Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Sweet Fern Floral Studio, Community Recognition Awards, Friendly Fires and Stylish Fit Alterations and Tailoring

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…

There’s a new flower shop opening at 387 Water St. in downtown Peterborough called Sweet Fern Floral Studio.

It opened officially on Friday. They are a full-service florist specializing in premium floral design. They do walk-in shopping and pickup and delivery in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Services include everyday florals, sympathy florals, wedding floral services, and event florals. Drop by the new shop in downtown Peterborough or go online to sweetfernfloralstudio.com to see what they have to offer and order your next arrangement.

A big congratulations to the winners of the Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards.

While there are too many well-deserving winners to list here, I’m going to highlight this year’s Business Leadership Award winners:

• Asphodel-Norwood – Sweetheart’s Bakery, The Knockout and Dead Man’s Brew - all owned by Sara and Andrew Scott

• Cavan Monaghan – Millbrook Mercantile – Bernadette MacNeil

• Douro-Dummer – Molly Conlin Design & Drafting

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – ZK Excavating Ltd. – Zack Johnston

• North Kawartha – The Grape and Wedge

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Wesnor Inc dba Trailers Plus – Zoran Albert

• Selwyn – The Chocolate Rabbit

A growing local retailer is being recognized on the national stage at the annual Retail Council of Canada Excellence in Retailing Awards.

Friendly Fires has been recognized in the best eCommerce experience for a retailer category. Other finalists for the awards include large national brands like Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, and Walmart. Friendly Fires have shipped more than 100,000 individual fireplace and barbecue parts since launching online. Their online experience is closely integrated with their physical retail stores.

Stylish Fit Alterations and Tailoring now has two locations in Peterborough — 871 Chemong Rd. Unit 12 and 948 Weller St.

They offer men’s wear as well as alterations to make all your clothing fit. They specialize in Bridal and bridesmaid alterations, formal wear, leather and suede, zipper and button replacements, and more.

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Maman Biomedical Inc. Earns $10,000 From Innovation Cluster LevelUP Pitch Competition

Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc. made a $10,000 pitch and was the winner of the Innovation Cluster’s first LevelUP pitch competition on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Raghunanan stood on top over seven other competing companies. This event marked the finale of a 13-week program to propel regional startups from concept to market readiness.

The event was held at Innovation Cluster’s facility in Downtown Peterborough at the Venture North Building.

Entrepreneurs pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges, Christine Crandell, Gail Moorhouse, and Amit Bhanot to try to claim the top prize.

Raghunanan’s pitch involves the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector, offering products in patch and gel form. Their products eliminate pain and reduce costs for women facing infertility, both major barriers to accessing traditional needle-injected IVF treatments. 

“Winning this competition means we can accelerate and move forward,” said Raghunanan. “We loved the LevelUP program, and we’ve made a lot of progress in a very short period of time. I am extremely proud of where we are.”

“Our first cohort has set a high benchmark for success," said Crandell. “Seeing these entrepreneurs evolve over the past weeks has been profoundly inspiring.”

Innovation Cluster is accepting new applicants for the next LevelUP cycle beginning on Aug. 6. The application deadline is July 1.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Handmade Heaven, The Good Baker YPQ, Bar 379 and the 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…

Handmade Heaven is on the move.

Thursday will mark their last day at Lansdowne Place as they head to a new shop at Portage Place at 1154 Chemong Rd., between Fabricland and the LCBO. They facilitate a connection between artisans and potential customers who seek bespoke, handmade items. The platform aims to promote creativity, preserve traditional craftsmanship and bolster Canadian communities. Opening Sunday, the new store is three times bigger and is expected to have room for 100 local makers. Owner Samuel Milne says in one year in Peterborough, the store has done so well that they have now opened five new locations in busy malls across Ontario and will soon be supporting more than 700 local makers and artisans.

There’s another reason to head to Peterborough airport, even if you’re not flying anywhere.

The Good Baker YPQ has opened in the restaurant space at the terminal building. Seating overlooks the airport’s apron where you get a good view of what’s happening on the runway. It’s open daily from 8 am to 4 pm at 925 Airport Rd., serving breakfast and lunch options as well as pastries.

There’s a new bar in downtown Peterborough called Bar 379, located at 379 Water St. in the former Twisted Wheel location.

