This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the opening of applications for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre’s Summer Company program, a new funding opportunity for business and community innovation projects in Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay Brock merging Amusé Coffee Co. into The Edison at VentureNorth, Inclusive Advisory’s “Conscious Shift” conference raising $6,000 for The Mount Community Centre, Arlene Blunck being named the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Member of the Year, Pedego Kawartha Lakes e-bikes expanding to Lindsay in May, the opening of Fusion Bowl in downtown Peterborough in May, and Black’s Distillery Gin winning two international awards.
Also featured this week is Cosmetic Transformations owner Kyla Gutsche being selected as one of eight cancer survivors to speak at S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story!, Inclusive Advisory in Peterborough making the 2019 List of Best Workplaces in Canada, Weber Brothers Productions launching the WE Thursdays Concert Series at the Red Dog in June, Apollo Grill opening a second location in Peterborough and adding the Beyond Meat plant-based burger to its menu, and interior renovations at McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery in Hastings.
New regional events added this week include the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet and Greet” business networking event in Cobourg on May 14th, the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Mayoral Luncheon in Lindsay on May 15th, the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association’s annual general meeting in Cobourg on May 16th, the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce members-only coffee chat with MPP David Piccini in Warkworth on May 17th, the Innovation Cluster’s annual general meeting in Peterborough on May 30th, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting in Carnarvon on June 4th, and Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration in Bobcaygeon on June 7th.
Applications now open for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre’s Summer Company program
Applications are now open for the Summer Company program, Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program that is delivered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.
The program connects students aged 15 to 29 with training, mentorship, and funding to start a summer business. Seven grants up to $3,000 each are available for young aspiring business owners from the City and County of Peterborough.
“We are proud to be once again delivering the Summer Company program for area youth,” says Suzanne McCrimmon, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Director of Business Development. “This program allows students to test the waters of entrepreneurship in a supportive environment that provides opportunities for experiential learning, mentorship and funding.”
Throughout the summer, students will have the opportunity to take part in workshops and training, covering such topics as mastering social media, marketing and sales, managing business risk, and networking.
The Summer Company program is open to high school, college, or university students who are returning to school after the program ends, who are not already running a business, and who are not working another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program.
The deadline for applications is Sunday, May 19th. Those interested in learning more about the program and how to get involved are encouraged to visit www.peterboroughed.ca/summer or contact Adam Edwards at 705-743-0777 ext. 2118.
New funding opportunity for business and community innovation projects in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation is offering a new funding opportunity for businesses and not-for-profits to foster innovation, technology adoption, and digital connectivity in Kawartha Lakes.
The Business and Community Innovation Project (BCIP), supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will give priority to projects in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, clean technology, digital industries, and agri-food and food processing.
BCIP will provide $25,000 to $100,000 in funding, with a required minimum recipient contribution of 50 per cent. The minimum project size is $50,000, resulting in a minimum recipient contribution of $25,000. Projects must be located within the City of Kawartha Lakes, with two-year projects ending no later than December 31, 2020.
The deadline for applications is 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 6th. For more information, visit klcfdc.com/innovation.
An information session will be held from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at Bobcaygeon Service Centre (123 East St. N., Bogcaygeon).
Lindsay Brock is merging Amusé Coffee Co. into The Edison at VentureNorth
Last Tuesday (May 7), owner and operator Lindsay Brock announced she is merging Amusé Coffee Co. with The Edison, her now-permanent location in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.
One of the first clients of the FastStart Peterborough program, Brock opened Amuse Coffee Co. (641 George Street N., Peterborough) in 2015. Inspired by Parisian cafes, she decided to open her own cafe after 15 years of serving coffee and tea at Starbucks and David’s Tea.
In August 2018, she launched a new “pop up” coffee shop called The Edison in the main lobby of VentureNorth building (270 George St. N., Peterborough). It has since become popular with tenants of and visitors to VentureNorth (which houses Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Innovation Cluster, Community Futures Peterborough, and more), as well as people from surrounding businesses.
“We’re rolling it all in together like a great big croissant,” Brock writes on social media. “We’re taking our menu favourites and tried-and-trues and they’ll all be available here at The Edison.”
The move will be completed as of Thursday, May 30th.
