This week’s round-up of regional business news features the next intake of Starter Company Plus entrepreneurial program, Nicecream producer Chimp Treats landing a deal with Loblaws, an award for Angevaare Mazda of Peterborough, the rebranding of Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, the eight semi-finalists for Northumberland’s N100 Evolution entrepreneurial competition, and Charlotte Products Ltd. donating labour and cleaning supplies for Habitat for Humanity.
Also featured this week: Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants joins a national accounting organization, former Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s economic development officer Matt Braithwaite hired as general manager at The Loomex Group, 32 Peterborough restaurants raise $16,000 for United Way Peterborough & District, The Nutty Chocolatier is closing in downtown Peterborough, and the former Sears Canada store in Peterborough is sold to Lansdowne Place Mall.
New events added this week include the next FastStart Peterborough E-Connect seminar on September 11th featuring Susan Sharp of Brant Basics and Dr. Kristy Hiltz of Sherbrooke Animal Hospital.
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Next intake for Starter Company Plus entrepreneurial program now open
Applications for the next intake of the Starter Company Plus entrepreneurial program are now open. This is the third and final intake of the program for 2018 (previous intakes took place in February and May).
Starter Company Plus is a new program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Government of Ontario. It provides business training for aspiring or experienced entrepreneurs, over the age of 18 in the City and County of Peterborough, who are launching a new business or expanding an existing business that’s been operating for five years or less.
Participants will receive guidance and support from Business Advisory Centre staff, business training through a series of interactive workshops, support in creating a formal business plan, and the opportunity to pitch to submit your business plan and pitch your business idea for an opportunity to compete for one of seven micro-grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
To apply for the free program, you must first attend one of the orientation sessions that provide all the information you need to apply for the program. There are four orientation sessions during September, of of which takes place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the boardroom at VentureNorth at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. The orientation sessions take place on September 4th, September 10th, September 17th, and September 24th.
For more information about the Starter Company Plus program, visit peterboroughed.ca/small-business/starter-company-plus/.
Peterborough-based health food startup Chimp Treats lands a deal with Loblaws to carry Nicecream
Peterborough-based health food startup Chimp Treats will have its frozen fruit product “Nicecream” hit a wave of Loblaws stores across Ontario beginning on September 5, 2018.
Founder Brooke Hammer launched Nicecream in 2017 and has since expanded coast-to-coast with niche retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Healthy Planet.
While attending Trent University, the 23-year-old Hammer developed an innovative manufacturing process to create fruit-only frozen dessert on a large scale. Her company Chimp Treats has since gained a large social media following for their promotions on healthy living through recipes, tips and more related to its innovative products.
“The best thing about Nicecream’s nutritional profile is that we don’t add or remove anything,” Hammer says. “It’s naturally 50 to 60 calories, fat free, and packed with nutrients from the fresh fruits we use.”
Nicecream will hit shelves across select Loblaws stores including the GTA, Ottawa, London, and Barrie this week. The next wave of locations will be in Québec in Loblaws’ Provigo Le Marché stores.
Hammer will be attending each Loblaws store to sample in order to speak directly with consumers.
“Shoppers are always excited about Nicecream’s ingredient list and sweet, refreshing taste,” Hammer says. “That’s why I love working our sampling events — I get to share our story and personally connect with shoppers over a super-healthy, delicious snack!”
Chimp Treats aims to continue adding new locations in waves until they reach all Loblaws stores across Canada in May 2019.
For more information, visit www.chimptreats.com.
Peterborough’s Angevaare Mazda awarded the 2018 Mazda Dealer of Distinction Award
Angevaare Mazda (1428 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough) has received the 2018 Mazda Dealer of Distinction Award.
The award is given to dealerships that have exceeded sales expectations and gone above and beyond to provide the best experience possible for their customers.
Mazda Canada’s annual Dealer of Distinction awards program has been in place since to measure the effectiveness of all areas of operation at every Mazda dealership. Data from all aspects of a dealer’s operations, including sales, service, administration, and facilities are evaluated.
Angevaare Mazda is Canada’s longest standing family-owned Mazda dealership. For more information, visit www.angevaaremazda.com.
