businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week’s business and organizational news includes the federal government investing $3.1 million in a clean tech pilot project led by indigenous technology company Carbonix, Peterborough and Northumberland Summer Company student entrepreneurs displaying their businesses at Staples Day on July 10th, and PedalBoro multi-passenger bike tour company about to launch in downtown Peterborough.
Also featured this week are Win This Space winner Sustain Eco Store open for business in downtown Peterborough, cosmetic teeth-whitening spa Illume Room in downtown Peterborough holding its grand opening, the Peterborough Professional Fire Fighters Association donating $5,000 to Hospice Peterborough, the Rotary Club of Peterborough donating $13,000 to Homeward Bound Peterborough, CARSTAR North Group in Lindsay, Haliburton, and Bancroft being named 2019 CARSTAR Canada Franchise Partner of the Year, and award-winning Olympus Burger in Port Hope celebrating its sixth anniversary on July 19th.
New regional business events added this week include the Trent Hills Chamber hosting a seminar on starting a business in Campbellford on July 23rd, Bobcaygeon Chamber hosting a networking event in Bobcaygeon on July 23rd, Port Hope Chamber hosting its Women in Business Breakfast Series in Cobourg on August 6th, FastStart Peterborough hosting a “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship” seminar in Peterborough on August 13th, the Innovation Cluster hosting “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur” workshops in Peterborough starting on August 14th, and Venture13 hosting The Employer Event in Cobourg on August 20th.
Federal government invests $3.1 million in clean tech pilot project led by indigenous technology company Carbonix
On Monday (July 15) at Trent University in Peterborough, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi, announced an additional investment of $3.1 million in a clean technology pilot project led by Carbonix Inc., a Canadian indigenous technology company.
Carbonix is partnering with Trent University and SGS Lakefield to scale up a project that produces tailored activated carbons from sustainably sourced feedstocks, such as petroleum coke and wood waste, and uses them to capture contaminants from industrial waste streams and mine tailings. The project aims to accelerate the return of the water used during extraction processes back to the environment and accelerate land restoration.
Carbonix began research and development into the process in 2011. The $3.1 million in funding, which will help Carbonix scale up the process for commercial applications, is in addition to an initial investment of $120,000 provided by Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative and Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative.
“Carbonix recognizes that Canada is a nation whose backbone of the economy and jobs is founded and largely based on the resource extraction industries of energy, mining and forestry,” says Carbonix president and CEO Paul Pede. “Carbonix supports these industries, and we wish them to flourish. Moreover, as an indigenous company, we wish to support their efforts to return the lands and waters back to their natural state.”
Peterborough and Northumberland Summer Company student entrepreneurs display their businesses at Staples Day on July 10
Last Wednesday (July 10), start-up businesses owned and operated by seven students in Peterborough and seven students in Northumberland were on display during the annual Summer Company Staples Day at Staples Peterborough and Staples Cobourg.
The Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program — delivered in Peterborough through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre and in Northumberland through the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland — connects student entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 with training, mentorship, and the funding needed to start a summer business.
In Peterborough, the seven student owners and their businesses are:
- Dustyn McCready-DeBruin’s Dusty Dives, providing dock repair, underwater weeding, and retrieval dives for missing items.
- Kathir Puvendran’s Kip’s Window Cleaning, providing window cleaning including interior and exteriors, window sills, screens, and eavestroughs and vinyl siding.
- Braeden Pitre’s Pitre Property Maintenance, providing year-round outdoor services including lawn cutting, weeding, mulching, landscaping, snow removal, sanding and salting, and more.
- Wesley Penney’s Nutfit Program, providing high-quality professional workout and fitness programing.
- Samantha Hourie’s Travelling Footcare Reflexology, providing mobile foot reflexology to reduce stress, enhance circulation, and normalize metabolism.
- Michael Tucker’s Tucker’s Lawn & Order, providing landscaping services focused on assisting seniors with manual labour and landscaping projects.
- Austin Murray’s AGM Academics, assisting elementary and high school students with math and science by using incentive and tracking charts and lesson books to track and promote progressive learning.
In Northumberland, the seven student owners and their businesses are:
- Rohan O’Neill’s Baywater Forge in Campbellford, offering high-quality hand-forged tools specialized and custom made for hunters, anglers, gardeners, and campers.
- Ella Scozzari’s neptune2Earth in Campbellford, offering tarot and astrology readings and reports to clients with online and video-based services.
- Meaghan Herrington’s Early Morning Relief Milking & Farm Services in Brighton, offering help with various farming tasks such as cow clipping, barn cleaning, relief milking, and other chores.
- Shanakay Hall’s S Kay Creative in Cobourg, offering web design, graphic design, and email marketing services to growing businesses and entrepreneurs in Northumberland.
- Alexis Needs’s Breathe Safety in Cobourg, providing local small businesses an opportunity to implement health and safety into work environments through descriptive safety manuals.
