Starter Companies Showcased From PKED, Bringing Tourism Ideas to the Table

Local businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and artists from the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development programs were on display and were encouraged to bring forth their new tourism ideas through a third intake of the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program at Ivy Event Space on Thursday afternoon.

Erin Burnell of EB Aquatics demonstrates CPR at the PKED showcase of local business who have gone through their programs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Spark’ program is in its third year and provides selected applicants with a $3,000 grant, industry mentorship and additional partner support to help them launch their new tourism idea.

“We are inspired by the creativity, passion and innovative spirit of our past Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program winners and are excited to support new tourism ideas and entrepreneurs in the region,” said Justin Lafontaine, Tourism Innovation Lab program lead.

Past recipients have included agritourism and culinary experiences, camping equipment rentals, a bunkie resort, Indigenous experiences, a farm venue and an immersive maple syrup experience according to a press release.

“We’re inviting individuals, community organizations and small business owners – particularly those in the local creative community – to present their great ideas for dynamic new experiences, products and services that visitors can enjoy in our communities,” said Joe Rees, PKED director of tourism. “This successful collaboration with the Tourism Innovation Lab allows us to tap into local passion and talent to grow our economy – we can’t wait to hear what ideas come forward this year.”

Individuals, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups are encouraged to apply for new tourism ideas until March 19. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The program's goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps in the market, motivate longer stays, and increase year-round visits to the region.

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Voice of Business: A Portrait of Small Business In Canada

Consumer behaviours have changed and with it the landscape for small businesses across Canada. It’s important to step back and have a look at what’s happening in the industry.

A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab titled A Portrait of Small Business in Canada: Adaption, Agility, All At Once does just that.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, making up 98 per cent of businesses in Canada and employing 11 million people. Small businesses are considered businesses with 1 to 99 employees. Within that designation, micro businesses (one to four employees) are by far the most common with the median small business having fewer than five employees.

The report states: “This underscores the importance of improving our understanding of the business realities of all small firms, but especially micro firms, while ensuring that adequate financial, operational and regulatory support measures boost the resilience of small and micro businesses for the sake of Canada’s economy. Put simply, the survival of micro firms is a macroeconomic issue for Canada.”

The report also looks into the realities, challenges, and opportunities for small businesses owned by women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2s+ community, immigrants to Canada, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities.

For example, immigrants make up 25.5 per cent of all private sector businesses, well above their 23 per cent representation in Canada’s population. However, within this, immigrants are less likely to own larger businesses.

Progress was made in recent years with women having more opportunity through flexible work arrangements, leading to more women in in-demand work at higher pay. While government programming aims to increase access to childcare, the transition back to the physical workspace is threatening to scale back progress for women.

Majority ownership of private sector small businesses in Canada, by underrepresented/equity-seeking groups.

• Immigrant to Canada – 25.5 per cent of businesses/23 per cent of population

• Visible Minority – 19.2 per cent of businesses/26.5 per cent of population

• Women – 17.8 per cent of businesses/50.9 per cent of population

• LGBTQ2s+ – 3.3 per cent of businesses/4 per cent of population

• Persons with a disability – 2.2 of businesses/22 per cent of population

• Indigenous – 2.2 per cent of businesses/5 per cent of population

When looking at the situation for small businesses, Business Data Lab notes many of the problems they faced prior to the pandemic persisted or were exacerbated during it. They found the smaller the firm, the bigger the problems. Smaller businesses faced more significant revenue declines, worse debt constraints, and have more difficulties adopting new technologies.

Workforce challenges also hit small businesses the hardest. While large businesses increased their employment numbers by 26 per cent and medium businesses by 13% from January 2020 to July 2023, small businesses had no growth registering a 0 per cent increase in employment. The report itself has a lot more insight and information and is worth a read.

While vulnerable, our small and micro businesses remain nimble. Investing in digital will help, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The report notes: “With one era of global upheaval in our rearview and another with as many uncertainties ahead, a bright light from the data is the nimbleness of small businesses. However, even with their impressive resilience, agility and adaptability in leveraging the appropriate technologies to stay connected with customers and to streamline their operations, the reality is that small businesses remain strapped for funding, resources and exposure.”