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio launches its new brand in downtown Peterborough
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio launched its new brand, including new signage, at its location at 161 Sherbrooke Street in downtown Peterborough last Wednesday (August 29th).
Owner Shannon Gray launched her business, which specializes in professional body sugaring but also provided other beauty-related services, in 2011.
Last year, she outgrew her location on Charlotte Street and moved to the Sherbrooke Street location, which she has expanded her services.
For more information, visit sugarmeright.ca.
Top eight semi-finalists announced for N100 Evolution in Northumberland County
N100 Evolution, Northumberland County’s $250,000 open invitational biennial technology startup competition, announced its top eight semi-finalists last Thursday (August 30).
The semi-finalists are Able Innovations (advanced patient transfer), Argentum Electronics (smart power management for Power-Over-Ethernet), AudienceGPS (curator of precise programmatic audiences), Convictional Commerce (integration platform for suppliers), EmulGreen Labs (natural high performance emulsifiers), Opifex Solutions (product development within additive manufacturing), Sojourn Labs (small electric vehicles for cities), and U-Dimensions (3D-printed personalized collectibles).
The eight semi-finalists will attend “N100 Pitch School” at Venture13 in Cobourg on Wednesday, September 6th, where they will participate in an intensive pitch workshop and simulation with Northumberland CFDC and N100 Advisors, followed by networking, archery, axe throwing, and pizza at Headwaters Farm in Cobourg.
The N100 Pitch Contest takes place on Thursday, September 13th before a live audience. Four judges from the N100 Power Panel, chaired by Port Hope based Angel investor Paul Godin, will decide who makes it to the Board Room for full investment presentations to Northumberland CFDC’s Board of Directors, with the winner(s) to be announced this fall.
For more information, visit n100.ca.
Charlotte Products Ltd. donates labour and cleaning supplies for Habitat for Humanity
Peterborough-based Charlotte Products Ltd. recently donated employee time as well as cleaning supplies and expertise to help prepare Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region’s build at 450 and 452 Wolfe Street in Peterborough for their new owners.
Charlotte Products Ltd., which produces effective and environmentally responsible cleaning solutions, first partnered with Habitat in 2017, when 16 employees volunteered to help build a local home on Wellington Street as part of Habitat’s Corporate Build Day Program. The volunteers were responsible for framing and raising exterior walls during their build day.
“Why we do what we do at Charlotte Products Ltd guides us all in every aspect of our work,” says Jennifer Meek, Director of Marketing at Charlotte Products Ltd. “Whether we are in Charlotte manufacturing, sales, marketing, finance, customer support or
research and development, believing in why we do what we do guides us to ensure decisions we make are supported by our goal to create safe, healthy spaces for future generations.”
Charlotte Products Ltd has committed to cleaning all Habitat homes before their dedications.
“We appreciate the Charlotte Products team trading in hammers and nails for environmentally friendly cleaning supplies,” says Emily Ferguson, Manager of Philanthropy and Communications at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “They’ve taken their commitment to a whole new level in ensuring homes are safe and spotless come move-in time for families.”
Plans are currently underway to formally dedicate the Wolfe Street semi-detached (two home) project in September, marking the organization’s 33rd and 34th families served since Habitat was locally established in 2002.
For more information about Charlotte Products Ltd., visit www.charlotteproducts.com. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, visit habitatpeterborough.ca.
Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants joins national accounting organization
Peterborough-based Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants has joined Porter Hétu International, a Canadian-based organization of accounting firms.
Cody & James CPAs, which already provides full-service accounting for small to medium-sized businesses, will now also be able to provide assurance engagements (reviews and audits) through their new association with Porter Hétu International.
Owners and business partners Suzanne Cody and Gwyneth James say they and their 11 employees will continue to offer a full suite of accounting services (financial statements, corporate and personal tax returns, bookkeeping, and payroll) in their personable, approachable manner and in a language the clients can easily understand.
For more information about Cody & James CPAs, visit www.codyandjames.ca.
Matt Braithwaite hired as general manager at The Loomex Group
The Loomex Group has announced that Matt Braithwaite will be joining the organization’s executive team in a newly formed General Manager position.
Braithwaite was previously Economic Development Officer with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, where he specialized in clean technology and aerospace businesses.
