With Peterborough County poised to deliver economic development and tourism services in the new year, local business owners, entrepreneurs, and other community members are invited to a “meet the team” open house event at the county’s newly launched business information hub in Lakefield from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday (October 21).
The new hub, located in the historic former post office building at 12 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield, is a collaboration between the county, Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre, and Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
During the open house, held in celebration of Small Business Week, attendees can tour the new location, connect with representatives from Community Futures and the chamber, and meet the county’s economic development and tourism team: general manager of economic development Rhonda Keenan, manager of community development Sarah Budd, and general manager of tourism and communications Tracie Bertrand.
According to a media release from the county, the new information hub will provide access for businesses in the Kawarthas seeking mentorship, funding assistance, and strategic guidance.
“The collective expertise of the county’s economic development and tourism team, Community Futures loans and advisory teams, and the chamber will ensure that businesses have the support they need to navigate their current challenges and seize new opportunities,” the release states.
The launch of the new hub comes in advance of the dissolution of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) at the end of the year. The not-for-profit economic development provided both economic development and tourism services on behalf of the city and county of Peterborough for the past 25 years, until the city and county decided not to renew a tri-party funding agreement with the organization earlier this year.
Following that decision, Community Futures Peterborough — which provides small business financing and business programs — assumed responsibility for the provincially funded Business Advisory Centre, which provides support for small businesses with operational support from the city and county of Peterborough.
The county recently hired Keenan, who was previously president and CEO of PKED, along with Budd, former chamber president and CEO, to join Bertrand and form the county’s new economic development and tourism team.
The new hub will support local businesses in all eight lower-tier townships in the county, as well as two First Nations, with the assistance of Community Futures and the chamber.
“This is more than just a change in services — it’s a commitment to our community,” said Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark in the media release. “Peterborough County is committed to creating an environment where local businesses can succeed. This information hub symbolizes our dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of their journey.”
“Small businesses continue to be a key driver of jobs and economic growth in Peterborough County and throughout our communities,” added Community Futures executive director Devon Girard. “Our expansion to the Lakefield office provides area entrepreneurs and those looking to start a business face-to-face advisory and lending services closer to home.”
“By expanding with a Lakefield office, we are furthering our commitment to supporting our members and the business community in the county,” said chamber interim CEO Gail Moorehouse.
Peterborough County CAO Sheridan Graham said the collective goal of the county, Community Futures, and the chamber is to provide local businesses with the resources they need to succeed.
“We are not just providing services, we are investing in the future of this community, ensuring that every business has the tailored support that reflects the character and spirit of The Kawarthas,” she said.