It’s imperative that we invest in our local small businesses — it goes a long way to building a stronger, more resilient local economy.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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13 Business Startups to 'LevelUP' Through Innovation Cluster Peterborough's Accelerator Program

The Innovation Cluster has released the 13 companies selected for the inaugural cohort of LevelUP, a groundbreaking startup accelerator program, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

LevelUP is a fully-funded, comprehensive startup accelerator created for experienced entrepreneurs and regional innovators according to a press release.

“The selection of these 13 companies for LevelUP is a milestone for our region,'“ said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “We are fostering a sustainable ecosystem where innovation and economic growth thrive together. This program symbolizes our commitment to transforming our region into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs.”

The program offers mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities and access to funding to transform startups into thriving businesses. It acts as a fast-track program to bring more products and businesses to market in the region.

LevelUP runs in three cohorts annually, hosting a select number of companies over a 12-week journey culminating in a competition where they will pitch for investment and compete for prizes up to $10,000 and access an exclusive AI platform - Pitch Bob - per cohort.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Foot Care, Two Dishes, Hard to Hear It and Peterborough Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

With more than a decade of experience as a Registered Practical Nurse, Jaden Jolley is launching Kawartha Foot Care Services.

The business provides mobile foot care throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Jolley decided to strike out on her own seeing a need in our community with a lot of people struggling with foot care. She enjoys seeing the transformation of people’s feet and the impact it has on their health. Aside from her mobile service, she operates a clinic once a month out of Lakefield Family Chiropractic. To find out more or book an appointment, visit kawarthafootcareservices.janeapp.com.

Fans of Two Dishes will be excited to learn they will be opening a location in Venture North at 270 George St. N.

Two dishes was founded about 15 years ago and began as a thriving farmer’s market stall and catering business. They opened a popular restaurant downtown in 2013 which unfortunately closed in 2022. The catering business has continued through their journey and it’s exciting to see a restaurant location open again in the downtown.

In 2016, April Corner was diagnosed with Otosclerosis, a form of hearing loss caused by an abnormal growth of the bone in the middle ear.

She started her channel @HardToHearIt to share her hearing loss journey on social media as a way to cope with her diagnosis. She is now a hearing loss advocate and shares, tips, tricks and digital products to help others adjust to their diagnosis. She recently launched a course focusing on shifting your mindset to enjoy your hearing loss. The course is called Shifting your Mindset. You can find her course and contact information at stan.store/hardtohearit

Want to hear what our local elected leaders have to say on local business issues? Do you have a question you would like them to answer?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting MP Michelle Ferreri, MPP Dave Smith, Mayor Jeff Leal and Warden Bonnie Clark for its annual Power Hour event on February 23 at The Stonehouse Hall. The luncheon event features a moderated question and answer session with questions submitted ahead of time or at the event. Get your tickets at PKChamber.ca.

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Voice of Business: Two-Year International Cap On Students

The Canadian government has decided to take on the growing housing crisis in the country. Their first target was aimed at the international students entering Canada.

The recent announcement from Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding the cap of international students in the 2024 caught many by surprise, including the two local post-secondary institutions located right here in the Kawarthas.

Fleming College President Maureen Adamson didn’t hide her disappointment while speaking to the Chamber of Commerce shortly after the announcement.

“This will have a sweeping impact on our region,” stated Adamson, adding this will be a loss of $100 million to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Canadian government declared a two-year cap on student permits to international students in 2024; only approving 360,000 in total – a decrease of 35 per cent from 2023.

This move, he said, is an attempt to ease the strain on the housing crisis in Canada and to weed out what he calls, ‘bad actors’ applying for spots in our Colleges and Universities.

Adamson is expecting a 50 per cent drop in international student enrolment for Fleming, and she stated it will be “a staggering loss” to Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.

Currently, approximately 1,000 international students are enrolled at Fleming College across their Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton campuses. And approximately 4,000 students are enrolled at their campus in Toronto.

And many of those students, she adds, are filling in the gaps in Ontario’s labour market. Sectors like, health care, social assistance, hospitality, and the trades sector will all be affected by this cap.

“International students that come to Ontario are essential to bringing in top talent for key sectors of the workforce, here in our area and across the province. They usually come with a diploma or degree and are ready to move quickly into the labour market,” stated Adamson in a statement.

The Council of Ontario Universities also released a statement, stating they are ‘disappointed’ with the cap on international student permits. They added in their statement that this decision, “it may have unintended consequences for the sector and for international students.”

