Nine Entrepreneurs Graduate From Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank's ScaleUP Program

Nine entrepreneurs were celebrated as they completed and graduated from the transformative ScaleUP program ran by Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and Scotiabank at the Venture North Building on Thursday afternoon.

The 2023 program was led by Diane Richard, a seasoned industry consultant and a team of regional experts including Savino Human Resource Partners, Holmes-Riseley CPA’s and Tax Advisors and featured a supply chain consultant. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“For the past eight weeks, these ambitious business owners have participated in extensive one-on-one coaching alongside intensive classroom sessions to better equip them with the knowledge and tools to accelerate their business to the next level,” says Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Each graduate is walking away with a customized roadmap to help guide them through the next phase of sustainable growth for their business.”

The program educated area entrepreneurs and gave them the tools to make key decisions about how to grow and expand their businesses in our community according to a press release.

“Scotiabank offers our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the ScaleUP program. The support this program offers to participants is aligned to the tailored advice we deliver to our clients as they look to grow and expand their business,” says Chris Skinner, District Vice President of Ontario Central East. “We are proud to have partnered with Community Futures Peterborough in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in the community.”

Graduates of the fall cohort of the program include:

• Robyn Jenkins, Charlea’s Riverside Gardens

• Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts

• Angela Jones, Lakeshore Designs

• RJ Kayser, Flowspa

• Robyn Ivory, Indigenously Infused

• Brett Pritchard, The 3D Shoppe

• Kollene Drummond, Well Grounded

• Matt Anderson, Chemong City Greens

• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Service

“The insights I learned through the ScaleUP program have sparked exciting new developments for my business,” said Ivory. “Aligning our goals with tangible practices doesn’t feel so daunting when guided by Diane and the ScaleUP program. Working and learning alongside a powerhouse of entrepreneurs has inspired me, to say the least."

“Through the ScaleUP program, I am now better equipped for the leadership roles and business processes I'll need to build upon to successfully grow and scale my business,” said Anderson “This program has provided me with the confidence and know-how to apply the tools and best practices needed to anticipate the many challenges entrepreneurs face. Having the opportunity to learn from Diane and her years of leadership experience plus being in the room and learning from other Peterborough business owners has been very rewarding.”

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Seven Local Businesses Awarded Microgrants Through Starter Company Plus Program

Seven local entrepreneurs were awarded microgrants through the highly competitive spring intake of the Starter Company Plus program on Thursday.

photo courtesy of starter company plus.

This intake saw the highest number of applications so far for the program run by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and funded through the Government of Ontario.

Twelve small businesses successfully completed the five-week business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. The following businesses were awarded a microgrant based on the strength of their business plan and pitch:

• Jack Henry: OmniWorx Design, Peterborough, ON

• Kate Adams: Kate L. Toms Fit, Peterborough, ON

• Michelle Fenn and Kendra Mancini: Working Human, Peterborough, ON

• Tavlyn Evans and Crystal Walker: Sage Beauty, Peterborough, ON

• Brigh Findlay-Shields: Brisa Social, Millbrook, ON

• Sean Fitzpatrick and Andrew Fitzpatrick: Take Cover Books, Peterborough, ON

• Erin Burrell: EB Aquatics, Otonabee, ON

“We are incredibly proud of this program and the support it provides local small businesses,” said Madeleine Hurrell, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre. “The number of applications we received this round surpassed pre-Covid-19 levels and was one of our most competitive intakes.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program through the BAC has assisted over 230 local entrepreneurs and more than 186 small businesses. These businesses have created over 220 jobs in our local economy.

To stay up to date on programs and workshops, visit the website.

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Peterborough and The Kawarthas Entrepreneurs Awarded Grants and Mentorships to Help Spark New Tourism Ideas

Three finalists who made winning pitches for the second intake of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

photo courtesy of peterborough and the kawarthas tourism.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, with funding support from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario.

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

“It's a privilege to work with these local tourism innovators. Our team looks forward to supporting the development of tourism products that give visitors new and engaging ways to explore Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

Ten applications were received, with the top five being invited to present their new tourism ideas at a virtual Pitch Session held on May 2. A panel of judges comprised of local partner representatives and a tourism innovator from outside the region selected the three winning applicants.

The 2023 Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program winners are:

• Connor McIlveen & Glyne Pease, Shamrock Acres (Rustic farm venue/event space)

• Katie Jackson, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience (Mystery agritourism and culinary experience)

• Scott Williams, Wildflower Bakery (Sourdough bread-making workshops)

“We congratulate the second-round winners of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ program and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead for the Tourism Innovation Lab.

