This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the winner of the pitch competition for the Innovation Custer’s Slingshot summer incubation program, the grand opening of a new skateboard and snowboard shop in downtown Peterborough, the launch of Amusé Coffee Co.’s second location in downtown Peterborough, approval of the City of Kawartha Lakes Strategic Community Improvement Plan, and a delay in construction of the new urban park in downtown Peterborough.
Regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting on September 11th, a seminar on a University of Toronto internship program for startups at Venture13 in Cobourg September 18th, the Peterborough Chamber’s seminar on business relationships in the era of machine intelligence on September 19th, and the Port Hope Chamber’s seminar on marijuana in the workplace on September 19th and community economic development workshop on September 20th.
We publish businessNOW every week. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Young entrepreneur’s idea for a mobile eye exam business lands him $1,000
Young entrepreneur Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical has won $1,000 to grow his business, an on-demand mobile eye examination clinic for students, seniors, and others.
The Fleming College graduate participated in this year’s Slingshot, a summer incubation program from the Innovation Cluster and FastStart Peterborough for local entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29.
Trepanier was one of the program participants who convinced a panel of judges with a 10-minute pitch of his business plan last Friday (August 24).
Last year, the Innovation Cluster and FastStart Peterborough launched Slingshot, the first summer incubation program of its kind in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Under the program, successful applicants receive coworking space in The Cube in downtown Peterborough from May to August, along with tools and resources to help them develop their businesses. At the end of the summer, program participants pitch their businesses for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize along with other prizes.
Trepanier was inspired to start Alexander Optical when he got his first eye exam at 16, after years of his vision impacting his education and extracurricular activities. Realizing there could be a better solution for access to eye care, he began a business plan.
“Alexander Optical provides a solution so students don’t have to go without getting their eyes tested or having professional eye care,” Trepanier says.
Through the summer, Trepanier grew his team, networked with other startups, and gained knowledge from workshops and specialists at the Innovation Cluster. For the next step in his business, Trepanier plans to involve eye care professionals and get local businesses to host pop-up clinics.
Trepanier made his successful pitch to judges Robert Gauvreau of Gauvreau & Associates, Maxine Mann of Fleming College, Le Nguyen of LLF Lawyers, Marcelo Sarkis Konig of Prima IP, and Helen Smith of Part Time CFO Services.
Runners up of the Slingshot pitch challenge were The Council of Indigenous Students, Wurk Connect, and Socialize.
Skateboard and snowboard shop in downtown Peterborough hosta a grand opening in September
No Comply Boardshop, a store in downtown Peterborough specializing in skateboarding, longboarding, snowboarding, and streetwear, will host a grand opening on Saturday, September 8th.
Owned by Adam Howe, himself a skateboarder and snowboarder, the store at 442 George Street has been open during the summer and offers skateboards, longboards, snowboards, streetwear, shoes, espresso drinks, and a selection of Peterborough local brands.
Adam says his intention with No Comply Boardshop is to create a local hub for skateboarders and snowboarders to get the goods they need, or to “just hang out and watch a skateboard or snowboard video”.
The September 8th grand opening will feature demonstrations by local skateboarders, food and beverages, and sales on select items.
No Comply Board Shop is open daily except Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (7 p.m. on Friday). For more information, visit nocomplyboardshop.com.
Amusé Coffee Co. launches The Edison at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough
Lindsay Brock, owner of Amusé Coffee Co. (641 George St. N., Peterborough), officially launched a second permanent location called The Edison last Thursday (August 23) in the lobby of the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
Since March 2018, Brock had piloted a pop-up cafe at the location two days a week, offering fair trade organic whole bean coffee and baked goods. Successful sales at VentureNorth prompted Brock to open a permanent location there.
“The past five months serving at the VentureNorth building has been a great experience for Amusé’s business,” Brock says. “Being able to cover two locations downtown has allowed us to provide our specialty products on either sides of the downtown core, and with the new permanent location, we will now be providing more meal options.”
