This week’s round of regional business news includes the approaching deadline for the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Million Dollar Makeover program, $1.1 million in new FedDev Ontario funding for start-ups in Eastern Ontario, a Great Place to Work certification for Peterborough-based Inclusive Advisory, two grand openings in Peterborough (vegan restaurant Nateure’s Plate and beauty salon Juniper), the closing of Evans Contemporary in downtown Peterborough, and a celebration of life planned for the late Brian Harrington of Clearview Cottage Resort in Young’s Point.
New regional business events added this week include an Instagram workshop hosted by Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland in Cobourg on January 8th, the Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network with Deputy Fire Chief Chad Brown on January 16th, the Port Hope Chamber’s annual Mayor’s Breakfast on January 17th, a fireside chat on sustainability hosted by Northumberland CFDC at Venture13 in Cobourg on January 24th, and the Innovation Cluster’s power breakfast meeting on digital technology in Peterborough on January 25th.
City of Kawartha Lakes business and property owners have until January 17th to apply for Million Dollar Makeover program
The deadline for applications to the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Million Dollar Makeover is fast approaching.
More than a million dollars in grants and loans are available, but you must apply by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 17th.
The Million Dollar Makeover is a funding program to support property and business owners who want to improve the visual and functional aspects of their commercial, mixed-use commercial/residential, or heritage-designated residential buildings.
Low-interest loans are available over a five-year term, and matching fund grants — covering up to 50 per cent of eligible costs — are available to properties within the areas that completed a Downtown Revitalization project, including Lindsay, Omemee, Coboconk, Norland, and Fenelon Falls.
For more information and to apply, visit kawarthalakes.ca/makeover.
FedDev Ontario announces $1.1 million in new funding for innovative start-ups in Eastern Ontario
On December 18th, Kim Rudd, Member of Parliament for Northumberland–Peterborough South, announced an additional FedDev Ontario investment of $1.1 million for the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) to expand its “Northumberland One Million (N1M) program.
MP Rudd made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, during a visit to Northumberland CFDC headquarters at Venture13, Eastern Ontario’s newest centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.
With an emphasis in Northumberland and supporting a wide range of start-ups across eastern and southern Ontario, N1M provides high-potential idea and validation stage start-ups with seed funding, training and mentoring to help accelerate the growth of their businesses.
The announcement builds on a previous FedDev Ontario contribution of $1.1 million to launch N1M. To date, the program has supported over 30 start-ups and helped to create over 70 new full-time jobs. This new funding will support another 25 innovative start-ups, expected to create an additional 17 jobs.
Each N1M recipient receives up to $30,000 in seed financing, matched by the business, and up to $10,000 in training, mentoring and business services.
Applications must be received by no later than Friday, January 11, 2019, for project completion by no later than March 31, 2019. For more information and to apply, visit financingandstrategy.com/n1m/.
Peterborough-based Inclusive Advisory is Great Place to Work-Certified
Inclusive Advisory — a law, accounting, and wealth management firm based in Peterborough with locations in Port Perry and Oshawa — has been certified by Great Place to Work.
According to its website, “Great Place to Work® is the global authority on building, sustaining, and recognizing high-trust, high-performing workplace cultures. We have crafted our perspective by learning from great leaders, surveying millions of employees, and examining thousands of the best workplaces around the globe.”
Some of the perks and programs available at Inclusive Advisory include: support for continuing education (reimbursing staff up to $15,000 for academic upgrading), tax season parties (including Jays’ Games, dinner and drinks), professional development workshops (including quarterly staff retreats that cover topics such as career development, personal finance, retirement planning, and education), staff birthday celebrations, and a social enterprise contest (with cash awards for the best ideas).
“A great workplace is underpinned by the theory of human motivation,” says Michael Konopaski, Managing Director of Inclusive Advisory. “Finding meaning in one’s work creates more inspired employees. Employees need opportunities to be themselves whenever possible. Most owners/managers have learned these principles, but very few actually implement them.”
For more information about Inclusive Advisory, visit inclusiveadvisory.ca.
Grand opening of vegan restaurant Nateure’s Plate in downtown Peterborough
Plant-based eatery and bar Nateure’s Plate (182 Charlotte St., in the former location of Brio Gusto) is hosting its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8th.
Owned and operated by siblings Danielle and Nate White, the restaurant has been serving its “vegan comfort food” since December.
The menu includes dishes such as burgers, BLT and Reuben sandwiches, a meatball sub, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, fish and chips, tacos, and more — all made completely from
For more information, visit www.nateuresplate.com,
Grand opening of Juniper beauty salon in Peterborough’s East City
Juniper, a new beauty salon located at 107 Hunter Street East in Peterborough’s East City, is hosting a grand opening celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 25th.
