This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the three finalists for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition, the winners for the Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope Chambers’ business excellence awards, the Green Party’s Nature Care Earth Day Awards recognizing local eco-friendly businesses (and more), the winners of the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, and Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. moving one step closer to opening.
Also featured this week are the Peterborough DBIA’s “Digital Main Street” program, Peterborough Currents being nominated for Best Podcast at 2019 Digital Publishing Awards, Peterborough tech startup Wakhal launching its Community4E digital community-building platform, the Peterborough DBIA seeking sponsors for downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer, and Trent University and Noblegen receiving $797,104 in federal funding to advance clean-water technology in the mining industry.
New regional events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s PBX at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough on May 7th, the next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14th, FastStart Peterborough’s “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14th, the Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15th, Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism’s annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18th, and the Peterborough DBIA’s 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26th.
Three finalists chosen for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition
The three finalists for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 competition were chosen before a live audience last Thursday (May 2) during the semi-finalist pitch event at the Fleming College Trade & Technology Building in Peterborough.
The finalists are Goodwin Metal Products Limited, Cottage Toys, and Cambium Consulting & Engineering.
A total of eight semi-finalists (Iron Equipment Ltd., Cottage Toys, Cambium Consulting & Engineering, Percheron Plastic Inc., At the Lake Distributing, Treewell Limited, Goodwin Metal Products Limited, and Keene Trucks) had five minutes to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges (Jonathan Bennett of Laridae, Jeff Taylor of Baker Tily, Stuart Harrison of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Raymond Yip Choy of Fleming College, and Sally Harding of Nightingale). Each presentation was followed by a five to 10 minute question-and-answer session).
In addition to the three finalists, a People’s Choice Award — determined by audience votes — was presented to Treewell Limited.
ignite100 is an innovation challenge where existing business in the Peterborough region compete for significant funding opportunities that support business expansion and growth. The competition’s grand prize is a repayable loan of $100,000, with no payments in the first year and no interest for the first three years (Community Futures Peterborough will pay the interest for the first 36 months).
The three finalists will make a private and formal presentation on their projects to the Board of Directors at Community Futures Peterborough on Tuesday, June 18th, and the winner will be announced at the organization’s annual general meeting and community barbeque on Wednesday, June 26th.
Winners announced for the Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope Chambers’ business excellence awards
On Saturday, April 27th, three Chambers of Commerce in the Kawarthas (Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope) each held their own annual business excellence awards and announced winners in various categories.
The winners for each chamber’s awards are listed below.
Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce
- Employee Achievement Award: Maureen Lytle, Kawartha Settlers Village
- Business Achievement: Douglas and Son
- New Business Achievement: Kawartha Mediums / Zen Den
- Not For Profit Achievement: Bobcaygeon Curling Club
- Tourism Achievement: Kawartha Settlers’ Village
- Creative Arts Achievement: Shawna Love Leigh, Studio 358
- Citizen of the Year Award: Shaukat Mohamad
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce
- Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Rustic Mama Retreats Inc.
- Excellence In Business (Retail): The Bakery Warkworth
- Excellence In Business (Business): Kenetic Energy Ltd.
- Pride And Progress: Trent Valley Lanes
- Customer Experience Award (Service): Campbellford Paddle and Barefoot Paddle
- Customer Experience Award (Retail): Dizzy Goose Toys Games and Curiosities
- Community Impact Award: Dooher’s Bakery Ltd.
- Non-Profit Organization: Trent Hills Therapy Dogs
- Inclusive Community Employer Award: MacLaren IDA Pharmacy
- Business of The Year: Centre & Main Chocolate Co.
- Chair’s Award: Michael Metcalf
Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
- Young Professional: John O’Keefe
- Next Big Thing / Innovation: Olympus Burger
- Small Business: R. Brooking Tree Service
- Customer First: Wellington Suites
- Manufacturing & Skilled Trades: Arcadis Canada Inc.
- Hospitality & Tourism: Haute Goat
- Not for Profit / Service Club: Capitol Theatre
- People’s Choice: Primitive Designs
- President’s Award: Elliott Insurance
Winners announced for 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition
Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical and Cheryl Gould of Electric Juice Factory were the winners of the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition.