The Edison is open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
City of Kawartha Lakes strategic community improvement plan approved by city council
The City of Kawartha Lakes’ Strategic Community Improvement Plan will provide financial incentives for aesthetic and functional improvements to commercial, mixed-use, and designated residential properties in communities within the city, including Lindsay. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes’ Strategic Community Improvement Plan (CIP) — which provides a range of financial incentives for aesthetic and functional improvements to commercial, mixed-use, and designated residential properties within the city — was approved by city council at its August 14th Council meeting.
The plan will grants, loans, and tax relief available to eligible property and business owners in the city to encourage repairs and improvements, enable restoration of heritage buildings, create or retrofit affordable rental housing in mixed-use buildings, and support downtown main street revitalization.
City council will determine the specific financial incentives for this year at a later date, and the first intake of CIP applications is expected to begin this fall.
“The CIP is an important commitment and investment into our downtowns as our community hubs,” says Mayor Andy Letham. “Council recognizes the importance of vibrant and prosperous downtowns to our economy and the quality of life of our residents.”
Funding for the CIP financial programs was provided by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Interested applicants should contact the Economic Development division at 705-324-9411 extension 1395 for help and more information on the application process. For more information about the CIP, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca.
Construction of new Louis Street urban park in downtown Peterborough delayed until spring
Construction of the new urban park in the former Louis Street parking at Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough, originally expected to begin in the fall, has been delayed until spring 2019.
The delay is required to meet requirements from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for proposed residential use of the property that was not part of the original plan for a park with space for community activities, an outdoor skating rink in the winter, and water features in the summer.
The City of Peterborough decided to explore a public-private partnership on a section of the property, that could result in a private sector partner building a public washroom, office, and storage space in exchange for acquiring property for potential commercial and residential space next to the urban park.
Residential uses on the property would be a change of use, leading to additional requirements from the Ministry of the Environment. Soil testing is currently underway.
“Encouraging the construction of new residential units next to the urban park would increase the activity in the park and help create new units in our housing market,” says Jeffrey Humble, Director of Planning and Development Services. “As part of the agreement, the private sector partner would provide public facilities — washroom and storage space, for example — to support the operation of the park.”
The city will issue a request for proposals from parties interested in a public-private partnership that adds a residential development next to the urban park.
Peterborough Chamber PBX at Innovation Cluster on September 4
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next PBX (Peterborough Business Exchange) event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4th at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., 3rd Floor, Peterborough).
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
For more information, peterboroughchamber.ca.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough Season Kick-off Meeting on September 5
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) launches its 2018-19 season with a kick-off meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5th at the Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
The meeting will feature three WBN members — 2018 Member of the Year Tracey Ormond of That’s A Wrap Catering, Monika Carmichael of Trent Valley Honda, and photographer Heather Doughty — sharing their stories with other members.
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the speakers at 7:30 p.m.
The event is free for WBN members but anyone can register online for $50 and come as a guest (space permitting). For more information and to register as a guest, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net.
Peterborough Chamber hosts breakfast meeting with Ashley Lamothe on September 11
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next “Chamber AM” breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11th at the Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough)
Ashley Lamothe of Creative Kwe Coaching will be the guest speaker, on the topic “Empowerment in the Workplace”.
Coffee and breakfast is served from 7 to 8 a.m. followed by the guest speaker.
Admission is free (you just pay for what you order for breakfast).
Port Hope Chamber 17th Annual Golf Tournament on September 13
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 17th Annual Golf Tournament beginning at 11:30 a.m. (shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.) on Thursday, September 13th at the Ash Brook Golf Club (7215 Dale Rd., Port Hope).
The event includes lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and a steak dinner. There will be a best ball fun tournament and prizes.
Tickets are $110. For more information and to register, visit www.porthopechamber.com.