In addition to seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.

For more information, visit the website.

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Innovation Cluster Launches the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) announces new partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) to foster entrepreneurial skills among secondary students through the creation of the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Club.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster.

As part of the KPR Pathways Initiative, the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program is designed to allow students to develop entrepreneurial skills and encourage innovation and creativity. The club will offer four sessions on Ideation and Creativity, Business Fundamentals, Marketing and Brand Development. The program is open to Grades 9-12 students and equips them with the skills to plan, fund, start and run a business or social enterprise.

At the end of the program, selected students from the KPRDSB will have the opportunity to represent their school board at an Ontario-Wide Showcase and Networking Event. This event brings together students from different school boards across Ontario who have participated in similar entrepreneurship programs. The event provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn from each other, share ideas and expand their networks.

"We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to students and introduce them to the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship! This learning experience will help students build foundational knowledge and skills and empower them to leap out of their comfort zone and turn their ideas into something great," said principal of Teaching and Learning K-12: Secondary Focus Charlotte Filip.

The Cluster recognizes entrepreneurship's pivotal role in driving economic growth and development, creating job opportunities and promoting social and environmental sustainability. As such, the organization provides a broad range of programs and services tailored to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, including high school, college and university students looking to advance their entrepreneurial endeavours.

"I’m confident the new Leap Zone Program will have a positive impact on young entrepreneurs from KPRDSB. These students will discover the resources available to them to start businesses in our region, and our sessions will help them build the entrepreneurial skills they need for success in the years to come. It’s exciting to think that these students will represent our region's next generation of entrepreneurs, and I can't wait to see what businesses they will launch in the future with our support,” said Senior Innovation Specialist & FastStart Program Manager Lindsey Irwin.

For more information on the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Club, interested parties can visit KPRDSB's official website.

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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.

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Eight Small Local Businesses Awarded $5,000 Grants Through Starter Company Plus Program

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) has awarded $5,000 in micro-grants to local small businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County through the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program, announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

12 small business entrepreneurs successfully completed the five-week Starter Company Plus online business training course offered through PKED’s Business Advisory Centre, and were awarded grants to support the growth of their business based on the strength of their plan and pitch.

The following businesses were each awarded a micro-grant:

• Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage, City of Peterborough

• Lisa Mace, ECO Cabin, Township of North Kawartha

• Ineke Turner, Turner & Pooch Dog Training, City of Peterborough

• Nathan Truax, Truax Leather Co., City of Peterborough

• Lisa Burkitt, Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Kate Griffin, Mental Wealth Counselling, Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan

• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Vanessa Bruce, Vanessa Bruce Virtual Services, City of Peterborough

Since the program’s launch in 2017 it has assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses, creating over 200 jobs in the local economy according to PKED.

“This intake of the Starter Company Plus program saw many new businesses that were referred from past participants. Now in its fifth year, the program has directly contributed to the growth and development of small businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and has allowed us to support the largest cohort to date,” said Madeleine Hurrell, manager of PKED’s Business Advisory Centre. “In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, we are lucky to have thriving and growing small businesses. We have seen our communities rally around entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

For more information on the Business Advisory Centre, visit www.investptbo.ca/bac

Innovation Cluster Announces Resignation of CEO and President

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas announces CEO Michael Skinner and president John Gillis have resigned, departing from the organization by the end of the year.

Photo courtesy of The Innovation Cluster.

Skinner joined the Innovation Cluster’s Board of Directors in 2012. In 2016, he became the CEO of the Innovation Cluster and under his leadership the organization expanded to its 10,000 square foot location in downtown Peterborough, which included incubation and accelerator services. Gillis joined the Innovation Cluster in 2017, introduced an H2O Makerspace to the Organization which gave clients access to over 30 pieces of water testing equipment.

Over the last five years they are said to have led the Innovation Cluster to create an economic impact of $54 million, create nearly 900 jobs, and support more than 300 companies to launch, grow and scale.

“The Innovation Cluster has always been a labour of love and our passion for supporting business growth and entrepreneurship in our community will not end with our departure. We look forward to staying connected with the people who have made our time at the Innovation Cluster unforgettable. We are excited to see the introduction of fresh ideas to the Organization under new leadership,” say Skinner and Gillis in a statement.  

The two entrepreneurs will reportedly continue working together after their departure from the Innovation Cluster, and will be announcing the launch of their new business venture in the new year.

The Innovation Cluster board of directors are currently seeking applicants for a new CEO.

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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.

