.
Small businesses want governments to prioritize policies and programs that support their immediate financial and operational challenges, while large businesses are more interested in broader workforce development and health care issues.
Labour shortages are directly impacting most employers and 87 per cent of large businesses. Shortages are especially acute in education, construction and accommodation and food services.
Businesses appreciate the importance of employee health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, economic reconciliation and climate action – but there are notable gaps in addressing them.
After experiencing two years of employment growth of 2.4 per cent in 2021 and 3.8 per cent in 2022, employment in our region of Muskoka-Kawarthas is forecasted to grow by only 0.2 per cent next year. For our region, 51 per cent of businesses reported feeling confident in their own organization, 32 per cent were neutral and 13 per cent were not confident. These numbers show an increase in confidence in their own organizations over 2021 when 18 per cent reported not being confident. Despite this optimism, local businesses feel less confident in the Ontario economy than the provincial average.
Locally, our top 10 policy priorities are:
Invest in broadband internet infrastructure – 50 per cent
Reduce/simplify business taxes – 44 per cent
Encourage Ontarians to buy/travel locally – 44 per cent
Invest in workforce development – 35 per cent
Address health care system capacity – 34 per cent
Support businesses with energy costs – 32 per cent
Strengthen local supply chains, industries, and manufacturing – 31 per cent
Expand/improve access to mental health and addictions programs and services – 27 per cent
Enhance access to credit/capital – 25 per cent
• Support businesses with technology adoption – 22 per cent
“This year’s OER makes it clear that leaders in the public and private sectors must invest strategically in productivity, resilience, and long-term growth,” said Claudia Dessanti, Senior Manager, Policy, OCC. “Unsurprisingly, labour shortages continue to dominate as a source of concern directly impacting most employers and 87 percent of large businesses. Shortages are especially acute in specific sectors such as education, construction, and accommodation and food services.”
The seventh annual OER offers unique insights into business perspectives across Ontario. It is informed by data from the annual Business Confidence Survey (BCS) and economic forecasts for the year ahead. The BCS was conducted online from Oct.18 to Nov. 30 last year, attracting responses from 1,912 organizations across Ontario.
Check out the Ontario Economic Report here.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Is Officially Open
/The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre officially opened its doors to the public on Feb. 10, with the goal of providing multiple streams of innovation and incubation programming for the Peterborough community and beyond.
Pictured above from left to right: Mayor Doug Elmslie, City of Kawartha Lakes; MP Jamie Schmale; Executive Director Vince Killen, KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha; Mark Torrey, KLCFDC Board Chair: Nicole Stephenson, Interim CEO Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas.
The Centre is designed and anchored by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. and funded internally by the Kawartha Lakes Business Community Development Corp. It will provide a space for up to 20 entrepreneurs each year to incubate their businesses alongside the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This will aid in delivering programs and services at Launch Kawartha and fostering the development of new, innovative technologies, products, services and job opportunities in the region.
Vince Killen, executive director of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. and Launch Kawartha, announced that the new facility is set to host approximately 40 events over the coming year. Recent events hosted at the centre include the induction announcements for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and Ministerial roundtables aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.
Upcoming events were also announced, including the Intellectual Property “Pizza's and Patents,” a fun and interactive workshop and innovation leadership training programs. Additionally, multiple "Fireside Chats" with industry experts are planned and virtual viewing webinars and events are being developed for the public.
“We are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. That's why we are thrilled to sponsor Launch Kawartha and relentlessly work towards our mission of empowering the next generation of business leaders in our community,” said Nicole Stephenson, interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
For more information on the Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, visit the website.
Second Intake of ‘Spark’ Program Now Open to Support Tourism Innovation in Peterborough and The Kawarthas
/A second intake of the Spark Mentorship and Grants program has been launched Tuesday, encouraging local entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations to create new tourism ideas for Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Robyn Ivory Pierson (pictured) of Indigenously Infused was the 2022 Spark Program Winner. Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism.
The program provides selected applicants with a $3,000 grant, industry mentorship and additional partner support to help them launch their new tourism idea.
