This week’s round-up of business news features the upcoming Small Business Week, the Peterborough Axe Club expanding to Lindsay, the inaugural Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Awards, and an special distinction for a local mortgage specialist.
Upcoming regional business events include various award ceremonies, workshops, seminars, and more taking place during Small Business Week, including the 2018 Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre and the Kawartha Lakes 2018 Innovation Day and Innovation Awards in Lindsay on October 19th.
Get ready for Small Business Week
Small Business Week takes place this year from October 14th to 20th.
The annual nationwide event for Canadian small business owners was first launched by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in British Columbia in 1979. The initiative was quickly adopted by Canada’s business community.
The theme of BDC Small Business Week™ this year is “Digitize now: Transform your business,” which invites Canadian entrepreneurs to learn about the benefits of new technologies and to take rapid action to measure digital performance for commercial success.
Small Business Week events are taking place this year across the Kawarthas, in particular in the City of Kawartha Lakes, where the week culminates with the annual Innovation Awards on Friday, October 19th.
here’s still time to submit a nomination for this year’s awards, as the deadline has been extended until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10th. You can submit your nomination at the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation offices in Kent Place Mail in Lindsay or online at www.smallbizweek.net.
We’ve included many of the upcoming Small Business Week events in this week’s businessNOW, and will add more next week.
Peterborough Axe Club expanding to Lindsay
Get ready Lindsay ON the Axe Club family is growing! The Lindsay Axe Club is coming to town this November. Book your parties, come in for walk-ins and get ready for January leagues…all in your own backyard! Visit www.lindsayaxe.com and stay tuned for more!
#lindsayaxe #lindsayaxeclub #axethowing #natf #ptboaxe #ptboaxeclubPosted by Peterborough Axe Club on Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Peterborough Axe Club has announced it’s expanding to Lindsay in November.
The Lindsay Axe Club will be located at 50 Mary Street (just down the street from the Crayola factory) and will be similar to the Peterborough Axe Club, with walk-ins, group bookings, and league play.
The official launch party and open hous — featuring free axe throwing, music, food, and more — will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Monday, November 5th.
For more information and updates, visit www.lindsayaxe.com
Inaugural Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Awards to be presented on October 27
Dozens of local women will be celebrated at the inaugural Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Awards Gala on Saturday, October 27th at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough.
The awards were first announced by Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef during the Rural Women’s Summit held in Buckhorn this past March.
A call for nominations resulted in women being nominated for volunteering, public service, professional achievements, advocacy, or being an outstanding friend or family member.
The list of nominees will be kept confidential until the night of the event, when the awards will be announced.
The celebration, which takes place during National Women’s History Month, will feature live music by Missy Knott along with the Red Path Singers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the awards presentation beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Admission to the event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend and to bring a young person with them.
Local RBC mortgage specialist earns special distinction
Shaun Brown, a mortgage specialist with RBC in Lindsay and Peterborough for more than 10 years, received a special distinction at this year’s annual RBC convention.
As a top producer, Brown has attended the annual convention for each of the past four years. However, this year, he also earned the opportunity to attend the prestigious Chairman’s Roundtable.
This distinction recognizes the top one per cent of specialists — those who achieve the highest standards of service and advice.
For more information about Shaun, visit mortgage.rbc.com/shaun.brown.
FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect features Kelli and Tony Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials on October 9
FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect — a monthly forum connecting Peterborough’s entrepreneurs and start-ups with our region’s most accomplished advisors, experts and investors — takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
This month’s E-Connect features speakers Tony Grady and Kelli Grady, co-owners of Grady’s Feet Essentials.
Free appetizers will be served and drinks are available.
The event is free, but registration is recommended at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-fall-into-entrepreneurship-20-tickets-49179000715.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts New Venture Session in Peterborough on October 10
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting New Venture Session from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
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”.
The session is free, but advance registration is preferred at www.eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-session-tickets-50612760128
Small Business Week Mental Health and Business Seminar in Fenelon Falls on October 15
The Bancroft, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, Haliburton Highlands, and Lindsay Chambers of Commerce are hosting a Mental Health and Business seminar for Small Business Week, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fenelon Falls Curling Club (41 Bond St. W., Fenelon Falls).
Sponsored by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and WSIB, a panel of experts will discuss mental health in the workplace, including the impact on business, current trends, and tools for business owners.
This seminar is free for members of the chambers and $10 for non-members. To register, visit events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07efpjw358f8dc33bf&llr=lu6q9flab.
Northumberland CFDC hosts a financial literacy breakfast session in Cobourg on October 16
In partnership with Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) as part of Small Business Week, the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation is hosting a breakfast session on financial literacy from 8 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 16th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St. Cobourg).
John O’Keefe, CPA, will present “Understanding Financial Statements”, an introductory session covering the terms and concepts of financial statements.
Breakfast will be included at this free session. Parking is available at the rear of building, with the entrance at the front (facing D’Arcy Street, across from the Cobourg Community Centre).
Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-financial-statements-financial-literacy-session-tickets-50660537030.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts e-commerce seminar in Lindsay on October 16
As part of Small Business Week, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting an e-commerce seminar from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Octboer 16th in the Community Room at Lindsay Recreation Complex (133 Adelaide St. S., Lindsay).
“Plan for Success: Top Tips for Starting Up An Online Store” will explore the important considerations when planning for your online store’s success.
The seminar is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/top-tips-for-starting-up-an-online-store-tickets-50616724987.
Rural Business Summit 2018 in Fraserville on October 16 and in Burleigh Falls on October 17
As part of Small Business Week, Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development are hosting a Rural Business Summit in two locations this October.
The Rural Business Summit is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and movers and shakers who have big aspirations for their small communities in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
The Rural Business Summit in Fraseville takes place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16th at Baxter Creek Golf Club (1702 Cedar Valley Rd, Fraserville), and in Burleigh Falls from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at the Burleigh Falls Inn (4791 Ontario 28, Lakefield).
On October 16th in Fraserville, the morning keynote speaker will be Danielle Rocheleau of Laridae Consulting with a presentation on “Building Opportunities in Rural Communities”. On October 17th in Burleigh Falls, the morning keynote speaker will be Erin Bury (named Marketing Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30) with a presentation on “The Blank Slate Effect: How to Use an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Win in Business”. (Note: due to unforeseen circumstances, Gregg McLachlan is no longer the morning keynote speaker at either summit).
Both summits will include an afternoon panel discussion on Succession Planning with local experts Darryl Wade from Farm Life Financial, Matthew Savino from Savino HR Professionals, and Nicole Truman of Fox Law, as well as an opportunity for round table discussion with other rural business leaders from Peterborough & the Kawarthas, to explore challenges being faced by rural businesses, followed by a discussion of opportunities and objectives moving forward.
Both events are free and include lunch, but seating is limited. Register in advance at ruralbizsummit-fraserville.eventbrite.ca or ruralbizsummit-burleigh.eventbrite.ca.
Small Business Week Employee Retention and Engagement seminar in Haliburton on October 16
As part of Small Business Week, the Haliburton County Development Corporation and Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce are hosting a seminar called “Getting the Most Out of Your Employees” from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16th at Haliburton County Development Corporation (235 Highland St., Haliburton).
Presented by management coach and consultant Greg Ostryhon, the seminar will provide participants with some innovative ideas to help owners and managers to increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and increase profits for your business. Participants will leave with high-level tools and strategies they can apply to their businesses to allow for happier, more productive employees and a more smoothly run enterprise.
Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efpgssjb857caadc.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts Small Business Week Breakfast in Lindsay on October 17
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Small Business Week Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at Mackey’s Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The guest speaker will be Dr. Brett Goodwin, Dean/Principal at the School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences at Fleming College, who will speak on the topic “Connecting Frost Campus with Your Business Community’. Dr. Goodwin will provide information about the Frost campus, their students, programs, and the connection between the college and the local business community.
The breakfast costs $25 per person. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07efqc9eapecf5da1a&llr=kd7xv5vab.
Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network featuring John Kiru in Peterborough on October 17th
This month’s Breakfast Network hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) takes place at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
John Kiru, Executive Director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), is the guest speaker.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone, and tickets are $5 at the door.
VCCS Employment Services hosts an employment law seminar in Lindsay on October 17
As part of Small Business Week, VCCS Employment Services is hosting an employment law seminar from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at their offices at 370 Kent St. W. in Lindsay.
Following networking and refreshments, Mark Marson (Barrister & Solicitor with Hicks Morley) will speak on several topics including what employers need to know about Bill 148, liability insurance versus WSIB, navigating Ministry of Labour complaints and lawsuits, cannabis/vaping in the workplace, and termination with cause and without cause.
The seminar costs $25 per person. To register, call 705-328-0180 or email dawn@vccs.work.
Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce host social media photography session in Coboconk on October 17
As part of Small Business Week, Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Make More Money: Increase your sales by taking better photos for social media” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at the Coboconk Train Station.
In this two-hour session, you will learn how to take and select the best photos for the greatest impact. No experience necessary to attend. Bring your phone, existing pictures, and enthusiasm.
For more information and to register, call 705-454-1110 or email jwilson@coboconknorland.ca.
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 17
The 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards takes place on Wednesday, October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough), with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
Awards will be presented for Business Citizen of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Skilled Trades, Tourism, Retail, Professional Services, Customer First, Local Focus, Innovation / Research & Development, Commercial Development or Renovation, Marketing & Promotion, Environmental Practices, Health & Wellness, Not-for-Profit, Employer of the Year, Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, Micro Business – Less than 5 employees, and Hospitality. Business Student Leadership Prizes and 4-under-40 Profiles will also be recognized.
Tickets are $40+HST and include one complimentary beverage and light hors d’oeuvres.
