Peterborough County is hitting the road once again with its economic development series for local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The county is bringing “The Local Advantage” series and its toolkit of resources to Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township later this month, after launching the series in Asphodel-Norwood Township on January 21 and expanding it to Cavan Monaghan Township on February 12.
The first session in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township runs on Monday, March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Stone Hall, located at 6713 Highway 7 east of Havelock. The monthly drop-in series, which will then run on the fourth Monday of every month, offers tailored support, expert advice, and “game-changing” resources directly to local businesses.
“Peterborough County is excited to expand our Local Advantage series to the busy township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen,” said Bonnie Clark, warden of Peterborough County, in a media release. “The diverse economy of this community blends established industries with new ventures and offers unique opportunities for tourism, agriculture, recreation, skilled trades, and more.”
“This monthly series has already connected entrepreneurs in the Townships of Asphodel-Norwood and Cavan Monaghan with the knowledge, connections, and resources to be successful and we are looking forward to connecting with the business community in Havelock. We look forward to continuing to expand this monthly Local Advantage series and other business services through our hub and spoke model across Peterborough County.”
Peterborough County describes the Local Advantage series as a growing movement and a collaborative initiative between the county and its townships that aims to support and help local businesses thrive. The series was initially launched after the county assumed responsibility for economic development and tourism from the now-defunct Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development organization.
With the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the Local Advantage series will also play a role in Peterborough County’s action plan to help mitigate the negative impacts of the tariffs on local businesses.
As part of the plan, which was approved by county council during its March 5 meeting, the county intends to partner with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce to host a series of roundtable talks during upcoming Local Advantage sessions to encourage local business owners to share how the tariffs are affecting their businesses and to identify what types of support would be helpful.
The county noted that the series has already helped connect entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, explore innovative strategies, and build vital relationships. Whether it’s a start-up business looking to build traction or an established business ready to expand, the sessions aim to deliver personalized support designed to help businesses take the next big step.
Participants meet one-on-one with specialists from Peterborough County’s economic development and tourism teams, Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, workforce development agencies, local economic development officers, and township leaders.
Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough County’s general manager of economic development, earlier shared with kawarthaNOW some of her aspirations for the series.
“The biggest hope is that Peterborough County businesses feel supported and know they have access to a team that wants to see them succeed,” Keenan said.
“If they have a question, are excited about an opportunity, or are facing a challenge that is impacting their business, they have a team that they can reach out to. The county wants local businesses to know what resources are available to them, and how these products and services can benefit them.”
Participants will gain insights and receive guidance based on their business needs, industry, and growth stage. Attendees can network with fellow entrepreneurs, share ideas, and spark collaborations “in a relaxed, welcoming environment,” the release noted.
“As mayor, I am proud to stand behind initiatives like The Local Advantage series to connect our entrepreneurs and established businesses with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities they need and deserve,” said Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen mayor Jim Martin.
“I believe The Local Advantage series will help to create more opportunities for our hardworking entrepreneurs and business people,” he added.
The Local Advantage is part of Peterborough County’s innovative “hub and spoke” model, ensuring every community within the county receives access to high-quality economic development support.
No registration is required to attend. Those interested can drop in and take advantage of the free resource.
The Local Advantage series is also hosted in Asphodel Norwood Township on the third Tuesday of each month at the Asphodel Norwood Community Centre, and in Cavan Monaghan Township on the second Wednesday of each month in the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre boardroom.
For more information on the series and for updates on future sessions, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/localadvantage.