“We are pleased to have Matt join our team,” says Trent Gervais, President and CEO of The Loomex Group. “His experience and leadership will be a great complement to the organization’s staff and culture.”
The Loomex Group specializes in aviation and emergency management training and consulting, and its clients across Canada include private enterprises and the public sector, such as municipalities, hospitals, and airports (including the Peterborough Airport).
“Joining Loomex was a natural progression from my projects supporting the Peterborough Airport,” Braithwaite says. “Loomex has experts that have carved out a niche in a growing market and you can sense we are on the verge of exponential growth. I am thrilled to be a contributor to the success of the company moving forward.”
Peterborough area restaurants raise $16,000 for United Way Peterborough & District
During the sixth annual “Paint The Town Red” fundraiser on July 18th, 32 Peterborough area restaurants raised a total of just over $16,000 for United Way Peterborough & District.
During the event, the restaurants donated 25 per cent of their daily sales, bringing the grand total to over $75,000 raised since the event was launched in 2013.
“Our restaurants and food are second to none in the province,” says Megan Murphy, the United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018 campaign chair. “Once again we thank the entrepreneurial spirit of our restauranteurs and their commitment to building local economy while at the same time giving back to community.”
The funds raised from Paint The Town Red will be reinvested in the local community through partner agencies, innovation projects, and neighbourhood grants.
The 32 participating restaurants in 2018 were Amandala’s, Amuse Coffee Co., Ashburnham Ale House, BE Catering, Black Honey Dessert and Coffeehouse, Brio Gusto, Chick-a-biddy Acres (Wednesday Market), Cora Breakfast & Lunch, Dodrio Bubble Tea and Anime Cafe, Fresh Dreams, Freshii, Gerti’s, Hobart’s Steakhouse, Hunter County Cuisine, Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine, Jeff Purvey’s (Rubidge St.), Kawartha Dairy (scooped ice cream only), La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, La Mesita, Oasis Mediterranean Grill, Pita Pit (George St.), Providence, Rare Grill House, Riley’s, Sam’s Place – “The Best Dan Deli In Town”, Silver Bean Cafe, St. Veronus, Sunset Grill, The Night Kitchen, Tiny Greens, Tre Ristorante, and Turnbull Cafe.
The Nutty Chocolatier’s location in downtown Peterborough is closing in September
The Nutty Chocolatier is closing its location at 345 George Street North in downtown Peterborough at the end of September.
Originally founded by Ken Koury in Port Perry in 1988 as Nuts About Chocolate, The Nutty Chocolatier specializes in Belgian chocolate, truffles, fudge, and more. Over the years, the company expanded with corporate stores in Peterborough, Guelph, and Toronto (Beaches), as well as two franchise locations in Huntsville and North Bay.
The North Bay franchise has since closed, and the store in Guelph closed at the end of August.
The Peterborough location was well known for participating in the annual Easter egg hunt in downtown Peterborough.
Nine employees at the Peterborough location will lose their jobs as a result of the closure.
The store will be hosting a sale this month when all products will be discounted by 50 per cent.
Former Peterborough Sears Canada store has been sold to Lansdowne Place
The former Sears Canada store at Lansdowne Place Mall in Peterborough has been conditionally sold to Lansdowne Place.
Lansdowne Place is owned by the real estate group of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), which acquires and holds various properties including malls across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
The announcement of the sale was made by FTI Consulting, the company managing the liquidation of assets for Sears Canada, which went bankrupt and closed its retail stores in January 2018.
The Peterborough store first opened in August 1954 as Simpson-Sears. When Lansdowne Place Mall was built, the store became the anchor tenant.
The closing date for the deal is September 21st. No information is currently available on what will happen to the two-storey building.
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).
Next FastStart Peterborough E-Connect features Susan Sharp of Brant Basics and Dr. Kristy Hiltz of Sherbrooke Animal Hospital on September 11
The next FastStart Peterborough E-Connect event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11th at Brant Basics (296 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event features presentations from Susan Sharp, partner of Brant Basics, and Dr. Kristy Hiltz, founder of Sherbrooke Animal Hospital. Free appetizers and drinks will be available.
E-Connect is free, but you need to register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-semester-kick-off-tickets-49178160201.
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.
