businessNOW is back!
I have always believed that strong local businesses are the foundation of strong communities. As publisher of kawarthaNOW, I see important business news happening every day across our region, but it is often scattered across social media, newsletters, websites, and other channels. Stories about new businesses, expansions, investments, leadership changes, awards, and events can be easy to miss.
That’s why I’m pleased to bring back businessNOW, a column we originally published from 2017 to 2021. Every second Monday, businessNOW will bring together important business news and events from Peterborough, Kawarthas Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands. We’ve also introduced “People on the Move,” recognizing career and leadership milestones. Sometimes I’ll share a “Publisher’s Pick,” which is a stand-out item that I believe deserve your special attention.
For 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching our regional business community grow and evolve. I hope businessNOW will help business owners, professionals, organizations, and community leaders stay informed, connected, and inspired to support our regional economy.
Thank you for reading. Please send your business announcements, milestones, and story ideas directly to me at business@kawarthanow.com.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio returning to its roots at 208 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough
I’ll admit my bias right from the beginning: I am a big fan of Sweet Fern Floral Studio. From its beautiful and creative floral designs to the warmth and care shown to customers, Sweet Fern is a wonderful example of what a creative, customer-focused, independent local business brings to our downtown. I was genuinely delighted to learn that owner and lead designer Angela “Ang” McDonald is preparing to grow the business again.
Sweet Fern will move from its current studio at 387 Water Street to a larger space at 208 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough in October. While the move will give Ang and her team the additional room they have needed for some time, it is also a deeply personal homecoming.
When Ang was six years old, her parents purchased a flower shop at 208 Charlotte Street. They operated it for 22 years, building it into one of Peterborough’s most successful flower shops. Ang spent much of her childhood there, learning the floral business, meeting customers, and watching her mother and staff create lasting connections while caring for people during some of the most important moments in their lives.
Ang carried those lessons into Sweet Fern. What began with Ang and her mother creating planters during the pandemic grew into a full-time home-based business. She opened Sweet Fern’s Water Street retail studio in 2024, offering pre-made and custom floral arrangements, bouquets, wedding and event florals, subscriptions, home décor, locally made art, and gifts. The studio uses locally grown flowers whenever possible and offers in-store shopping, pickup, and local delivery.
For Ang, flowers have always been about much more than what goes into a vase. They are about connection — celebrating someone, offering comfort, expressing gratitude, or reminding someone they matter. That philosophy is evident in everything Sweet Fern does and is one of the reasons I have become such a fan of the business.
Seeing Sweet Fern return to the very place where Ang’s story with flowers began feels wonderfully full circle. It is also exactly the kind of local business growth I love to see in downtown Peterborough: an independent entrepreneur building on deep community roots while creating something distinctly her own. I can’t wait to see Ang and the Sweet Fern team blooming in their new Charlotte Street home this October.
For more information, visit sweetfernfloralstudio.com and check out our December 2025 profile of Ang and Sweet Fern.
Peterborough’s Brant Basics enters a new chapter under Office Central
Brant Basics has moved from its longtime downtown Peterborough location to 701 The Queensway, but new owner Office Central is keeping the familiar local name.
Office Central acquired Brant Basics from the Cox family on June 30, 2023. The Richmond Hill-based company is owned by Trevor Katz and his two brothers and, like Brant Basics, has deep roots as a Canadian family business.
“We thought it was really important to maintain the presence within Peterborough and maintain the name of Brant Basics because it’s a well-known name in that city,” Katz told kawarthaNOW. “Why change it?”
Katz said keeping the business Canadian was also important.
“We didn’t want Brant Basics to be sold to a U.S. company,” he said.
The move to The Queensway gives the company a smaller, brighter, one-floor location with free parking. Katz said all local staff remain in place, including sales, delivery, purchasing, logistics, and retail employees.
Brant Basics has also expanded its product mix to include more education, arts and crafts, toys and higher-end stationery, with brands including Crayola and LEGO.
The company’s website has been expanded as well, with Katz estimating customers can now access around half a million products.
For Katz, the fit between the two companies goes beyond products.
“At the end of the day, the philosophies are the same,” he said. “We’re a family business. They were a family business.”