- Raid Hajhasan’s Rapid Raid Car Detailing in Cobourg, providing both interior and exterior auto detailing services.
- Gryphon Nixon-Briard’s WeeBoba Bubble Tea in Port Hope, offering bubble tea and pop-up shop experiences at local festivals and events throughout Northumberland.
PedalBoro multi-passenger bike tour company about to launch in downtown Peterborough
Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger are about to launch their multi-passenger bike tour company, which provides an eco-friendly transportation alternative for exploring pubs and restaurants in downtown Peterborough.
Peterborough’s first 15-passenger party bike will be hosting its official unveiling outside the Olde Stone Brewery at a media event on Tuesday (July 16).
With the launch of PedalBoro, Peterborough will become only the fifth city in Canada to host this new form of cycle tourism.
Flood and Rellinger believe the PedalBoro tours will become a powerful economic driver as part of the city’s high-value cycle tourism industry, by connecting residents and tourists alike to Peterborough’s culinary creators and beverage makers.
PedalBoro was one of three finalists in the Goods and Services category of the 2019 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition.
For more information about PedalBoro, visit www.pedalboro.com.
Win This Space winner Sustain Eco Store is now open in downtown Peterborough
Sustain Eco Store at 418 George Street North in downtown Peterborough is now open for business.
The store is owned and operated by Jonathan and Celine MacKay, who also own an eco-lifestyle retail store in Huntsville. The couple won a free year-long lease to the downtown storefront in Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition.
Sustain sells sustainable and non-toxic products that are chosen with careful consideration to their environmental impact.
The MacKays will be holding an official grand opening at a later date, but the store is now open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Cosmetic teeth-whitening spa Illume Room holds grand opening in downtown Peterborough
Illume Room, Peterborough’s first cosmetic teeth whitening spa, held its grand opening in downtown Peterborough last Thursday (July 11).
Located in the former location of The Spill at 414 George Street North, Illume Room specializes in safe and pain-free instant teeth whitening.
Owned and operated by Emma Pineo, Illume Room was one of the top 10 contestants in the Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition.
Peterborough Professional Fire Fighters Association donates $5,000 to Hospice Peterborough
Members of the Peterborough Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA) have donated $5,000 to Hospice Peterborough.
The donation, which was made in June, has allowed Hospice Peterborough to purchase two specialized mattresses that provide optimal comfort for the organization’s residents at end-of-life.
The new Hospice Peterborough facility, located at 325 London Street, provides palliative care and support services to those who are seriously ill, those who are dying, and those who are grieving.
“We are very fortunate to have such a great organization in our community as Hospice Peterborough,” said PPFFA vice president Jim Woodley. “PPFFA would like to congratulate them on their beautiful new facility. The fire service has a 50 per cent cancer rate and we recognize the importance of palliative care. If we can help provide comfort to those residents who are struggling, it is our honour.”
Rotary Club of Peterborough donates $13,000 to Homeward Bound Peterborough
The Rotary Club of Peterborough has donated $13,000 to Homeward Bound Peterborough.
The funds were raised at the club’s annual dinner and auction fundraiser in January 2019. The Rotary Club of Peterborough will be donating another $13,000 next year, as part of the club’s two-year commitment to Homeward Bound.
Originally developed by WoodGreen Community Services in Toronto, Homeward Bound Peterborough is an innovative wrap-around service helping inadequately housed or homeless mother-led families earn college diplomas, start careers, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Homeward Bound Peterborough is a partnership between Peterborough Housing Corporation and YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, funded in part by the federal government’s Department for Women and Gender Equality.
CARSTAR North Group in Lindsay, Haliburton, and Bancroft named 2019 CARSTAR Canada Franchise Partner of the Year
CARSTAR North Group was named as the 2019 CARSTAR Canada Franchise Partner of the Year at CARSTAR’S annual conference hosted in Chicago on July 10th to 12th.
Owned by Paul Cross, CARSTAR North Group provides collision and glass services at its locations in Lindsay, Haliburton, and Bancroft.
Cross and general manager Sean Martin were on hand in Chicago to accept the award from CARSTAR president Michael Macaluso. In addition to accepting the award, Cross and Martin were invited on-stage for a live question-and-answer session to discuss their achievements and success stories, alongside the CARSTAR US Franchise Partner of the Year Jamie White.
For Canada, the 2019 CARSTAR Canada Franchise Partner of the Year award is based on exponential growth, network leadership, commitment to excellence, strong key performance indicators, and a strong commitment to the CARSTAR brand.
For more information about CARSTAR North Group, visit carstarnorthgroup.ca.
Award-winning Olympus Burger in Port Hope celebrates its sixth anniversary on July 19
Olympus Burger (55 Mill St. S., Port Hope) is celebrating its sixth anniversary on Thursday, July 19th.
The popular restaurant, owned by Giorgos Kallonakis, was named in 2017 as having the best burger in Canada by Canadian Living magazine, and in 2019 as the ninth best burger restaurant out of 50 in Canada by Big 7 Travel.
