businessNOW – February 18, 2020

businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.

The week’s news features Peterborough biotech company Noblegen becoming a World Food Innovation Awards finalist for its plant-based whole egg replacement product, Rolls-Royce expanding its Canadian naval marine division in Peterborough, a new business incubator for startups launching in Kawartha Lakes, Tyler and Kassy Scott renovating and rebranding their downtown Peterborough restaurant as “Rare”, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.

New events added this week include Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 26th, the Brighton & Cramahe Chamber’s annual general meeting in Colborne on February 27th, the Peterborough Chamber’s networking event at Showplace in Peterborough on March 3rd, the Northumberland Chamber and Town of Cobourg’s 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala in Cobourg on March 6th, a business summit in Peterborough on March 11th, and the Trent Hills Chamber’s annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 12th.

Peterborough biotech company Noblegen is World Food Innovation Awards finalist for plant-based whole egg replacement product

Peterborough biotech company Noblegen Inc. is a finalist for the 2020 World Food Innovation Awards for the company’s plant-based whole egg replacement product named “the egg”, which has been nominated in the “Best food concept”, “Best ingredient innovation”, and “Best plant-based alternative” categories.

Noblegen’s first direct-to-consumer product, “the egg” is a vegan-friendly and cholesterol- and soy-free alternative to traditional chicken eggs. It is made from Euglena gracilis, a non-GMO microorganism.

Euglena protein is a complete plant-based, highly digestible protein, with a high amino acid score and a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 0.96. “the egg” contains six grams of plant-based protein per serving, equivalent to that of a chicken’s egg, but with significantly fewer calories and less fat per serving.

“We’ve been able to use it in so many different applications,” said Noblegen CEO and founder Adam Noble. “It has successfully replaced eggs in vegan pancakes, stratas, breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and even a chocolate cake. No other plant-based egg scramble can also be used to functionally replace chicken eggs in a cake — ‘the egg’ can.”

“the egg” is being launched exclusively through Eunite (pronounced “you-nite”), the food and ingredient brand for Noblegen established in 2019. All of Noblegen’s ingredients and food products will fall under the Eunite brand.

VIDEO: “How to Cook the egg”

“Our Eunite brand is all about uniting people and empowering them to be a part of and have input on what they eat,” Noble says. “It gives typical consumers a voice in creating a new food product that meets their daily needs. If you want to eat more sustainably, food products with the Eunite seal on them can help you do that.”

For a limited time only, “the egg” will be available in the continental U.S. in a tester form for early adopters to receive the product for only a small shipping cost. It will be sent to consumers interested in trying the product and offering input to Eunite as the company continues to develop later versions of the product.

The cost is $8.99 for a pouch, available exclusively through www.eunitefoods.com.

As for the 2020 World Food Innovation Awards, the winners in all 28 categories will be announced as part of a special ceremony at HRC in London, UK on Thursday, March 5th.

Rolls-Royce is expanding its Canadian naval marine division in Peterborough

Rolls-Royce is expanding its Canadian naval marine division, located at 597 The Queensway in Peterborough.

The company held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Centre of Excellence for Naval Handling equipment last Friday (February 14), attended by Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef and MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien and city councillor Stephen Wright, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development president and CEO Rhonda Keenan.

The expanded division is designing and manufacturing Rolls-Royce’s mission bay handling system, which can launch and recover naval vehicles and move containerised packages without the aid of a dockside crane. The multi-functional system can also be easily adapted to support custom operational requirements, such as humanitarian missions, by providing the space for medical facilities and aid supplies. The system enables efficient deployment and recovery of manned and unmanned crafts from both sides of a ship.

The mission bay handling system is a feature of the global combat ship design, selected for the Royal Canadian Navy’s 15 new Canadian Surface Combatant ships, as well as the Australian Hunter Class and UK Type 26 programs.

“This centre will harness and build upon the wealth of Canadian engineering and technological expertise we have at Rolls-Royce,” says Bruce Lennie, Roll-Royce vice president of business development and government affairs. “We look forward to growing our business in country, further developing our supply chain and enhancing our contributions to the Canadian economy.”

Best known to the public for its high-end vehicles, Rolls-Royce is a highly diversified technology company that also provides products for the civil aerospace, defence, and nuclear power industries. It employs more than 1,000 Canadians in five facilities in cities including Montreal, Ottawa, and Peterborough.

New business incubator for startups launches in Kawartha Lakes

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas and the City of Kawartha Lakes officially launched a new business incubator for entrepreneurs in the Kawartha Lakes last Tuesday (February 11), as part of a joint pilot project supported by Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation.

The new business incubator, located at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay, will provide startup businesses in Kawartha Lakes with necessary support, financial, and technical services.

A not-for-profit economic development organization, the Innovation Cluster launched its business incubator in downtown Peterborough in 2017. In 2018, the Innovation Cluster supported eight businesses in Kawartha Lakes, leading to the idea of expanding the concept into the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Tyler and Kassy Scott renovate and rebrand their downtown Peterborough restaurant as “Rare”

Tyler and Kassandra (Kassy) Scott recently renovated and rebranded their downtown Peterborough restaurant as “Rare”.

The couple purchased the former Rare Grill House, located at 166 Brock Street, from Brad and Katie Watt in September 2019. Tyler, who is Rare’s executive chef, was originally hired by Brad Watt as a sous chef in 2013.

The rebranding, which includes the new name and design, was completed by Pioneer Inc. with carpentry done by Lumbermen Carpentry.

Rare is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

For more information, visit rareexperience.ca.

Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas

Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:

• Owner Nancy Wiskel recently renovated Dan Joyce’s Classic Clothing in downtown Peterborough, complete with a new logo. After a week of renovations with a new design by Lakeshore Designs, the store at 87 Hunter Street West held its grand re-opening last Saturday (February 15).
• Peterborough-based independent game studio Bloom Digital Media will be releasing the first episode of its latest romance-related game, Later Daters, on April 16, 2020 on Steam, Itch.io, and Nintendo Switch. The game, a “visual novel” in several episodes, allows users to play as a senior and interact with eight characters in the community. Founded by Miriam Verburg, Bloom Digital Media released its GBTQ+ inclusive dating game LongStory on the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
• Mike Watt and Shelby Leonard-Watt, owners of Providence, S.O.S Save Our Soles, and Flavour Fashion in downtown Peterborough, are renting out the previous location of S.O.S. at 388 George Street North. For more information, email 218apartments@gmail.com.

Innovation Cluster hosts selling to government workshop in Peterborough on February 18

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Selling to Government” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at the Innovation Cluster’s third floor office at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough)

Gregory J. Stulen, a specialist in strategic communications and public policy transformation at PathwayGroup Inc., will share information on becoming a vendor of record, accessing existing funds, creating new funding streams, and generating opportunities through regulatory change.

There will be a catered lunch supplied to workshop attendees.

The workshop is free, but advance registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-selling-to-government-tickets-89786047485.

Peterborough Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on environmental due diligence and remediation in Peterborough on February 19

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch Box Learning: Real Estate Due Diligence – Your Environmental Toolbox” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th in the Chamber boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).

Presented by environmental firm Pinchin, the seminar focuses on environmental due diligence and remediation services such as environmental site assessments, building condition assessments, and asbestos, mould and air surveys.

The seminar is free to attend for Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.

Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts small business tax seminar in Lindsay on February 19

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a tax seminar for small business owners from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards sole proprietorship and incorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.

Register for this free seminar at eventbrite.ca/e/canada-revenue-agency-tax-seminar-for-small-business-tickets-92108931293

Kawartha Chamber holds annual general meeting in Lakefield on February 19

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its annual general meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th at The Village Inn (39 Queen St., Lakefield).

Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will feature highlights from 2019, networking, and light refreshments. Members will vote for the Chamber’s 2020-21 board and elect the executive. The 2018-19 annual report will be circulated before the meeting.

Trent Hills Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on WSIB in Campbellford on February 25

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “lunch ‘n’ learn” seminar on the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the boardroom at Team Eagle (10 Trent Dr., Campbellford).

Find out more about the program and how it can help your bottom line. Bring your own lunch and a refreshment to the meeting.

There is no fee to attend, however -registration is required in advance at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/lunch-n-learn-wsib-health-safety-excellence-program-4507.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on February 25

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).

Intended for entrepreneurs starting a new business, the session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre to build a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist

The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-session-tickets-91890871069.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 26

Due to popular demand, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting another “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).

The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a strong foundation in business planning and to explain the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Tools available for creating a business plan will be shared as well as top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.

The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-business-planning-tickets-94657385789.

Port Hope Chamber holds annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26

The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the Sculthorpe Theatre at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope).

Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will include a review of by-law changes and “Fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship”, a presentation by Lindsay Jeremiah, manager of entrepreneurship services at Durham College.

A light lunch will be served by Brandon Manor Bed & Breakfast.

To RSVP, contact the Chamber at admin@porthopechamber.com or 905-885-5519.

Brighton & Cramahe Chamber hold annual general meeting in Colborne on February 27

Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 27th at the Golden Rooster (5 Toronto St., Colborne).

The meeting will begin with breakfast and a guest speaker from Friends of Presqu’ile Park, followed by details from the Chamber’s new strategic plan.

Chamber members are encouraged to attend and others are welcome. The cost is $15 to cover the breakfast.

Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland presents “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27

Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), in partnership with local chambers, is presenting “Scale Up Your Business” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).

This practical seminar for existing businesses, presented by Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch, will cover topics including how to create a business vision, how to set 10-year goals, how to determine your core focus, how to create a simple marketing strategy, how to set financial targets, and more.

The cost is $20 plus HST. Advance registration is required at forms.northumberland.ca/BECN/Scale-Up-Your-Business-Seminar-Feb-27-2020.

Peterborough Chamber hosts networking event at Showplace in Peterborough on March 3

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).

PBX is for anyone in business looking to interact with other businesses, influencers, and community leaders. See what Showplace has to offer and take a tour of their facilities.

Everyone is invited to attend this event. Chamber members are welcome to bring a door prize for a plug at the podium.

Northumberland Chamber and Town of Cobourg host 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala in Cobourg on March 6

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are hosting the 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6th at Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).

The awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community. Gala attendees can network during cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony beginning at 6:45 p.m.

The cost is $90 per person plus HST. Purchase tickets online at nccofc.ca/events/details/2019-business-achievement-awards-2641 or by phone at 905-372-5831.

Peterborough Chamber and partners host business summit in Peterborough on March 11

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and RT08, is hosting “Business Summit 2020: Future Ready” from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough).

The half-day conference focused on strengthening business features author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Daniel Lewis as keynote speaker along with a series of workshops and a panel discussion.

The cost is $75, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at peterboroughchamber.ca.

Trent Hills Chamber holds annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 12

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).

The event features networking and light refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the annual general meeting, including a review of the Chamber events, activities, and programs that took place in 2019, at 6:30 p.m.

There is no cost for Chamber members to attend, but advance registration is required at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/annual-general-meeting-for-the-trent-hills-chamber-of-commerce-4505.

For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.