The two entrepreneurs, who each take home a cash prize of $8,350, came out on top after six finalist pitched their businesses to a panel of judges before a live audience last Tuesday night (April 30) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Trepanier won in the Innovation category for his business Alexander Optical, which organizes pop-up clinics with eye care professionals on site to perform comprehensive eye exams, to find eye wear solutions, and to provide an option for people to finance their eye care.
Gould won in the Goods and Services category for Electric Juice Factory, the business she founded with Will Harvey. Based in Port Hope with a retail location in downtown Peterborough, Electric Juice Factory manufactures organic, raw, cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies.
The four runners-up — Husayn Dharshi of Transit One and Jeremy Brooks of AVROD in the Innovation category, and Jen Wight of Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets and Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger of PedalBoro in the Goods and Services category — each received a cash prize of $1,000.
Jen Wight of Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets also won the People’s Choice Award, as well as a free 2019/20 membership to the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough.
Green Party’s Nature Care Earth Day Awards recognizes local eco-friendly businesses
The Green Party honoured several eco-friendly businesses at its second annual Nature Care Earth Day Awards at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre last Wednesday night (May 1).
Generation Solar was given in the Clean Economy award. The Peterborough business provides turn-key renewable energy systems for a variety of commercial, residential, and institutional applications, primarily in solar-electric and solar water heating technologies. The company was recognized for enabling the generation of millions of kilowatt hours of clean green solar energy and for helping hundreds of people and businesses reduce their carbon emissions.
Peterborough Certified Home Inspection, operated by Curtis Elliot, was recognized with an award for helping home-owners make their houses more energy efficient, and Pinchin Ltd was recognized with an award for its technical expertise in the renovation and construction of buildings to meet energy efficiency and environmental health standards.
Three local restaurants were recognized for minimizing their use of plastic or Styrofoam and focusing on using local or organic produce: La Hacienda, Dreams of Beans, and By the Bridge. By the Bridge’s co-operation with a local farmer who feeds their compost to her chickens was highlighted.
McLean’s Berry Farm was recognized for using and developing best practices for sustainable food production.
Along with these businesses, other awards recognized:
- Brianna Salmon for her leadership at Peterborough GreenUP
- Cathy Dueck, Glen Caradus, and Craig Brant for their nature awareness work through programs such as Pathways to Stewardship and Kinship, Adventures in Understanding, and the Forest Kindergarten
- Dylan Radcliffe for his naturalist website and social media accounts Steward’s Notes
- Transition Town’s Greenzine and Random Acts of Green for getting more people involved in actions that reduce and prevent waste, increase water and energy efficiency, alter transportation patterns, minimize the use of natural resources, or reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- Jazlyn Burrell for writing a Species at Risk Report for Old Growth Forests in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for Ancient Forest Exploration and Outreach
- The staff and volunteers of Kawartha Land Trust for are caring for 4,101 acres of important diverse types of land
- Tia Bankosky for volunteering with Sustainable Trent and the Trent Green Party Club as well as three other organizations.
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is one step closer to opening
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co., Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery, is one step closer to opening.
On Tuesday (May 7), an 18-wheel trailer from Niagara Falls will roll into Fenelon Falls to deliver a brewhouse and cellar to the historic building at 4 May Street.
The custom-made brewhouse was designed by Canadian company Criveller Group, and includes a 15-barrel system, fermenters, and brite tank (a vessel in which beer is placed after primary fermentation and filtering).
Founded by husband and wife Vinh and Agatha Mac, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has been busy transforming the building (which was once a livery stable and then a blacksmith shop) into a 5,000-square-foot brewery.
It includes a taproom (offering Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.’s two flagship beers, Fenelon Vienna Lager and Fenelon Red Ale, and seasonal exclusive brews), a retail bottle shop, and a unique event space that will feature local musicians.
The brewery has also announced the hiring of its head brewer, Russell Gibson. The Fenelon Falls native has a Bachelor of Science degree, completed the Niagara College Brewmaster program, and has worked in one of Ontario’s largest craft breweries.
For more information on Fenelon Falls Brewing Co., visit www.fenelonfallsbrewing.com.
Peterborough DBIA’s “Digital Main Street” program is underway
The “Digital Main Street” program offered through the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is now underway.
The DBIA received a $10,000 grant from Digital Main Street, an initiative of the Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Association funded by the Ontario government that helps small businesses adopt digital tools such as e-commerce platforms and social media.
