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 Millbrook’s Pastry Peddler winning first place in the 2019 Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Taste-Off, Peterborough’s Artspace marking its 45th anniversary with celebratory event on October 18th, applications now open for FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition, and local game developer Canuck Play releasing its third Canadian football title.
New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on October 8th, Small Business Week events in Port Hope from October 21st to 25th, and a disability and accessibility in the workplace information session in Lindsay on October 29th.
Millbrook’s Pastry Peddler wins first place in the 2019 Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Taste-Off
The Pastry Peddler of Millbrook won first place overall in the Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Top Tart Taste-Off, held on September 22nd at the Cultivate Festival in Port Hope.
Their winning butter tart was the ‘Peddler Saloon’, with a whiskey-infused filling loaded with pecans and topped with candied whiskey pecans.
Second place was claimed by Antonia’s Bistro of Campbellford for their maple honey butter tart.
The Bakery Warkworth of Warkworth won third place for their maple tart.
The annual Butter Tart Taste-Off competition is hosted by the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour, Ontario’s largest food tour dedicated to butter tarts with over 50 bakeries, restaurants, and cafes located throughout Kawarthas Northumberland.
Peterborough’s Artspace marks its 45th anniversary with celebratory event on October 18
Artspace, Peterborough’s artist-run centre, is marking its 45th anniversary with a special celebratory event beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18th.
“Speculative Histories and Possible Futures of an Artist-run Centre” takes place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), a site of historic significance both in the history of Artspace and in the city’s cultural landscape.
Five panelists — Lori Beavis, Andrea Fatona, Bill Kimball, Fynn Leitch, and Jeff Macklin — will reflect on the history of Artspace and consider the ways artist-run centres have supported and continue to support professional arts practices in Canada.
Following the panel discussion, the celebration will continue with musical guests The Ceedees, Susan Newman and Rob Fortin, and Deejays Billy the K and Johnny Q.
The event is free, but donations will be accepted to support the evening’s celebrations. To reserve your tickets, visit eventbrite.ca/e/45-speculative-histories-and-possible-futures-of-an-artist-run-centre-tickets-72393459787.
Artspace was founded in 1974 by Dennis Tourbin and David Bierk, along with a collective of local artists, and received non-profit incorporated charitable status in 1977. Originally located at 440 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, it was also located for several years on the second floor of 188-190 Hunter Street West (where La Hacienda and Sam’s Place are now).
It relocated to, and operated, the Market Hall in the early 1980s, after the venue was converted from a gymnasium into a performing arts centre. In all, Artspace had six locations in Peterborough before opening at its current site at 378 Alymer Street North in 2006.
Applications now open for FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition
Applications are now open for FastStart Peterborough’s firth annual Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition, where students from Trent University and Fleming College pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of winning up to $350.
Styled after the CBC television reality series Dragons’ Den, the competition culminates at a free public event held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22nd at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Interested Trent University and Fleming College students can apply at innovationcluster.ca/programs/pitch-it/. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 11th.
To reserve tickets for the October 22nd event, visit eventbrite.com/e/faststart-presents-pitch-it-2019-tickets-73855627169.
FastStart Peterborough is a collaboration between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.
Local game developer Canuck Play releases its third Canadian football title
Last Friday (September 27), Peterborough-based video game development startup Canuck Play released Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019. its third title that celebrates Canadian football, for the PS4 and Xbox One game consoles.
“The response for Maximum Football 2018 was phenomenal, and this title brings even more elements of Canadian Football to life, including having Doug Flutie as a character in the game,” says Canuck Play president David Winter. “Many players have expressed their enthusiasm to try it out and our team has been very excited for this moment to come.”
As a client of the Innovation Cluster, Winter has worked in its downtown incubator to make Canuck Play a reality, officially launching the company’s first game instalment Canadian Football 2017, followed by Maximum Football 2018.
Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019 features multiple game options between Canadian, college, and US pro football. Gamers will also have the ability to play full seasons, hone skills in practice mode, customize team and players, full post-play replay with free camera control, multiple player body styles and game weather that impacts game play.
As with the two titles the company has released before, Winter says he will continue to add updates to the game as needed.
Venture13 hosts TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge in Cobourg on October 5
The TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
This event is part of the global CyberLympics, sponsored by SiberX, Durham College AI-Hub, and Venture13. The purpose of the event is to encourage developers to bring forward innovative ideas for cybersecurity applications that are technically feasible and commercially viable.
Teams will have one day to advance their concepts and pitch them to a panel of experts. Mentors and advisors will be available to help teams rapidly iterate their concepts and prepare a pitch presentation to the judges. The winner of the TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge and the $1,000 cash team prize will be announced at the Cyberlympics finale at Durham College on October 26th, 2019.
TechXpo is sponsored by Venture13 VentureZone Members Eagle Aerospace and ConnexHealth Inc. and the Cobourg Police Service.
For more information and to register, visit www.cobourg.ca/en/venture-13/techxpo.aspx.
Venture13 presents cyber security tech talk in Cobourg on October 5
Venture13 is presenting a tech talk called “I to Eye : Thinking Like A Hacker” from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Keynote speaker Mahdi Raza, co-founder of SiberX, will be speaking on cyber security. SiberX is a roaming customized platform for training, events, and skills development in the cyber security field.