In 2022, the program’s inaugural year, successful ideas included camping equipment rentals, a busker festival, outdoor culinary experiences, a bunkie resort, Indigenous experiences and an immersive maple syrup experience.
“We are inspired by the creativity, passion and innovative spirit of our past Peterborough & the Kawarthas Spark program winners, and are excited to foster and support new tourism ideas and entrepreneurs in the region,” said Justin Lafontaine, program lead at Tourism Innovation Lab.
Entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits and community groups are encouraged to apply with their new tourism ideas for Peterborough & the Kawarthas from Feb. 14 to March 20. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Spark program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City and County of Peterborough. The goal of the program is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps in the market and motivate longer stays and increase year-round visits to the region.
“We are really excited to offer this opportunity again this year for tourism businesses in this region to develop and launch new products or experiences” said Joe Rees, director of tourism for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. “This successful collaboration in innovative tourism development supports sustainable growth and expansion of tourism businesses through experiential product development.”
For more information and to register for an upcoming information session visit the website.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available At the New Peterborough Recreation Complex and Library Branch
/Sponsorship opportunities are available for the City of Peterborough’s newest recreation complex and community hub that is under construction, with an opening date expected in fall 2024.
photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
To invite sponsorship inquiries, a Notice of Intention to Solicit Sponsors has been posted to the City website to outline potential sponsorship opportunities associated with the new facility that will include a twin-pad arena, a library branch and other amenities.
Businesses are invited to reach out to the City to express interest in sponsoring this new facility. Sponsorship opportunities, including naming rights and a commercial lease space, offer businesses access to advertising, marketing and engagement of audiences at the new facility. Details about the facility, different sponsorship opportunities, contact information and an outline of the process can be found within the Notice of Intention.
The City’s new multi-purpose facility will serve a significant segment of the community and offer sponsors the chance to connect with audiences enjoying the services in the facility, said Scott Elliott, corporate sponsorship program manager with the City of Peterborough.
“Sponsorship is an excellent way for businesses to align their brands and products or services to facility users. Review the Notice of Intention to see if these opportunities are a fit for your business,” he said. “Sponsorship is about making meaningful connections with community, customers and audiences.”
Opportunities are limited, and the City reserves the right to select sponsors based on strategic fit with the facility operations and alignment to facility users. For more information visit the website.
StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Enticing Cakes, Riverside Respite, Power Hour and Lakefield Hot Chocolate Festival
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Enticing Cakes opens Tuesday in Lakefield.
Founded in 2011, Enticing Cakes offers over 60 different cupcake and cake flavours, pies, squares, tarts, cookies and macarons, as well as catering services for Weddings and special occasions. They can customize wedding cakes, dessert trays, cupcake and cake towers or dessert bars and they offer rentals, delivery and set up. The new Lakefield location, at 18 Queen St. includes new treats and expanded hours.
Tammy Fraley launched her new business last week.
Riverside Respite Adult Day Program offers a program for adults with a developmental disability including meals and snacks, life skills, a sensory room, supervision for ADLs, a mechanical lift, diabetic monitoring, assistance with feeding and medications and more. Tammy is accepting clients now at 705-875-3421.
A lot of businesses and organizations are having conversations around Diversity Equity and Inclusion and are either actively creating a DEI workplace or would like to.
EQU Consulting can help. Founders Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Rachael Nicholls, and Lisa Trefzger, along with associate Ashley Lamothe, have teamed up to help your organization stand out by welcoming everyone in. They can help you design training and policy development that focuses on creating a welcoming, barrier-free and shame-free culture. Services include team and leadership training, DEI Policy and Practice Review and Ongoing Consulting Support.
The annual Chamber of Commerce Power Hour runs February 24th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Stonehouse Hall.
Our four elected leaders, MP Michelle Ferreri, MPP Dave Smith, Mayor Jeff Leal, and County Warden Bonnie Clark, will take to the stage to answer questions of interest to the business community. It’s an award-winning event and a must-attend for local business.
You have until the end of this week to check out the annual Lakefield Hot Chocolate Festival.
There are 10 participating businesses so you won’t have to look far to find a nice warm treat.