Owned and operated by Nicole Turco and Nicole York, who promise to bring “a fresh perspective to the beauty scene”, Juniper offers lash extensions, manicures and pedicures, facial waxing, blowouts, and make-up.
For more information, visit www.juniperptbo.com.
Evans Contemporary has closed in downtown Peterborough
Evans Contemporary, an art gallery and event space in downtown Peterborough, has closed after six years of operation.
In late December, Paolo Fortin announced that Evans Contemporary and sister galleries Star X and Coeur Nouveau would close their doors effective January 1, 2019 and move out of the Commerce Building — home to many artist-run studios.
Fortin opened Evans Contemporary in its current location in 2012, after operating the gallery for three years out of his home on Pearl Avenue.
“The success of the gallery, which includes an overwhelming response to its exhibitions, openings, art crawls, and performances have shown the value, and importance of such an institute,” Fortin wrote on the Evans Contemporary website when announcing the closure.
“With this growth, and the enthusiastic interest in the Evans Contemporary group of galleries, it has become increasingly difficult to continue to provide the level of programming, and presentation that is required without continuous support, and is not sustainable in its current configuration.”
Celebration of life planned for the late Brian Harrington of Clearview Cottage Resort
Brian Harrington of Clearview Cottage Resort in Young’s Point passed away on December 2nd at Peterborough Regional Health Centre at the age of 62, after a six-week battle with pancreatic cancer.
Harrington was the patriarch of the family-run resort, which has been in operation for over 50 years. He also served on the board of directors of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for four years, and represented the Chamber on the RTO8 Board for three years.
A celebration of his life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 13th at Buckhorn Community Centre (1782 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn). Attendees are asked to dress casually in Clearview or cottage gear.
Peterborough Chamber hosts breakfast meeting featuring Heather Doughty on January 8 in Peterborough
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Heather Doughty of Inspire: The Women’s Portrait Project, will speak on the topic “A New Year of Inspiration”.
Networking takes place at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30 a.m. (where you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the speaker at 8 a.m.
Admission is free; just pay for what you order.
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland hosts Instagram Workshop in Cobourg on January 8
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland is hosting a workshop on using Instagram for business from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8 in the boardroom at the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (600 William St., Cobourg).
Leisse Wilcox will provide a hands-on Instagram “how-to” interactive session on how to take your business Instagram to the next level, communicate your business brand effectively, and increase your followers and sales.
The cost is $10 for members of local Chambers, or $15 for non-members. Register at forms.northumberlandcounty.ca/BECN/Instagram-Workshop-January-8-2019
Peterborough Chamber hosts PBX at Shorelines Casino Peterborough on January 8
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next PBX (Peterborough Business Exchange) takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8th at Shorelines Casino Peterborough (1400 Crawford Dr., Peterborough).
This is a free networking event.
FastStart Peterborough hosts E-Connect with Mike Judson and Mike Doherty on January 8
FastStart Peterborough’s next E-Connect seminar takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8th at The Twisted Wheel (377 Water St., Peterborough).
“Ringing in the New Year 2.0” features speakers Mike Judson of The Twisted Wheel and Mike Doherty of Dohjo Muay Thai & Fitness.
There will be appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
The event is free, but registration is encouraged at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-ringing-in-the-new-year-20-tickets-53054138356.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough member meeting on January 9
The next Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Peterborough member meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9th at Holiday Inn – Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
Registered psychotherapist Colleen Carruthers will speak on the topic “Becoming More Resilient through Self-Compassion”.
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the speaker at 7:30 p.m.
The cost is free for WBN members, and $50 for guests. To register as a guest, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/program/.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts New Venture Session in Peterborough on January 10
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre is hosting a New Venture Session from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 10th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, working with the Business Advisory Centre and building a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist.
The session is free. To register, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-session-tickets-53060128272
Community Futures Peterborough hosts Ignite 100 launch party on January 10
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting a launch party for Ignite 100 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 10th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ignite 100 is Community Futures Peterborough’s new annual open invitational competition for business expansion within the City and County of Peterborough. Applications will be available on January 10, 2019, with the application deadline March 15, 2019.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Rafik Loutfy, Director of the Centre for Engineering, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Ryerson University. Dr. Loutfy is the owner of 47 patents, with nine in commercial use.
Food and beverages will be provided, along with a cash bar.
The event is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/ignite-100-brought-to-you-by-community-futures-peterborough-tickets-53029918915.