Inclusive Advisory’s “Conscious Shift” conference raises $6,000 for The Mount Community Centre
Last Friday (May 10), 40 local leaders from the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors gathered at The Mount Community Centre for “Conscious Shift”, a first-of-its kind leadership conference. Speakers included Mike Skinner, Paul Bennett, Chief Kelly LaRocca, Sacha Lai-Svirk, and Michael Konopaski.
With $150 of each $200 ticket going to support The Mount Community Centre, the sold-out event raised $6,000 for Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village.
Conscious Shift was designed by Michael Konopaski, owner of Inclusive Advisory, and Montana Scott, Business Development at Inclusive Advisory.
It was created out of a demand for uncensored material from Peterborough’s leaders. Speakers were challenged to create completely original content designed to spark discussion (and often controversy), while participants were challenged with grilling them.
Plans for more events like Conscious Shift are in the works, with several community leaders already signed up for a speaking role.
Arlene Blunck is the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Member of the Year
At its annual general meeting on May 1st, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) presented the 2019 Member of the Year award to Arlene Blunck.
Arlene, who owns and operates All Office Machines Inc. with her husband Peter, is also WBN’s 2018-19 membership director.
In part, she was recognized for her tireless efforts to ensure that WBN members feel welcome, especially new ones.
Pedego Kawartha Lakes e-bikes expands to Lindsay in May
Pedego Kawartha Lakes will open a new store in Lindsay on Thursday, May 16th.
Originally established in California in 2008 and in Canada two years later, Pedego offers 18 electric bike models ranging from cruisers to off-road and specialty versions.
This is the second Pedego franchise launched by Lindsay resident Allen Hussey, who opened the first location at 47 William Street in Bobcaygeon last year.
The Lindsay location at 66 William Street North will include rentals and demos of Pedego e-bikes, complementing the full line of sales and service offered at the Bobcaygeon location. It will be run by Mike Gorman, who operated Spokes for Folks in Cambray with his wife Deb Craven until his retirement at the end of April.
For more information about Pedego Kawartha Lakes, call 800-478-1237 or email kl@pedegocanada.ca.
Fusion Bowl opens in downtown Peterborough in May
Fusion Bowl, a new restaurant operated by Nitin Grover and chef Manish Choudhry of Imperial Tandoor, is opening in downtown Peterborough in May.
The casual-dining restaurant is located at 376 George Street North, in the location of the former Nata’s Cafe.
True to its name, Fusion Ball will feature a combination of Indian, Chinese, and Mexican cuisine, available for a sit-down meal or take out. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.
Fusion Bowl will open in early May, with a grand opening at the end of the month.
Black’s Distillery Gin wins two international awards
Robert Black of Black’s Distillery in Peterborough has won two international awards for his gin.
He won a bronze medal at the London Spirits Competition in London, U.K. in March, and took home a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in April,
“We are extremely delighted that our Black’s Gin performed so well,” Black says. “After only one year in business, these medals demonstrate that we are making the type of spirits that spirit drinkers, bar managers, and mixologists want and enjoy choosing and drinking.”
Black’s Distillery is located at 99 Hunter Street East in Peterborough’s East City. Black’s Gin is crafted with locally developed Red Fife Wheat and nine botanicals.
Kyla Gutsche, owner of Cosmetic Transformations in Peterborough, one of eight cancer survivors to speak at S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story!
Kyla Gutsche, founder and owner of Cosmetic Transformations in Peterborough, has been selected as one of eight cancer survivors to participate in the first Canadian performance of “S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story!”, a live curated storytelling event.
Inspired by TED Talks, the event takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 2nd at the RBC Theatre at the Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga). The performance is presented by the Annie Parker Foundation, a non-profit organization started by breast cancer survivor, filmmaker, and author Annie Parker.
The event will be hosted by television journalist Beverly Thomson. Tickets are $95, available at livingartscentre.ca/theatre-performances/stars-survivors-tell-a-real-story
Inclusive Advisory in Peterborough makes 2019 List of Best Workplaces in Canada
Inclusive Advisory — a multidisciplinary firm in Peterborough offering law, accounting, and wealth management services — has been named to the 2019 list of Best Workplaces in Canada.
Inclusive Advisory is number 48 on the list of workplaces with fewer than 100 employees.
Organized by Great Place to Work, a global company that certifies high-trust and high-performance workplace cultures, the list of Best Workplaces Under 100 Employees is based on direct feedback from employees of hundreds of surveyed organizations.