Along with from Community Futures Peterborough and the DBIA’s own resources, the DBIA has used the grant to establish a “Digital Service Squad” consisting of Yllka Bojku and Kate Storen, who will visit and assist downtown businesses at no cost to help them set up Google Business, conduct a digital-readiness assessment, and apply for a $2,500 grant from Digital Main Street.
Participation is open to all businesses in the downtown area, not just DBIA members. To be part of the program, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at joel@downtownptbo.ca or 705-748-4774.
Peterborough Currents nominated for Best Podcast at 2019 Digital Publishing Awards
A Peterborough podcast has been nominated for the fourth annual 2019 Digital Publishing Awards.
Peterborough Currents, created by Ayesha Barmania and Will Pearson, is nominated in the Best Podcast category for its Food, Housing, and Transitions episodes.
They are up against Love Me (CBC Podcasts), CBC Mic Drop, Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo (CBC News), Rap carcéral (Radio-Canada for VICE), Front Burner (CBC News), En 5 minutes (QUB Radio), and Uncover: Escaping NXIVM (CBC Podcasts).
The Digital Publishing Awards are presented by the National Media Awards Foundation to recognize and promote excellence from Canadian digital publications and creators.
This year, 127 Canadian digital publications participated in the Digital Publishing Awards, submitting the best of their digital content, design, and innovation from the past year for consideration in 23 awards categories. The judges selected 118 nominations from 50 different digital publications for this year’s awards.
The awards will be presented in Toronto on May 28th. Tickets are on sale at digitalpublishingawards.ca.
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal launches Community4E digital community-building platform
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal has officially launched its digital community-building platform called Community4E (the four Es are Engagement, Empowerment, Education, and Entertainment).
Community4E is a collaboration platform for organizations and their stakeholders that offers the functionality of an intranet and an extranet, and includes tools to improve productivity and aid problem-solving.
“Using a white-label approach, the platform enhances organizational engagement by creating a community-branded social media site,” says Wakhal founder and CEO Rojit Sorokhaibam.
Community4E is currently being used by the Innovation Cluster in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre in the Durham Region, Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network, and more. More than 40,000 users in all participating communities have registered for the platform.
Community4E is currently available as a web browser application, with plans to develop mobile apps for Android and iOS.
For more information, contact Sorokhaibam at rojit@wakhal.com or visit www.community4e.com.
Peterborough DBIA seeking sponsors for downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is seeking sponsors for the downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer.
The DBIA is bringing back the downtown trolley, first launched last summer, to transport people between downtown Peterborough and Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park throughout the summer on Musicfest evenings (Wednesdays and Saturdays).
To fund the operation of the trolley, which is owned by Michael Bryant and Pauline Kiely of Little Britain, the DBIA needs the financial support of more sponsors.
The DBIA is also looking for sponsors for this year’s Hootenanny on Hunter Street music festival, which takes place on August 10th. Last year’s festival was attended by 10,000 people. The DBIA is also seeking members and associate members who want a booth on the street during the festival.
If you are interested, or for more information, contact Terry Guiel at the DBIA at terry@downtownptbo.ca or 705-748-4774.
Trent University and Noblegen receive $797,104 in federal funding to advance clean-water technology in mining industry
Trent University researchers and Peterborough bio-tech company Noblegen have received $797,104 over three years from the federal Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council to develop green bio-filtration technology to make the mining industry more sustainable.
Dr. Neil Emery, vice president research and innovation and biology professor at Trent University, and forensic science associate professor Dr. Barry Saville are partners with former Trent Chemistry professor Dr. Celine Guegen in the research, which is support by Noblegen.
Using state-of-the-art molecular techniques including genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, the research will investigate the abilities of the protist organism Euglena to sequester metals in diluted mine waters and to facilitate their extraction. The Euglena-based filtration technology will allow extraction of economically valuable metals and it will reduce the environmental footprint of the tailing ponds.
The funding is part of a broader announcement by federal minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan of more than $44 million to recipients of strategic partnership grants. The funding, which focuses on collaborations between academia, businesses, government and other organization, will go to 75 projects across the country.
The Canadian mining industry accounted for 16 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product and 1.74 million jobs in Canada in 2016.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Breakfast Club featuring County Warden Liz Danielsen on May 7
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Sandy Lane Resort (17592 Highway 35, Algonquin Highlands).