It is a live music venue, performance space, cocktail lounge, third place, and safe space. They feature alternative life music, DJs, drag, burlesque, comedy, film screenings, craft beer, craft cocktails, art, and more. Check out their upcoming shows at bar379.ca.

Looking for a private office to rent?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce currently has vacancies at the Business Centre at its location at 175 George St. N. in the beautiful and historic train station. It is fully accessible with shared kitchen space, boardroom, and reception. Offices are available for daily and yearly leased rentals. The Business Centre offers ample free parking and secure access when you want it. And you can have your office just down the hall from me. Contact the Chamber at pkchamber.ca for more information.

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Voice of Business: It’s Time to Prioritize Addictions and Homelessness at the National, Provincial and Local Level

Addictions and homelessness in our city is uncomfortable.

It’s uncomfortable for the people living it. It’s uncomfortable for the community dealing with the issues that surround it. And it brings about uncomfortable conversations.

It’s in stark contrast to the current political enthusiasm for housing. Don’t get me wrong, we desperately need big solutions for housing in our city, province and country and it will play a role in alleviating homelessness. Right now, it seems every government body has a housing policy that they’re sharing with anyone who will listen. They have goals with numbers attached to them and financial incentives for achieving them. We have government ministries dedicated to this file, with their own associate and deputy ministers for additional support. We might be in a housing crunch right now, but the action from all levels of government instills a certain amount of optimism that things will improve.

Unfortunately, there isn’t that feeling of optimism when it comes to dealing with addictions and homelessness. There are a lot of good things in the works. There are community groups spearheading new programs and governments launching new social supports. But there’s a lack of strategic planning to get us out of the crisis we are in. And make no mistake, communities across Canada are in a crisis.

We need governments to set targets for eliminating homelessness, decreasing addictions, reducing poverty, and eliminating barriers to mental health supports — targets that all levels of government can work together to achieve. This should be prioritized as one of the highest profile portfolios.

Defining this issue is also uncomfortable and complex. Many people addicted to drugs aren’t homeless and there are many homeless people who are not using drugs. We can’t ignore the role that poverty, trauma, and a lack of mental health supports play into this. It’s uncomfortable to address the fact that, in Canada, Indigenous people are eight times more likely to be homeless.

The Chamber recently met with a group of businesses who are frustrated with the increase in antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood. They’re dealing with regular property damage, increased shoplifting, and people accosting and assaulting staff. They’re regularly cleaning up human feces, needles, and used condoms. They’ve invested in expensive security systems, shortened hours to avoid closing in the dark, and begun locking their doors during the day. As fellow humans, they want to continue to show compassion to our most vulnerable population, which also takes an emotional toll.

There is a real lack of optimism on this issue. Talking about this with businesses, elected leaders, and government staff alike, there is very little feeling that we are going to be in a better situation in the foreseeable future.

This is one of the biggest issues we are facing right now. None of us have the knowledge or means to fix it on our own. We need all three levels of government to prioritize and dedicate significant resources to this. We need to know that when these pilot projects and social service contracts run out, our community is going to be in a better position than when we started.

Let’s all get uncomfortable — We can’t shy away from this issue any longer.

Click here to listen to Joel’s interview on Ontario Morning with Ramraajh Sharvendiran

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Authentic Love, Linklater Administration, River of Yarn and Business Excellence Awards

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…

Debra Gallo has launched a new business called Authentic Love, where she does life coaching and Reiki.

Private coaching is available at home or via Zoom and she offers guidance and support for personal growth, healing, and the development of tools within to achieve success and fulfillment. Reiki is available for home visits and promotes healing through energy to find balance. She works with people experiencing trauma, addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and both physical and mental illness. You can find her on Facebook or email 4.authentic.love@gmail.com.

Thamer Linklater has launched Linklater Administration where they partner with small businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to take on administrative tasks, helping business owners clear up their hours so they can focus on doing the things they love.

They can help manage appointments, communications, create and maintain filing systems, and assist with various tasks that bog owners down. Services are offered in a hybrid model, online, or at your location as needed. Find out more at linklateradmin.com.

Saturday is Local Yarn Shop Day and what better way to celebrate than to do some local yarn shopping.

River of Yarn in Keene is marking the occasion by holding a tent sale, fibre and yarn tasting, tool demonstrations, and light refreshments. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They offer a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, and acrylics. Drop by 353 Kent’s Bay Road on Saturday and find something that sparks your creativity.