Venture13 in Cobourg hosts seminar on University of Toronto internship program for startups on September 18
The Impact Centre in partnership with Northumberland CFDC and Venture13 is presenting a lunch and learn seminar on course-based internship program for early-stage startups offered by the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto.
“Exploring New Ventures Closer to Home: Helping your Startup grow with top talent from UofT” takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18th in the seminar room at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Students in the Exploring New Ventures Closer to Home (ENV-C2H) program will work with your company (unpaid) for either 100 or 200 hours, learn about entrepreneurship, and earn an academic credit.
The seminar is free and lunch will be provided. Register at Eventbrite.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunch-time seminar on business relationships in the era of machine intelligence on September 19
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Lunch Box Learning seminar takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th in the Chamber boardroom at 175 George Street North in Peterborough.
The topic will be “Business Relationships in the Age of Machine Intelligence and Automation” presented by Paul Teleki, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Lunch Box Learning is a noon-hour seminar series that’s open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN).
The seminar is free to attend, but please bring your own lunch.
For more information, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca
Port Hope Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on marijuana in the workplace on September 19
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Marijuana in the Workplace: Is Your Workplace Ready?” from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th at the Port Hope Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope).
The seminar will provide information on the rights and responsibilities of employers regarding the upcoming legalization of marijuana. Jason Schmidt of Schmidt Law Legal Services will be leading the discussion, along with Peter Treacy, Field Consultant from Peninsula Canada – Human Resources & Employer Advice.
Bring your own lunch (beverages will be provided). The event is free, but please RSVP by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
Kawartha Chamber presents Business After Hours in Bridgenorth on September 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business After Hours event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th.
During the “Bridgenorth Hop”, the Chamber will visit members in Bridgenorth, including Bridgenorth Deli, Style Boutique, and TCB Office Furniture & Supplies.
More details will be announced as the date nears.
Port Hope Chamber hosts community economic development workshop on September 20
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Community Economic Development 101” from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, September 20th at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre (29 Thomas St., Port Hope).
The interactive workshop, intended for municipal candidates, staff, community volunteers, and business professionals, will teach the basics of economic development and provide practical tools to help your municipality attract jobs, investment, and tackle economic development barriers.
The workshop is free, but advance registration is required by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
Lindsay Chamber Fall Golf Classic Tournament on September 20
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Fall Golf Classic Tournament from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The event fee of $141.25 includes a BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and dinner. There will be prizes for women’s and men’s closest and longest drive, most honest and winning teams, and putting and chipping contests.
For more information and to register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com.
New Venture Workshop in Buckhorn on September 26
Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a workshop for entrepreneurs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26th at St. Matthew – St. Aidans Church (1946 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
The “New Venture Session” is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs or startups looking for support in the business community. The session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs that are available for entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, the business model canvas exercise, how to access support from the Business Advisory Centre, and getting started on the “Startup Checklist”.
Presented in partnership with Selwyn Township, Trent Lakes, and Curve Lake First Nation, the workshop is free and you can register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-workshop-tickets-48692197674.
Next Kawartha Chamber B.O.S.S. session takes place on October 2
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) session is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2nd at Camp Kawartha (1010 Birchview Rd., Douro-Dummer).
The session will explore team building programs, practices, and activities, and discuss the importance of establishing trust, setting goals, and honouring the goals of others. Refreshments will be provided.
More details will be coming soon. For more information, email events@kawarthachamber.ca.
Love Local Ptbo Business Expo on October 3
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Love Local Business Expo will take place this year from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3rd.
The region’s largest business showcase, in previous years the Expo took place at the Morrow Building during September. While spacious, the location was also somewhat uncomfortable during the heat of late summer and required a lot of carpets to cover up the concrete floor.
This year’s Expo is taking place at the Envinrude Centre, which features air conditioning and hardwood floors.
Watch for more details as the date gets closer, but you can register for a booth now at peterboroughchamber.ca.