Ryan and Sam Weber’s new music production company launches WE Thursdays Concert Series at the Red Dog in June
Weber Brothers Productions, a music production company operated by local musicians Ryan and Sam Weber, is launching the WE Thursdays concert series at the Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) in June.
The series kicks off on Thursday, June 6th with Lance Isaacs, followed by Tony Silvestri on June 13th, Brock Zeman on June 20th, and Paul Reddick on June 27th. Each concert in the series will feature hor d’oeuvres supplied by a local restaurant. Admission is $10.
The Webers formed Weber Brothers Productions earlier this year. The company offers music production, session/studio work, arrangements, songwriting, instrumentation, private lessons, consultation, and more. For more information, visit Weber Brothers Productions on Facebook.
Apollo Grill opens second location in Peterborough, adds Beyond Meat plant-based burger to its menu
Apollo Grill in Peterborough is now offering the plant-based Beyond Meat burger on its menu. (Photo: Apollo Grill / Facebook)
Peterborough burger restaurant Apollo Grill has joined the plant-based diet trend by offering the Beyond Meat burger on its menu.
Owner Dan Rennick recently opened a second location at 500 Towerhill Road in the Sobeys plaza beside Swiss Chalet. Community Futures Peterborough assisted in funding equipment and leasehold improvements.
Beyond Meat claims its burger is “the world’s first plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and tastes like a fresh beef burger.”
Apollo Grill will offer the burger, which comes with a gluten-free bun option, at both its Towerhill location and its Mapleridge Plaza location at 1840 Lansdowne Street West.
McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery in Hastings renovates
McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery (13 Bridge St. N., Hastings) completed an interior renovation earlier this month.
The casual-dining restaurant, known as Gillies to locals, also regularly features live music. As part of the renovation, Gillies relocated its stage to the centre of the restaurant against the main windows facing Lock 18, so that everyone (including customers on the patio) can see the bands.
Gillies will be hosting a summer kick-off on the Victoria Day weekend, with karaoke on Thursday night, the Janet Jeffrey Band on Friday night, Shaun Savoy on Saturday night, and Brookfield on Sunday afternoon.
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.
Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce “Meet and Greet” business networking event in Cobourg on May 14
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s next “Meet and Greet” business networking event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at Century 21 All-Pro Realty (365 Westwood Dr., Cobourg).
The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.
Advance registration is required at nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-meet-greet-century-21-all-pro-realty-1993-ltd-1446.
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.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts 2019 Mayoral Luncheon in Lindsay on May 15
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2019 Mayoral Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Mackey Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. N., Lindsay).
City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham will provide a brief update on city council’s progress to date and share noteworthy initiatives across the city for 2019.
The event will be catered by Olympia Restaurant Cafe & Bar. The cost is $40 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members (note: this event is now sold out).
To register, visit lindsaydistrictchamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/event-3299972
Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association holds annual general meeting in Cobourg on May 16
The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The meeting will review the past year and take a look at what’s new for 2019, and features guest speaker Jeremiah Brown, “The 4 Year Olympian”.
The meeting is free to attend but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/2018-annual-general-meeting-tickets-59339470955.
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce hosting members-only coffee chat with MPP David Piccini in Warkworth on May 17
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a members-only coffee chat with David Piccini, MPP Northumberland Peterborough South, from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 17th at Glover’s Farm Market (14260 County Road 29, Warkworth).
This event is only open to Chamber members. There is no cost to attend, and muffins and coffee/tea will be served.
Register by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th by contacting the Chamber at 705-653-1551 or admin@trenthillschamber.ca.
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
Innovation Cluster holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on May 30
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas is holding its annual general meeting from 2;30 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 30th at The Cube at VentureNorth (270 George St. N, Peterborough).
This is an opportunity for the public to hear highlights from 2018 and meet some of the regions most promising startups.
The meeting is open to the public and there is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-innovation-cluster-annual-general-meeting-tickets-60143673346.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce holds annual general meeting in Carnarvon on June 4
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4th at Rhubarb Restaurant (9201 Highway 118, Carnarvon).
The meeting will feature a look back at our 2018-19 accomplishments, Board of Director elections, and more.
The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
To register, visit events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07egbij6eed032a751.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration in Bobcaygeon on June 7
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 7th at Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The evening will feature networking, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner, and award presentations. Gourmet catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
The cost is $120 per person, or $800 for a table of eight. Tickets must be reserved by Friday, May 24th, at lindsaydistrictchamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/event-3300025.
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.