Do you know a local business that goes above and beyond?

Nominate them for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards. The Excellence Awards are hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Oct.29 at Showplace, but now is time to nominate outstanding businesses in the region. The deadline for nominations is May 22. Additionally, nominate a local business by May 8 and you’re entered into a draw for a $100 gift card for a chamber member of your choice. With 22 awards, there are categories for businesses of every size and sector. Nominate an excellent local business at pkexcellence.ca.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Summit Helping Entrepreneurs and Leaders On May 2

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business Summit will be held on May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fleming College.

Screenshot.

This event is tailored for forward-thinking business owners and leaders. It promises to be an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights, forge connections and unlock strategies for leading into the future according to a press release.

The Summit will kick off with a keynote address from Unity Design Studio Principal Bill Lett, followed by a series of workshops:

Workshop Session 1

• You should know more about your customers than they do – Heather Watson and Matthew Stimpson

• Unleash the power of AI – Sofie Andreou

• Unlocking Potential: Employment strategies for immigrants and diverse abilities – Andy Cragg and Agnes Wojewoda

Workshop Session 2

• Leading through uncertainty – Nancy Wiskel, Anthony Evelyn, and Nicole Cooke

• Copilot for Microsoft 365: Achieve more than ever with AI – Adam Bishop

• Meeting the media: How to best share your business story – Jaye Makinson, Jordan Mercier, Jeannine Taylor, and Marcus Tully

Lunch will feature a panel discussion on Building Your Team featuring Heather Watson of acorn30, Scott Murison of Wild Rock Outfitters, Mike Stock of Unity Design Studio, and Jennifer Scates of Central Smith Ice Cream, moderated by Sarah Budd of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

“The Business Summit is an opportunity to learn from the experts, learn from your colleagues, and get inspired to unlock your business potential,” says Sarah Budd, President and CEO of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. "The world is changing quickly and events like the Business Summit help to strengthen our business community and better prepare us for the opportunities of tomorrow.”

 Tickets are available at the Chamber’s website.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Doors Open Peterborough, Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness, Pristine Plumbing PTBO and Vintage Inspired

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…

Every year in September, buildings and sites not normally open to the public welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Peterborough.

It’s a great opportunity for community engagement and education about our built and cultural heritage. Doors Open began in France in 1984 and started in Peterborough in 2002.

This annual celebration of heritage and culture has allowed us to see inside everything from the Peterborough Lift Lock, to hydro generating stations, to Victorian mansions and modern architectural gems such as Trent University. Doors Open Peterborough is always looking for new places that tell Peterborough’s stories through the sites and voices of the community. If you would like your building, walking tour or site to be showcased on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., email heritage@peterborough.ca or contact the City of Peterborough. The deadline for submission is May 5.

It feels like spring finally and that means the return of Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga and Pilates with Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness.

This year’s program will be offered with four different instructors and three locations: Chemong Lake, Stoney Lake, and downtown Peterborough’s Little Lake. Summer Soul offers paddleboard rentals for those without one of their own. Go to summersoul.ca for more details.

Mallory and Dylan have launched a new business – Pristine Plumbing PTBO.

They provide high quality plumbing for Peterborough and the surrounding areas and strive to provide the best customer service to their clientele. They are fully licensed and insured and available for you when you need them most. Their services include faucet and toilet installation, drain blockages, water treatment systems, and more. Find out more at pristineplumbingpeterborough.ca

Vintage Inspired has opened at 2351 County Rd 45 in Norwood.

Officially open as of April 6, they combine the past and present to create unique style for your home and cottage. They offer an eclectic mix of new, vintage, antique and upcycled finds, as well as hand-made goods by local artisans. Drop by for a look or find them online at vintageinspired.ca.

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Innovation Cluster Seeking New Board Members

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas individuals to their Board who can contribute to their mission of transforming Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes into a recognized Centre of Innovation.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

Innovation Cluster are seeking individuals with:

• A strong passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and startup culture.

• A strong passion and knowledge of the latest technological trends

• Experience in accounting(CPA)/finance

• Experience with successful exits (IPO, M&A)

• Expertise in specialized fields such as agtech, healthcare, finance, or business leadership.

Board Member Expectations:

• Active participation in strategic discussions, events, and meetings.

• Contribution of unique insights and expertise to support the leadership team.

• Advocacy for the Innovation Cluster's mission and vision within the community and beyond.