Liz Danielsen, Haliburton County Warden and Deputy Mayor of Algonquin Highlands, is the guest speaker.
Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Peterborough Chamber PBX at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough on May 7
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd, Peterborough).
All are invited to attend the free networking event.
For more information, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Sold out – Inclusive Advisory hosts “Conscious Shift” workshops on May 10 in Peterborough
Inclusive Advisory, a multidisciplinary firm practising accounting, law, and wealth management with offices in Peterborough and Port Perry, is hosting a series of workshops called “Conscious Shift” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10th at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
With the tagline “leadership and management uncensored”, the workshops will feature four speakers sharing their experiences on leadership. Each speaker will give an original 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.
The speakers are: Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty; Mike Skinner, president and CEO of the Innovation Cluster; Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scucog Island First Nation; and Sacha Lai-Svirk, director of digital health at Outpost379.
The workshops, which promise to “challenge the participants to step outside of their comfort zone” by introducing them “to alternative insights that challenge the status quo in management”, are designed for business owners, executives, managers, and community leaders.
Tickets are $200 each, with $150 from each ticket donated to The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village (charitable receipts will be provided).
For tickets, email Montana Scott at Inclusive Advisory at mscott@inclusiveadvisory.ca.
Note: This event is now sold out.
Kawarthas Northumberland hosting regional ambassador training on May 13 in Peterborough
Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) is hosting a training session for regional ambassadors from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13th in the boardroom at the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The half-day course is free to attend and open to all Kawarthas Northumberland tourism operators and tourism businesses.
Space is limited. Register by Wednesday, May 1st by contacting Julie at partner@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext. 102.
Next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next “ChamberAM” breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
This is the first breakfast meeting held at a new location, following the announcement that long-time location (the Carousel Restaurant) is closing.
Networking begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a “mystery guest speaker” at 8 a.m.
Admission is free; just pay for what you order for breakfast. Mega Experience will be sponsoring complimentary filtered coffee.
For more information, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14
FastStart Peterborough is hosting its next E-Connect seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
“E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” features speakers Brett Proud (co-founder of GuestLogix Inc. and Peterborough Region Angel Network Member) and Andrew Pyle (economist, branch manager, and portfolio manager at ScotiaMcleod).
The event, which will include appetizers and a cash bar, is free but registration is requested at eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-spring-into-entrepreneurship-tickets-60575687512.
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speakers architect Michael Gallant and Downtown Vibrancy Coordinator Dawn Pond will be talking about a new public art project.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with guest speakers at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Chamber presents B.O.S.S. cyber security seminar on May 15 in Lakefield
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting its next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr., Lakefield).
A panel discussion will focus on concerns specific to small business, including as website security, email and telephone scams, and online banking security. Panellists include Detective Sargent Vern Crowley of the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team, Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics. The panel discussion will be moderated by David Wilson of Let’s Get Digital.
Tickets are $15+HST for Chamber members and $25+HST for non-members. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/b-o-s-s-cyber-security-10421.
Venture13 celebrates one-year anniversary on May 21 in Cobourg
Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The agenda will include a review of the past year’s accomplishments, the economic impact to date, and Venture13’s future strategy, as well as announcements regarding funding, community partnerships, and innovation in action.
Tech expert and entrepreneur Takara Small will deliver a keynote address about creating and encouraging rural and urban linkages, driving innovation and growth, and creating the exchange and flow of people, investment, and resources.
Following the keynote address, there will be a self-guided tour of the VentureZone where booths and demos will be set up to showcase Venture13’s entrepreneurs and community partners. A community BBQ hosted by the Cobourg Police Service will be taking place just outside of the building, with all proceeds going towards Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland. P
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism hosts annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, is the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partner meeting on June 18, 2019. (Promotional photo)
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism is hosting its annual partner meeting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
Open to active Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partners whose tourism businesses reside within the region, the meeting provides the opportunity to meet board members, staff, ministry representatives and advisors, and to network with other tourism operators.
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, will be the guest speaker.
The event is free, but registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/kawarthas-northumberland-annual-partner-meeting-2019-tickets-60306103178. Registration closes at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 14th.
Peterborough DBIA holds its 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is holding its 2019 annual general meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