The celebration on July 19th will feature surprises, specials, giveaways, and cake.
Bancroft Chamber hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until August 31
The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until Saturday, August 31st at various locations in Hastings County.
Registration is held at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office (51 Hastings St. N., Bancroft) on the day of each tour, with tours departing at 9:30 a.m. The tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with each tour lasting around five hours.
Participants are responsible for their own equipment (mandatory safety glasses and closed-in footwear and rockhounding equipment) and transportation. The cost is $17 for adults, $12 for youth aged 16 and under, or $50 for a family of up to five people. Additional fees are required for specific sites.
For a tour schedule and more information, visit www.bancroftdistrict.com/bancroft-nature-discovery-tours/.
Peterborough Chamber hosts environmental practices seminar in Peterborough on July 17
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Lunch Box Learning seminar takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17th at the Chamber’s boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Rachel Northey of Pinchin will speak on the topic “Environmental Practices to Manage your Property”.
The seminar is free to attend for members of the Chamber and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
To register, visit peterboroughchamber.ca.
Central Smith Creamery hosting ice cream social fundraiser for PRHC Foundation on July 20
Central Smith Creamery is hosting an ice cream social in support of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 20th at the creamery (739 Lindsay Rd. Selwyn).
The family-friendly event will feature a silent auction, a jumpy castle, games, a BBQ, face painting, an obstacle course, an ice cream eating contest, and an open mic.
All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts seminar on starting a business in Campbellford on July 23
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Thinking about starting a business?” from 8 to 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23rd at its offices (51 Grand Rd., Campbellford).
Join Chamber staff for an informative discussion on the things you need to consider before starting up a business.
Advance registration is required at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/thinking-about-starting-a-business-3939.
Bobcaygeon Chamber hosts networking event in Bobcaygeon on July 23
The Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Coffee Connection”, a networking event, from 8 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23rd at Kawartha Mediums Zen Den (49 King St. E., Bobcaygeon).
The event will feature coffee, networking, and sharing of ideas.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/1232209610283147/
VentureNorth hosts “Celebration of Collaboration BBQ” in Peterborough on July 26
VentureNorth is hosting a “Celebration of Collaboration BBQ” from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 26th at the VentureNorth building (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The business hub in downtown Peterborough is home to various local economic development organizations including the Innovation Cluster, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and Community Futures Peterborough. Ashburnham Realty, Junior Achievement Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce will also be participating in the event.
The open house event is an opportunity to learn more about these organizations and more, and will feature a BBQ catered by Franz’s Butcher Shop & Catering with samples from Publican House Brewery, live music from Paper Shakers, and prizes.
Port Hope Chamber hosts Women in Business Breakfast Series in Port Hope on August 6
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the next seminar in its Women in Business Breakfast Series from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Jack Burger Sports Complex (60 Highland Dr., Port Hope).
Local women in business are invited to attend the session, which will focus on the importance of self care and resources available locally.
The cost for the session is $5 per person, in advance or at the door.
For more information, email admin@porthopechamber.com.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on August 13
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast orders taken at The Edison at 7:30 a.m. At 7:45 a.m., you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by a mystery guest speaker at 8 a.m.
There is no cost for the event (order what you like and pay for what you order).
FastStart Peterborough hosts “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship” seminar in Peterborough on August 13
The next FastStart E-Connect seminar, “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship!”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park (1130 King St., Peterborough).
Donna Floyd, founder and CEO of Cottage Toys, and Jillian Scates, sales and operations analyst with Central Smith Creamery, will discuss family business and working in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
FastStart Peterborough is a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.
The event is free, but registration is requested at eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-goodbye-summer-hello-entrepreneurship-tickets-64432741063
Innovation Cluster hosts “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur” workshops in Peterborough starting on August 14
On Wednesdays in August, the Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur”, a three-part series emphasizing mindfulness for entrepreneurs.
“No Stress Zone: Pilates with the Healthy Sweet Potato” is a Pilates class at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough) on August 14th, followed by “Managing Stress and Burnout with Legendary Coaching” on August 21st, and “Pause for Paws – Therapy Dogs” on August 28th, when East Central Therapy Dogs will bring in volunteers to do an hour of de-stressing with their dogs.
All workshops will have a limited amount of space and registration is mandatory. Registration for the series will open in August, and businessNOW will have all the details when available.
Venture13 hosts The Employer Event in Cobourg on August 20
The Community Employment Resource Partnership, Northumberland County, and the millennial team of Canada Summer Jobs students at the Community Training and Development Centre are presenting “The Employer Event” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20th in the lecture hall at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The focus of the event is how to recruit, retain, and train millennials (employees aged 20 to 45) who, by 2025, will make up 75 per cent of the workforce. You will learn information from experts in recruitment, retention, and training, explore a variety of techniques and resource, and discover innovative ideas, insights, and strategies.
If you are an employer interested in the event, RSVP by August 9th by emailing theemployerevent2019@outlook.com.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