Applications are due by April 19. Once completed, they can be emailedto board@innovationcluster.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Central Smith Creamery, Savage Arms, PKED 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…

Central Smith Creamery is kicking off its first venture into the retail space with Central Smith Ice Cream Bars.

They’re launching it with two new flavours. The first is Monster Cookie with vibrant blue cookie dough flavoured ice cream with cookie crumb pieces covered in a chocolatey coating. The other is French Vanilla ice cream bars with rich French vanilla flavoured ice cream with crushed vanilla bean covered in chocolatey coating with pieces of almonds.

Order online for pickup at the factory or find them locally at One Fine Food, The Market in Lakefield, Lakefield Foodland, Sobeys on Lansdowne, John’s Independent in Bridgenorth or Lift Lock Foodland.

Savage Arms in Lakefield is expanding.

The local firearms manufacturer recently announced they received some funding from the Province to help with a big expansion. This includes the production of a new lever-action rimfire rifle and investments that will set them up for future centrefire hunting rifle production. The expansion is expected to create 49 new jobs in the community.

There’s a new destination guide courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development that shines a spotlight on the region’s experiences for outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, families and lovers of arts and culture.

The official Destination Guide is designed to inspire fun and encourage readers to get interactive in their vacation planning experiences by checking visits to iconic area attractions off their list and hearing from local travel experts on the must-do experiences. Pick up the Destination Guide at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre as well as locations throughout the region.

Looking for inspiration and professional development?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Business Summit on May 2 at Fleming College. The theme this year is Leading for the Future, from how to recruit the right team members to supporting and fostering growth with your team. There’s a keynote address from Bill Lett, six workshops, and a panel discussion on Building Your Team. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

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Voice of Business: Majority of Businesses Are Not Prepared For Leadership Change

There is a topic that is often not discussed or planned for until late in the process – succession.

Here at the Chamber of Commerce we often have conversations with businesses who are thinking about selling their business. It’s something that has hit them fairly recently. They’re tired. The last few years have been a lot. They want to look after their mental and physical health. They’re getting older and want to spend time traveling and hanging out with the grandkids. It’s all understandable and frankly, they’ve earned it after years of long hours, high stress, and financial risks.

The problem is they’re tired right now. They’re hoping to get out some time in the next 12 months or so.

There’s a new report on this subject from the Northern Policy Institute in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Société Économique de l’Ontario called Taking Care of Business: The State of Business Succession and Planning in Ontario.

The report’s survey found that 73 per cent of business owners do not have a succession plan in place, even though the leaders of many organizations plan to sell or retire soon. Most business owners report planning to sell or retire in the next 15 years.

From Taking Care of Business: The State of Business Succession and Planning in Ontario:

Business Owners’ Responses to “Do you have a succession plan in place?”

• I don’t know/prefer not to answer: 9 per cent

• No, we do not have a succession plan in place nor have one in the process of being created: 44 per cent

• No, but it is in the process of being created: 29 per cent

• Yes, one is completed: 18 per cent

The transition of business ownership represents both opportunity and risk. Established businesses provide a strong platform for someone to continue to grow. But poorly planned succession can be a mess.

The report notes that one-third of business owners who plan to sell or retire in the next five years do not have a succession plan in place or are in the process of creating one. Organizations who are not anticipating a change of leadership are far less prepared. Smaller businesses are typically less prepared, despite being more likely to undergo leadership change.

There is a cost to putting off planning for change, as stated in the report:

“Poorly managed succession can lead to worse organizational performance and lost business value. This can result in reduced economic growth, job losses for employees, and reduced options for consumers. Therefore, increasing the number of businesses that adequately plan for succession will be crucial to ensuring that Ontario’s successful existing businesses continue to provide employment opportunities, goods and services, and economic growth even as their current leadership departs.”

While we typically talk about succession planning as it relates to retirement, which is a big component of it, businesses change hands for multiple reasons. Some move on for a change of

scenery, but there are also unexpected and unforeseen changes due to health issues, death, family needs, financial issues, business partnership breakdowns, etc. Having a plan on the books will go a long way to making that transition process go more smoothly.

Good planning will help preserve local businesses and create a stronger local economy. If you or your organization are interested in planning for changes in leadership and ownership, your local Chamber of Commerce can help make some recommendations on local businesses with succession expertise. The best time to plan for the future is now.

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

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