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Six Local Small Businesses Awarded $30,000 in Funding

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development awarded 6 local entrepreneurs $5000 each in funding to further support sustainable business growth.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development

This funding was provided by the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program.

11 businesses successfully completed the five-week online business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

The following 6 businesses were awarded funding based on the strength of their business plan and pitch:

• Chris Carvalho: East City Knife Sharpening – knife sharpening for all types of knives with 24-hour turnaround service

• Emily Nigro: Dead End Lures – a family-owned eco-friendly fishing lure company

• Kelsey Watts: Worthy Truth Wellness – mindful movement yoga classes offering a kind space of compassion and non-judgmental awareness

• Lucas Graham: Countdown Creative – a full-service E-Commerce agency that helps small businesses start selling online

• Suzanne Schmidt: Suzanne’s Hot Stuff – hand-crafted, small-batch gluten-free hot sauces, pepper jellies, jerk marinade, mango salsa and more

• Tuncay Alkan & Laura Wilson: MEZE – a vegan deli and café serving traditional Turkish food and drink

“This Starter Company Plus class was a group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs. From start-ups to early-stage businesses, this group is representative of the diverse and thriving small business community within the City and County of Peterborough,” said Entrepreneurship Officer Hillary Manion, who oversees the program for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. “These entrepreneurs have all created products and services that fill a need within the community. I look forward to watching their businesses grow and succeed.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program through the Business Advisory Centre has assisted over 175 local entrepreneurs and over 140 small businesses.

The Starter Company Plus program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs from aspiring to experienced, aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough who are launching a business or expanding an existing business.

The next intake of the Starter Company Plus Program will be open from September 1st – 27th, 2021. Eligibility criteria and upcoming workshop dates can be found here.

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Local Indigenous Business Owner Semi-Finalist in Pow Wow Pitch

Dominique O'Bonsawin, owner of cedarlilie a beadwork and craft supply shop, is a semi-finalist in the Pow Wow Pitch. Pow Wow Pitch is a a grassroots community of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.

Dominique O’Bonsawin and her dog Cedar. Photo courtesy of Dominique O’Bonsawin

O'Bonsawin is of both French-Canadian and Abenaki heritage and started learning beadwork about five years ago while attending university in Ottawa.

“It was an important part of me reconnecting to my community and the larger Indigenous community in Canada,” she said.

As she gained interest in the craft she began to notice a lack of Indigenous owned bead stores in the country. She began to buy beads in bulk for her own use and selling any extras she had.

“I started running out of beads and realized this was a market I could tap into,” she said. “Before I knew it I had to make my own website.”

O'Bonsawin has now been selling beads and craft supplies for about a year and a half.

An example of Dominique O’Bonsawin’s beading. These pieces were completed along with her mother and sister. Photo courtesy of Dominique O’Bonsawin.

The Pow Wow Pitch competition is for Indigenous entrepreneurs across North America. It shines a light on vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.

This year, more than 1,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses online for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $500 to $25,000.

O'Bonsawin was one of those entrepreneurs and was surprised to find that she was chosen as a semi-finalist.

“I had a few people reach out to me and tell me to apply, but I didn’t think I was there yet. I’m still kind of figuring out this whole thing,” she said.

“All we had to do was submit a one minute video of what we would do with the money if we were to win,” she said. “It caught and I thought ‘okay this is for real now’.”

Of the over 1600 entries there are 156 semi-finalists who now must pitch their business plan live to a board of panelists.

O'Bonsawin is also eligible to win the peoples choice award, which would send her straight to the finals. The peoples choice award is based on the amount of votes a contestant receives, anyone is welcome to participate in voting.

More beadwork by Dominique O’Bonsawin.

O'Bonsawin’s pitch can be viewed here on September 22, 2021.

If she wins the Pow Wow Pitch competition she plans to expand her business and while she plans on doing so anyways, winning this competition would allow her to do it sooner.

Through beading O'Bonsawin has had the opportunity to connect with a new community of people.

“I didn’t grow up knowing much about my roots until I became a young adult and started doing that work myself, and I’m still learning. It’s an ongoing journey of reconnection,” she said.

O'Bonsawin hopes that people realize that beadwork is about building a community, and anyone can do it.

“I’ve met a lot of people who are in the exact position as I am. They’re doing their best to learn their language and know the people. It’s so beautiful to meet people that are going through the same thing you are and i think its even more beautiful that we can do that through beadwork.”

To view all the semi-finalists in the Pow Wow Pitch click here.

To vote for a winner in the peoples choice award fill out this online form.

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