Ontario Colleges and Universities have yet to hear how the 2024 permits will be divided among the provinces by the Ontario Government.

Trent University sent the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber a comment; stating that with all the information they have currently:

“Trent University is currently reviewing the Government of Canada’s announcement regarding international student permits, and supports the position taken by the Council of Ontario Universities. Trent has been a responsible player in the postsecondary sector, preparing for growth in domestic and international enrolment for some time, and basing international student enrolment on the unique needs of our communities and regional labour market demands. The international students who come to Trent bring enormous advantages to our campuses and beyond, introducing highly-skilled, worldly talent, and bridging cultures in ways that benefit our local economies and our communities as a whole. We take a measured and sustainable approach to international enrolment and none of Trent’s degrees, certificates or programs operate through public-private partnerships. Currently, there are 2,799 international students enrolled at Trent (20 per cent of total enrolment).”

The university assures they will release updates when more information becomes available to them.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Big Mama’s, Black Honey, JA-NEO and Marlin Travel

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Looking for some delicious meals that you can take home and reheat?

Big Mama’s Community Kitchen is offering just that at 441 Rubidge St. Based out of Right to Heal PTBO, Big Mama’s Community Kitchen offers a place of gathering to nourish the mind, body, and soul. Pre-order your food online or over the phone for pickup at a later date. They offer custom catering options for the workplace, community events and special occasions. You can find them online at righttoheal.ca.

Black Honey is officially under new ownership.

Lisa Dixon opened the business at 217 Hunter St. W. 18 years ago. Since then, the café, bakery, and catering business has become a fixture of downtown, leading Hunter Street to become a thriving café and restaurant district. New owner Jennifer Miles has been working with Lisa and is a trained chef herself. Take a stroll down Hunter Street and grab a hot drink and a warm treat.

Junior Achievement has announced the inductees to its ninth annual Business Hall of Fame.

Inductees are selected for their lasting contributions to economic development locally, their leadership and their innovation. They serve as inspiring role models and mentors to the students that benefit from Junior Achievement’s programs. A big shout out to Tim Barrie, John Cunningham, Gwyneth James, Richard Labelle, Jill and Robert Staples, Jeannine Taylor, Nicole Truman, Cora Whittington, and the crew at Winslow Gerolamy – you have all shown yourselves to be exceptional community and business leaders.

Dreaming about a vacation to somewhere warm?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is partnering up with Marlin Travel to bring back their popular travel program. Head to Northern Italy for nine days this October and take in Venice, go on a Prosecco Winery Tour, and check out the Dolomite mountains. The trip is open to both members and non-members and provides guests with premium accommodations, a chance to try some authentic Italian cuisine, and an opportunity to see northern Italy with local colleagues and friends. Visit PKChamber.ca or contact Marlin Travel for more details.

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JA-NEO Unveil Kawartha Lakes Class of 2024 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders into the class of 2024 second-annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Launch Kawartha in Lindsay on Wednesday morning.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The nominees are being inducted at an event at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on May 9. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to unveil the distinguished class of inductees for the second consecutive year,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. These outstanding business leaders exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating to local youth that building a successful business is both attainable and rewarding, with the potential to span generations.”

2024 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees:

• Brad Bird: Birdhouse Realty

• John Fox: Boston Pizza Lindsay

• Kyle Hussey: Waste Logix Inc

• Linden Mackey: Mackey Funeral Home Inc. and Mackey Celebrations

• Marlene Morrison Nicholls: Stewart Morrison Insurance

• Anthony and Carlo Polito: Polito Ford Lincoln & Kawartha Lakes Honda

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Voice of Business: Direct Access to Government is a Key Part of Advocacy

More than 100 local business and community leaders gathered at Market Hall last week for a chance to discuss business issues with Minister Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board of Canada.

It was an opportunity to raise concerns and address pressing issues to someone in the inner circle on Parliament Hill, a discussion that hopefully leads to stronger public policy.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce as well as our colleagues at the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce regularly meet with and voice our concerns to our elected leaders, but it’s important that we aren’t the only voices they hear from. While we do our research to understand a variety of issues — we don’t know it like those who work with it day in and day out.

As chambers, we can appreciate that the best solutions come at the grassroots level from local business, non-profits, charities, and community-minded people. Our own policy and advocacy process is built on grassroots advocacy. We take local discussions and issues raised by businesses and organizations and turn that into advocacy policy that we then bring to the provincial and national levels. It’s a direct pipeline to our elected leaders.

