This week we feature the launch of the 2018 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, the nine new inductees of the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, and the grand opening of Bodystream Medical Marijuana Services in Peterborough’s East City. New regional business events include the Northumberland Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, Port Hope Chamber’s social media seminar in Cobourg, the return of the Peterborough Chamber “Power Hour”, and a “Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers.
If you have business news or events you want us to share with our readers, email business@kawarthanow.com.
Applications for Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition open on January 16
Applications for the 2018 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition open on Tuesday, January 16th. An orientation session for all interested entrepreneurs will be held at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Beginning on January 16th, applications can be completed on the Bears’ Lair website at www.bearslairptbo.ca until Thursday, February 15th.
This year’s competition follows the same format as last year. Applications will be accepted until February 15th, and then semi-finalists will be selected from the applicants to compete in a showcase event at The Venue on March 6th. The top six finalists from the showcase event will move on to the final pitch event at The Venue on April 18. At the final pitch, the finalists will pitch their business to the panel of judges and the local community for a chance to win cash and prizes. Last year, winners were awarded over $55,000 in cash and business support services.
TOMORROW – 6:00 PM at the @ptbochamber ?????? pic.twitter.com/fFjWwtWAwm
— Bears Lair (@BearsLairPtbo) January 15, 2018
The judges for final pitch even the 2018 competition are Rhonda Barnet, President & COO at Steelworks Design Inc and Chair of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Board of Directors, and Nicole Verkindt. Verkindt is the founder and CEO of Canadian technology company OMX, a commentator on CBC, and a columnist for Vanguard magazine focusing on technology and business news. She was also a “dragon” on CBC’s Next Gen Dragon’s Den and spoke at FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connet event in February last year.
The third judge has yet to be announced.
“The incredible level of collaboration happening between our economic leaders and organizations, sponsors ,and committee is inspiring,” says Diane Richard of Diatom Consulting, who has returned as the chair of this year’s competition. “This year we are especially focused on driving entrepreneurial spirit and growth in our local community, and making the Final Pitch a dynamic and exciting evening for everyone to celebrate.”
At the launch announcement held on January 12th at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough, Richard announced a new supporter campaign for Bears’ Lair, where start-ups, small business owners, and anyone who knows the struggles of entrepreneurship can donate $100 to the cash prize awarded to the winners of the competition.
To become a Bears’ Lair supporter and to get tickets to the Final Pitch event on April 19th, visit bearsptbo18.eventbrite.ca.
If you are a business or organization and want to sponsor this year’s Bears’ Lair, contact co-chair and sponsor lead Carey McMaster at cmcmaster@innovationcluster.ca or 705-536-1101 ext. 903.
Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame announces nine new inductees
Last Wednesday (January 10), Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka announced the nine inductees for the 2018 Business Hall of Fame, joining the 16 inductees announced in 2016 and 2017.
The inductees are: Alf and June Curtis, founders of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Incorporated; Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty; John A. McColl and James H. Turner, founding partners of McColl Turner LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants (posthumous inductee); John James (Jack) Stewart, founder of J.J. Stewart Motors (posthumous inductee); Sally Harding, president and CEO of Nightingale Nursing Registry Limited and Nightingale Home Maintenance Incorporated; Monika Carmichael, dealer principal and general manager of Trent Valley Honda; Robert Gauvreau, president and CEO of Gauvreau and Associates Chartered Professional Accountants; Paschal McCloskey, president and CEO of McCloskey International Limited; and Carl Oake, founding broker/owner and Century 21 United Realty.
The formal inductee ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 24th at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Also announced at the event was the establishment of a Legacy Fund which will be used exclusively for the creation and running of entrepreneurship programs. That fund sits at $5,000, half of that courtesy of the present partners of McColl Turner.
Medical marijuana clinic moves to East City in Peterborough
Bodystream Medical Marijuana Services has opened at its new location in East City in Peterborough.
Bodystream, which first opened in Peterborough in October 2016, was previously located on George Street.
With 20 clinics now open across the province, Bodystream is Ontario’s leading medical marijuana service provider for patients who are a candidate for medical cannabis.
The grand opening of the new location at 53 Hunter Street East in Peterborough takes place on Friday, January 26th at 10 a.m.
There will be an open house and ribbon cutting, and refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Trent University at Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Breakfast Network on January 17
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will be hosting two speakers from Trent University at the monthly DBIA Breakfast Network on Wednesday, January 17th.
Julie Davis, Vice-President of External Relations, and Alison Scholl, Advancement Community Relations Officer, will be speaking at the event, which takes place at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by the guest speakers at 8 a.m. Tickets are $5 at the door, and the event is open to everyone.
SOLD OUT – Peterborough Chamber Lunch Box Learning on January 17
The next Peterborough Chamber Lunch Box Learning session takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17th at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Toby McLeod of Stradegy.ca will speak on the topic “Website Roadmap: Learn how to turn your website into a business asset that makes you money, instead of costing you money and opportunities”.
The session is open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Note: this event is now sold out.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Business After Hours Lakefield Health and Wellness Hop on January 23
Members of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will be visiting three Lakefield businesses on Tuesday, January 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m. to learn tips and tricks for wellness in the new year.
The Business After Hours Lakefield Health and Wellness Hop takes place at Salon Sorella & Day Spa, Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty, and Cuddles for Cancer.
To register, visit kawarthachamber.ca.
Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on January 30
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 111th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, January 30th at 6 p.m. at The Woodlawn Inn (420 Division Street, Cobourg).
Members are invited to attend and hear an overview of the Chamber’s activities for the past year, including a presentation of the Chamber’s audited year-end financial report. The 2018 Executive will be introduced and elections will be held to fill the available seats on the Board of Directors.
Immediately following the AGM, there will be “The Chair’s Dinner”, featuring a four-course meal with wines to accompany each dish.
For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at nccofc.ca.
Social Media Seminar in Cobourg on January 31
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a social media seminar, part of its Advance Small Business Seminar Series, from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31st at Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (600 WIlliam St, Cobourg).
Peter Thomas will speak about developing a social media marketing plan, understanding your buyer persona, and tools for social media with a focus on business Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The cost is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members, cash only at the door. To register, please call 905-372-9279.
Launch & Learn at Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre in Cobourg on February 7
Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre (3517 Rowe Rd, Cobourg) is hosting a “Launch & Learn” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7th.
Owners Linda and Tony Armstrong are inviting representatives from organizations to find out more about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm, which is located 10 minutes north of Highway 401 between Port Hope and Cobourg.
The preview includes a sampling of Headwaters’ food and mocktails, a tour of their activity and meeting facilities, a presentation about what the centre has to offer, and a choice of three sample workshops.
To reserve your complimentary spot, email info@headwatersfarm.ca by Wednesday, January 31st.
Peterborough Chamber “Power Hour” evening with elected officials returns on February 21
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Power Hour” — an evening with Peterborough’s elected officials — returns on Wednesday, February 21st.
The event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
There will be a full hour of questions and answers with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, MPP Peterborough Jeff Leal, County of Peterborough Warden Joe Taylor, and City of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.
Tickets cost $65 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members (or $450 for a table of seven for members and $525 for non-members). HST will be added to the ticket price. Register here.
“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7
The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.
The Bridges out of Poverty framework, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.
The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.
Space is limited. Register at bridgesforemployers.eventbrite.ca.