For more information about Brant Basics, visit www.brantbasics.com.
The Little Frozen Yogurt Company in Douro-Dummer expands with The Little Mini Golf Co.
The Little Mini Golf Co. celebrated its grand opening on August 6 at 17 Indacom Drive in Douro-Dummer. The new 18-hole miniature golf course is inspired by the history, landmarks, and natural beauty of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, with features recognizing local icons including the Peterborough Lift Lock and the historic 1885 Douro dynamite explosion.
Owned by Sean Harris and A.J. Sainsbury, the attraction is the newest addition to The Little Frozen Yogurt Company and was created as an outdoor destination for local families and visitors.
The opening ceremony included remarks from Harris, Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Selwyn deputy mayor Ron Black, Douro-Dummer mayor Heather Watson, and Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard, followed by a ribbon cutting and complimentary rounds of mini golf.
For more information about the Little Mini Golf Co., visit minigolfco.ca.
Oogeema Ganoo (Mitchel Jerome) opens Indigenous mini-market in downtown Peterborough
Indigenous artist and entrepreneur Mitchel Jerome has opened Oogeema Ganoo, an Indigenous mini-market and custom clothing shop at 410 Chambers Street in downtown Peterborough.
Oogeema Ganoo is Jerome’s Indigenous name, which means Chief Golden Eagle.
The store features Jerome’s Oogeema Ganoo clothing brand and provides space for Indigenous artists to showcase and sell their work.
Plans for the storefront also include arts and crafts workshops. Store hours and updates are available on the Oogeema Ganoo Facebook page at facebook.com/OogeemaGanoo/
The Neighbourhood Vintage moves into Watson & Lou and Take Cover Books moves into The Neighbourhood Vintage
The Neighbourhood Vintage will officially move into Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough on Tuesday, September 1.
The collaboration brings together Jacquelyn Craft’s curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories with the locally made art, handcrafted goods, ceramics, stationery, jewellery, and gifts offered by Katie Küntz’s Watson & Lou.
The two owners share a commitment to supporting local creativity, sustainable shopping, and community-building.
The businesses will celebrate the collaboration during September First Friday on September 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors can explore the expanded shop, meet the owners, and browse the latest collections. Follow @watsonandlou and @theneighbourhoodvintage on social media for updates.
Meanwhile, the final day of Take Cover Books at its East City location at 59 Hunter Street East was Sunday, August 30. The bookstore, owned by brothers Sean and Andrew Fitzpatrick, is moving into The Neighbourhood Vintage’s former space at 391 Water Street, where it will reopen on Friday, September 4. For more information, visit takecoverbooks.ca.
Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub opening in former Jethro’s Bar + Stage location in downtown Peterborough
Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub will soon be opening at 137 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, in the space formerly occupied by Jethro’s Bar + Stage.
Like its predecessor, the new venue aims to provide a stage for local and visiting musicians while offering a welcoming place for people to gather. Along with live music, Eldorado plans to host pub quizzes, sports screenings, seasonal celebrations, and other special events.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, the pub will offer premium Canadian beer on tap, craft beer, cocktails, cold beverages, and bar snacks.
For more information and updates on an opening date, visit www.eldoradoliveptbo.com.
Two Tails Bakery launches homemade pet treats in Peterborough
Peterborough entrepreneur Nicole Grady officially launched Two Tails Bakery in July. The home-based business produces small-batch dog and cat treats using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Its introductory collection includes peanut butter-flavoured Two Tails Signature Biscuits, Cheddar Crunchies for smaller dogs and training, 100 per cent sweet potato chews, and Salmon Nibblers for cats.
Grady’s dog Toby and Milo the cat serve as the bakery’s official “quality-control department.”
Grady plans to introduce Two Tails Bakery at local events while growing the business’s online presence throughout the Peterborough area. Products and more information are available through the Two Tails Bakery online store at twotailsbakery.myshopify.com and on Instagram at @twotailsbakeryptbo.
Shoreline Furniture Co. celebrates 10 years in Apsley
One of the businesses that always catches my attention when I drive into Apsley is Shoreline Furniture Co.