For more information about Ignite 100, visit ignite100.ca.
Haliburton Chamber hosts “Meet the Fire Chiefs!” in Minden on January 15
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Meet the Fire Chiefs!” from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 15th at the Minden Fire Hall (12418 Highway 35, Minden).
The breakfast and networking event will provide the opportunity to see the new fire hall in Minden and network with all of the fire chiefs in the county, as well as to learn about fire safety and why it matters for your business.
The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lu6q9flab&oeidk=a07efxawpbe23f86ffa.
Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network features Deputy Fire Chief Chad Brown on January 16
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)’s next Breakfast network meeting takes place at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Chad Brown, Deputy Fire Chief of Peterborough Fire Services, is the guest speaker.
Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door. The Breakfast Network is open to everyone.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on January 16
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre is hosting “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The session is designed to give you a strong foundation in business planning, and the importance of a comprehensive business plan. The Business Advisory Centre will also share tools available for creating a business plan and top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.
The session is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-business-planning-tickets-53060316836.
Peterborough Chamber hosts “Lunch Box Learning: 3 Ways Risk Affects your Business” in Peterborough on January 16
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch Box Learning: 3 Ways Risk Affects your Business” from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16th in the boardroom at the Chamber offices (175 George Street North, Peterborough).
Kelland Sewell of rPM3 Solutions Canada Inc. will share three ways risk affects your business and how you can harness this information to improve business performance through Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).
Bring your lunch along with you, and have the opportunity to listen to the short presentation followed by a Q&A.
The event is free to attend for members of the Chamber or members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough.
Port Hope Chamber hosts annual Mayor’s Breakfast on January 17
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Mayor’s breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 17th at Railside Restaurant (112 Peter St., Port Hope).
Mayor Bob Sanderson will be providing an update on the plans for Port Hope for 2019.
The cost of $20 per person includes a served breakfast.
To register, call 905-885-5519 or email admin@porthopechamber.com.
Otonabee Conservation hosts annual meeting in Peterborough on January 17
The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (Otonabee Conservation) is hosting its 60th annual meeting at 4 p.m. in the boardroom of the Otonabee Conservation offices (250 Milroy Dr., Peterborough).
The meeting will feature the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for 2019, appointments to Conservation Ontario Council and Authority Committees, as well as the presentation of the 2019 Operating and Capital Budget.
Members of the watershed community are welcome to attend.
The board will also be holding a special 60th anniversary celebratory event in the spring, at which time it will present the annual awards and service recognition.
For further information about the annual meeting, call Otonabee Conservation at 705-745-5791.
Nomination deadline for Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on January 23
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from its membership for four full-terms (two years) on its Board of Directors until Wednesday, January 23rd.
Nominees must be a member in good standing, nominated by a member in good standing, and be an authorized representative of a business operating within the Town of Cobourg, the Township of Hamilton or Alnwick/Haldimand.
Directors will be elected or appointed by the membership at the Chamber’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, January 29th.
For nomination forms, visit nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-nominations-to-the-board-1367.
Northumberland CFDC hosts fireside chat on sustainability at Venture13 in Cobourg on January 24
The Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is hosting a fireside chat on the importance of sustainability in business and community from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 24th in the Innovation Commons Lecture Hall at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Northam Industrial Park, Cobourg).
The event will include a moderated panel discussion featuring representatives from Sustainable Cobourg, Headwaters Farm, Local Food for Local Good, and more, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
There is no cost to attend, but you must register at www.eventbrite.com/e/fireside-on-the-importance-of-sustainability-within-community-and-business-environments-tickets-53389184488.
Innovation Cluster hosts power breakfast meeting on digital technology in Peterborough on January 25
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas is hosting “Power Breakfast: Digital Technology, An Innovative Future” from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 25th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough – Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
Over a hot breakfast you will hear from organizations that support entrepreneurs, such as the Business Development Bank of Canada, Intellectual Property Law firm Bereskin & Parr, as well as Innovation Cluster client Sanu Somaweera of Kavtek Software Corp.
The event is free, but you must register at www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-clusters-power-breakfast-digital-technology-an-innovative-future-tickets-53059731084.
Nomination deadline for Haliburton Chamber’s Business & Community Achievement Awards on February 14
Nominations are being accepted for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s 13th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards until Thursday, February 14th.
There are awards in 11 categories: Business Achievement, New Business, Customer First Business, Customer First Employee, Tourism & Hospitality, Innovation & Creativity, Skilled Trades & Industry, Young Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Not-For-Profit of the Year, and Highlander of the Year.
Nomination forms are available at www.haliburtonchamber.com.