To register for this free event, visit eventbrite.com/e/tech-talk-i-to-eye-thinking-like-a-hacker-tickets-71790032921.
Venture13 presents Fireside Chat on Technology Adaptation and Healthcare in Cobourg on October 7
Venture13 is presenting its next Fireside Chat, on the topic “Technology Adaptation and Healthcare”, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, October 7th in the Innovation Commons at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg)
Sponsored by ConnexHealth, the free event features a keynote by Dr. Mukesh Bhargava (Chief of Staff, Northumberland Hills Hospital) and a panel discussion with Dr. Bhargava, Ryan Doherty (President and Founder, Empower Health), and Medha Saraiya (Founder and CEO, ConnexHealth), moderated by Rhonda Cunningham (Director, Northumberland CFDC and Executive Director, Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation).
To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/fireside-chat-technology-adaptation-and-healthcare-tickets-71555332927.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on October 8
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8th 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).
Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland in Cobourg on October 10
The second annual Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
Presented by Northumberland County, Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, Destination Ontario, and Kawarthas Northumberland, the one-day high-level business growth conference is designed to educate, motivate, and promote collaboration.
Keynote speakers include Ron Tsang on the topic “Influential Communication for Entrepreneurs” and Andrew Patrico on the topic “How to Cost and Price Your Products and Services Profitably”.
The cost is $45+HST, which includes breakfast and lunch.
For the full agenda and to register, visit www.becn.ca/conference/.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Awards of Excellence and Social Gala in Lakefield on October 10
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its 20th Annual Awards of Excellence and Social Gala from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield).
There will be a silent and live auction, light hor d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a social hour for networking in Upper Hadden Hall before the presentation of the awards in the Bryan Jones Theatre.
Tickets are available for $50 per person at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/awards-of-excellence-social-gala-10424. Ticket sales end on Wednesday, October 2nd.
IBM Lunch and Learn seminar in Cobourg on October 15
Venture13 is presenting Lunch and Learn session with Sarmad Ibrahim, Tech Evangelist at IBB, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Find out about the IBM I3 program, discover IBM’s artificial intelligence, internet of things, and blockchain opportunities, network with entrepreneurs and innovators, and more.
The free seminar is by invitation only.
For more information and to request an invitation, visit calendar.cobourg.ca/venture13/Detail/2019-10-15-1000-OCE-IBM-I3-program-Lunch-and-Learn.
Peterborough Chamber hosts 2019 Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 16
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Awards will be presented in 20 categories, including Business Citizen of the Year.
The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on the Nexicom Studio followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in the Erica Cherney Theatre.
Tickets are $50+HST, available at excellencepeterborough.ca/tickets. Your tickets includes one complimentary beverage and light hors d’oeuvres catered by The Imperial Tandoor.
Small Business Week events in Kawartha Lakes from October 21 to 25
Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week takes place the week of Monday, October 21st, culminating with the presentation of the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 25th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (292 Lindsay st. S. Lindsay).
Nominations are now open for the awards, which feature a first prize of $750, a second prize of $500, and a third prize of $250.
For a list of all the events during Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week and to submit a nomination for the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards, visit www.smallbizweek.net.
Small Business Week event in Port Hope from October 21 to 25
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is presenting a series of events during Small Business Week in Port Hope the week of Monday, October 21st.
On Monday from 12 to 2 p.m., the Port Hope Chamber is hosting “Ask a Professional” at the Port Hope Town Hall Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope). At this free event, local professionals in the fields of accounting, finance, and law will be on hand to answer questions you may have about business. Professionals include John O’Keefe of O’Keefe Accounting Group, Scott McCracken of Schmidt Law Legal Services, and Adrian Pepper of the Bank of Montreal.
On Tuesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber and the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) are offering a bus tour for local businesses and contractors from a perspective of the PHAI project and cleanup. Space is limited to 18 registrants.
On Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber and the Business Development Bank of Canada are hosting “Women in Business” at Jack Burger Sports Complex (60 Highland Dr., Port Hope). The workshop features a presentation for local women in business from the Business Development Bank of Canada on the topic “Supporting your growing business with flexible financing and practical advice”. Light refreshments will be provided.
On Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., the Port Hope Young Professionals group is hosting a trivia night at The Thirsty Goose (63 Walton St., Port Hope). There will be a cash prize for the winning team.
On Friday at 11 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber is hosting “Coffee Break with David Piccini” at the Port Hope Town Hall Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope). This event, open only to Chamber members, offers an opportunity to talk business with Northumberland-Peterborough MPP South David Piccini.
For more information about these events and to register, visit porthopechamber.chambermaster.com/events.
Disability and accessibility in the workplace information session in Lindsay on October 29
In collaboration with the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce and My Lindsay Downtown, the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council is hosting “Employer Education Series – Disability & Accessibility Information Session” from 8 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29 at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindsay (134 Angeline St. S., Lindsay).
Guest speaker Barbara Condie, accessibility coordinator with the City of Kawartha Lakes, will be sharing best practices for employers to navigate the issue of disability and accessibility in the workplace. Condie has extensive experience with research and resource information, development of policies, corporate procedures, and communications pertaining to disability and accessibility.
For those who are unable to attend person, you will have the opportunity to attend this event via webinar upon registration. Register for this free event at eventbrite.ca/e/employer-education-series-disability-accessibility-information-session-tickets-71529545797
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