But the chamber advocacy process is just one part. We strive to provide opportunities for local business and community leaders to directly talk with their government leaders. Events like the discussion with Minister Anand allow the decision makers to hear the concerns and creative solutions directly from those experiencing them. Opportunities like this are a key part of the Chamber’s role in the community.

We have plans for quite a few upcoming opportunities. Power Hour, a signature annual Chamber event, is returning on Friday, February 23. This event features a discussion with the Warden of the County of Peterborough, the Mayor of the City of Peterborough, our provincial Member of Parliament, and our federal Member of Parliament. Attendees can submit questions ahead of time or write them down during the event.

In 2024, we are planning events with as many of our local elected leaders as we can, including a Warden’s breakfast scheduled for April 19 and another breakfast with several township mayors planned for June.

On top of these public events, we hold regular roundtable discussions. These events are typically a smaller group of 10 – 20 businesses and organizations with interest in a particular topic. We have a few coming up in the next couple weeks, including one on skilled trades and another on Employment Insurance. Our aim is to keep the groups small enough to be able to have a meaningful and candid conversation with the government representatives on hand. To do this, we do have to limit numbers and offer space by invitation-only. If you’re a Chamber member interested in being part of these conversations, let me know.

In addition to discussions directly with government representatives, we work with chambers across Canada where businesses are dealing with similar issues to work together on our efforts for change.

Together, we have a stronger voice in addressing the issues and opportunities that will help our communities thrive.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Turney’s, Unity Design Studio, Nurse Your Soles and Peterborough Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

A big congratulations to Turney’s Truck and Auto Centre on winning the CARS Magazine 2023 Shop of the Year Award.

Turney’s has been working on vehicles in Peterborough for nearly 100 years. They were awarded for their dedication to fostering a successful shop by encouraging training, allowing for a flexible work schedule, longevity in the community, and maintaining loyalty among its patrons. Owned by McWilliams Moving and Storage, you can find Turney’s Truck and Auto Centre at 691 The Kingsway in Peterborough.

Lett Architects is rebranding and expanding.

Going forward, the company will be called Unity Design Studio and will have additional offices in Kitchener and Collingwood. The practice has been around for 55 years and the rebrand to Unity is seen as a reflection of their shared values and their work. Their local projects include the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre and the upcoming Canadian Canoe Museum. It’s encouraging to see a thriving local business that has left a lasting positive impact on our community continue to grow with more projects throughout the province.

Jessica O’Rafferty is launching a new foot care business called Nurse Your Soles.

A registered Nurse with specialty training in Advanced Foot Care, she can safely assess and manage foot skin and toenail concerns, providing clients with education and preventative solutions. Whether you are diabetic, suffering from calluses/corns/thickened toenails or just can’t reach your toes, she is happy to assist you in caring for your feet. You can find her online at nurseyoursoles.janeapp.com.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free workshop on mental health in the workplace on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m at the New Canadians Centre.

This event is in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, the New Canadians Centre and Bell Canada as part of the Bell Let's Talk initiative. The event will feature local experts on creating a safe and supportive workplace. Find out more and register at pkchamber.ca.

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JA-NEO Unveils Class of 2024 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s exceptional business leaders into the class of 2024 Ninth Annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The nominees are being inducted at an event at The Venue on May 23. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to unveil the distinguished class of inductees for the ninth consecutive year,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. These outstanding business leaders exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating to local youth that building a successful business is both attainable and rewarding, with the potential to span generations.”

The 2024 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees for Peterborough are:

• Tim Barrie: Merrit Precision Limited

• John Cunningham: Community Alternative, Ashburnham Funeral Home, Kawartha Aquamtion

• Gwyneth James: Formerly Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants, Silverthorn Management Consulting

• Richard Labelle: The UK Shoppe

• Jill and Robert Staples: Staples Maple Syrup

• Jeanine Taylor: KawarthaNOW

• Nicole Truman: Fox Law Professional Corporation

• Cora Whittington: Golden Pathways Coaching, Facilitation, Retreat, and B & B.

• Andrew Winslow, Chris Winslow, Mike Winslow, Steve Gerolamy and Tom Gerolamy: Winslow Gerolamy Motors Limited

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