Starter Company Plus Showcase Returns To Celebrate Local Small Businesses
/Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) will host their Starter Company Plus Showcase on Feb. 28 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre; celebrating the program’s successes in launching and growing local small businesses.
photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.
The Starter Company Plus Program launched in 2017 and have assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses to date; creating over 200 jobs in the local economy.
After a hiatus due to COVID-19, the event will celebrate participants and grant winners from the seven intakes of the Starter Company Plus program that occurred from 2020 to 2022.
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC) delivered virtual entrepreneurship and small business training to 86 individuals in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County during the pandemic. The participants have been eagerly anticipating the return of the event which celebrates their successes through their businesses.
PKED says more than 24 businesses are confirmed to participate, with more to come. Businesses ranging from culinary, wellness and local goods to tourism experiences and professional services will showcase their products and services while networking amongst fellow local entrepreneurs.
Staff and board of directors at PKED are inviting members of the media, community partners and stakeholders to attend and show their support for the small business community from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 28th. To register for the event and view the list of participating businesses, visit their website.
StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Riverside Massage Studio, Natural Way Woods, Women's Day and Business Hall of Fame
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Claire Voigt opened her own massage therapy studio last week in Lakefield.
She was on the Canadian National Fencing Team, competing at an international level, so she understands biomechanics, kinesiology, and the importance of therapy. A Registered Massage Therapist, Voigt can treat anything from rehabilitation after an accident, to helping to deal with neurological conditions, palliative care, HIV, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, pain, migraines and sports injuries. You’ll find riversidemassagestudio on Instagram or call 705-977-5222.
Natural Way Woods is a local family-run business making beautiful wooden products, from décor to toys.
The Doughty’s utilize local hardwoods and high-quality paint to create custom signs, letters and numbers, puzzles, bowls and vessels and everything can be customized for a special gift or occasion. Just look for Natural Way Woods on Instagram.
INSPIRE: The Women's Portrait Project will be hosting its inaugural International Women’s Day Event in March.
The day should be amazing with award-winning Inuk Singer-Songwriter Susan Aglukark and local indigenous leader Ashley Lamothe providing empowering talks, as well as six workshops facilitated by inspiring female community leaders. An Artisan’s Market featuring the works of 25 local makers will be set up, and everything will be hosted by the talented Megan Murphy. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn and you can grab tickets at the early bird price of $60 until Feb. 18 at inspirethewomensportraitproject.com
Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
The impressive list includes Allan and Gerald Bolton, Peter, Anne, and Greg Elmhirst, Bill Lett and Michael Gallant, Craig Mortlock, Neil Morton, Effy Peel, Peter Robinson, Jaime Stringer, and Scott Murison, Kieran Andrews and Jonathan Moreno – Wild Rock Outfitters.
The formal induction ceremony takes place at the 8th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame, May 25, at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. Tickets are at ja-neo.org
Voice of Business: It’s Time to Take a New Look at Getting Goods to Market
/When all is running well, supply chains operate largely invisible to consumers.
Most of the time the massive choreographed dance of production, ships, ports, rail, trucks, planes, warehouses, couriers, border crossings, delivery systems, and 820,000 Canadians works relatively seamlessly, moving $1 trillion in goods. Your local business either already has the product you’re after or is able to get it to you in short order.
But all that changed in recent years as the words ‘supply chain’ entered our common lexicon as we talked with businesses, friends, and co-workers. We shared the common frustration of not being able to get the products we want when we want them.
Some of what led to these challenges has largely been resolved, like public health shutdowns and closed borders. Like many things, the pandemic accelerated issues the industry was already facing. Meanwhile, the world changed dramatically.
A report titled ‘A time of renewal for Canada’s supply chains’ from KPMG and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce delves into the challenges facing the industry and how it can get back to invisibly running in the background.
The report notes that current risks for governments and businesses include:
Chronic underinvestment in supply chain modernization
Continued risk-laden dependence on single suppliers
The need to innovate amid soaring goods and services costs
Evolving and ever-increasing consumer expectations
Ongoing labour shortages and skills gaps