For tickets and a list of the finalists, visit www.excellencepeterborough.ca.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts seminar on cyber-security and small business in Lindsay on October 18
As part of Small Business Week, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a seminar on cyber-security and small business from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, October 18 in the lower level meeting room at Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics.ca, the seminar will explore best practices for keeping a small business safe, secure, and backed up. You will learn more about cyber-security risks, how to cost-effectively protect your business, and when it’s time to involve a a cyber-security professional.
The seminar is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/cyber-security-and-small-business-what-you-need-to-know–tickets-50780934141
Small Business Week financial success seminar in Haliburton on October 18
As part of Small Business Week, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar called “Roadmap to Financial Success” from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th at the Chamber’s offices (195 Highland St., Haliburton).
Presented by Kyle Brewer of K. Brewer Financial, the workshop will provide participants with a review of the business cycles and an assessment of where they are at in the realm of the financial wellness. Participants will be given the opportunity to create their own customized roadmap to financial success that can be applied to their business operations.
Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efpgtvbmd75c679e.
Five speakers at multimedia channel workshop in Peterborough on October 18
Sofie Andreou & Associates is hosting “Peterborough’s Multimedia Channel Workshop” from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th in the boardroom at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The workshop — which covers radio, television, newspaper, and digital — features five speakers: Janet Di Bello, Broadcast and Digital Account Executive; Jeffery Jones, Peterborough Examiner Account Manager; Jeannine Taylor, Founder and Publisher of kawarthaNOW.com; Brenda O’Brien, General Sales Manager, Global News; and host Sofie Andreou.
The workshop costs $59+HST. Register at www.sofieandreou.com/fall2018workshops.
Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce hosts Small Business Week Social in Bobcaygeon on October 18
The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Small Business Week Social from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th at Kawartha Coffee Company (58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon).
The Chamber event will feature local business owners as guest speakers, light refreshments, and an opportunity to renew your Chamber membership for 2019.
The event is free for 2019 Chamber members and $25 for non-members.
To register, call 705-731-1107 or email kawarthamediums@gmail.com.
Kawartha Lakes 2018 Innovation Day and Innovation Awards in Lindsay on October 19
Culminating Small Business Week in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation and Kawartha Lakes Business and Community Development Corporation are hosting the 2018 Innovation Day and Innovation Awards from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, October 19th at Lindsay Golf and Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The event begins with a presentation by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) on this year’s Small Business Week theme of “Digitize Now – Transform Your Business”. After a luncheon in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Lindsay, the annual Small Business Innovation Awards will be presented, followed by a keynote address by MPP and Ontario Minister of Labour Laurie Scott.
The cost is $20 per person. Register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/innovation-day-tickets-50742460064.
Small Business Week website accessibility seminar in Haliburton on October 19
As part of Small Business Week, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a website accessibility seminar from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 19 at the Chamber’s offices (195 Highland St., Haliburton).
Presented by Loran Upton of Scotiabank, the workshop will provide participants with a holistic review of web accessibility issues, increase awareness of the need to be accessible online, and provide some assessment tests for participants to check their own websites.
Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efpgv0yx2e479849.
Application deadline for Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students is October 19
The application deadline for the the fourth annual Pitch It! competition for aspiring entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College students is midnight on Friday, October 19th.
Up to five finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas before a panel of industry judges at Trent University’s Symons campus in a Dragons’ Den style competition. Participating students can win $500, meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, and receive help to bring their innovative idea to market.
For more information and to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/2017/09/pitch-it-2018/.
The top 10 finalists will be announced on November 8th, and the final pitch competition (which is open to the public) takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th. The event will showcase three contestants from the following business categories pitching an idea: Clean & Agriculture Technology, Trades and Retail Business and Information Technology / Media & Gaming. FastStart has also added a new category allowing high school students to compete for a prize.
Kawartha Chamber Awards of Excellence and Social Gala in Lakefield on November 8
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its 2018 Awards of Excellence and Social Gala at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8th at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield).
Unlike previous years, the format for this year’s presentation will be a social gala format, with a reception taking place at Upper Hadden Hall followed by the awards presentatins in the Bryan Jones Theatre.
There will be both silent and live auction items, light hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music from Rhythm & Grace, and time for socialization and networking before the awards.
Tickets are $40 per person, which includes hor d’oeuvres and one drink ticket.
Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/awards-of-excellence-social-gala-7165.
Application deadline for Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition is November 16
Entrepreneurs have until Friday, November 16th to put together a video application and submit it to the 2019 Win This Space competition, an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs.
The top 10 finalists will take several workshops to fine-tune their business plans before a winner is chosen on March 5th by a panel of judges.
The winner will then have their choice of available participating downtown locations free for one year. To cover rent payments, several sponsors are adopting a month and contributing $2,000 toward each month’s lease.
Visit winthisspace.com for the rules and regulations and application instructions.