Located beside Tucker’s Marine, the store has a prominent “Shop Local” theme sign outside — a welcome reminder of the importance of supporting the independent businesses that help cottage-country communities thrive.
This year, Shoreline Furniture Co. celebrated 10 years in business. Owner Jessica Tucker was recognized for the milestone with certificates presented by North Kawartha mayor Carolyn Amyotte and Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark.
Tucker has built Shoreline Furniture Co. into a destination for residents, seasonal residents, and visitors looking for furniture, unique décor, artwork, home accents, kitchenware, and thoughtful gifts. The store’s carefully selected products help customers bring a little cottage-country style into their homes.
When I spoke with Tucker, she credited North Kawartha’s seasonal residents for making a point of shopping locally and supporting area businesses. Their loyalty has helped Shoreline Furniture Co. grow and succeed over the past decade.
As a retailer who relies on a seasonal economy, has survived the pandemic, and has raised her young family while growing a business, Tucker’s emphasis on supporting local cannot be overlooked.
“We all need to emphasize the importance of supporting local,” Tucker says. “It’s important to keep our local businesses open for the community.”
Congratulations to Tucker and her team on 10 years in business, and for continuing to remind everyone who drives by that shopping locally makes a real difference.
Visit the Shoreline Furniture Co. website at shorelinefurnitureco.ca for more information.
Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress celebrates 100 years in business with locations in Campbellford, Peterborough, and Kingston
Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress celebrated its centennial with community recognition ceremonies at its Peterborough and Campbellford locations on August 11 and 12.
Founded as a single-family business in Campbellford in 1926, Bennett’s has since grown into a trusted regional retailer serving communities across eastern Ontario, with the Peterborough store opening in 1999 and the Kingston location in 2019.
The anniversary celebrations brought together elected officials, community leaders, charitable organizations, business partners, customers, and friends to recognize the company’s 100 years of service, community involvement, and lasting local relationships.
For more information on Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress, visit www.bennetts.ca.
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio celebrates 15 years in downtown Peterborough
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio celebrated 15 years in business on August 20, marking a milestone for the locally owned downtown Peterborough business founded by Shannon Gray.
Sugar Me Right! opened as Peterborough’s first dedicated sugaring spa at a time when professional body sugaring was relatively unfamiliar in the local market. Since then, the award-winning studio has welcomed more than 5,000 clients, trained beauty professionals, and helped establish sugaring as a growing part of Peterborough’s beauty industry.
The anniversary celebration brought together elected officials, community leaders, and representatives of Peterborough’s business community. Mayor Jeff Leal presented Gray with an official 15th anniversary certificate recognizing the studio’s contribution to downtown Peterborough.
For more information on Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, visit sugarmeright.ca.
Six student entrepreneurs graduate from Community Futures Peterborough’s Summer Company program
Six Peterborough-area students graduated from the provincially funded Summer Company program during an August 26 ceremony and tradeshow hosted by Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre at Venture North in downtown Peterborough.
The graduates were Aiden Budd of Dock to Driveway Detailing in Peterborough, Zander Bromley of Clearview in Peterborough, Caleb Galbraith of Joy Collectibles 3D in Lakefield, Emma George-Peters of Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care in Peterborough, Rutger Huntley of Peak Beach Volleyball in Millbrook, Rielle MacDougall of Lake Safe Swim Lessons in Peterborough.
Each student received business training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in funding to launch and operate a business over the summer. All six expressed an interest in continuing their entrepreneurial journeys.
People on the Move
Jason Seguya appointed CEO of United Way Peterborough & District
Jason Seguya has been appointed chief executive officer of United Way Peterborough & District. He began the role on July 6, succeeding Jim Russell, who retired after leading the organization for almost 15 years.
Seguya brings experience in non-profit leadership, governance, human resources, communications, and community engagement. He previously served as executive director of The Fulcrum Publishing Society and Ontario Student Voices and as director of human resources for the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce.
Briar Sutherland promoted at Art Gallery of Peterborough
Briar Sutherland has been promoted to Curatorial Coordinator – Public Gallery and Contemporary Collections at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP). She previously served as the gallery’s communications and volunteer coordinator.
Sutherland has worked with the AGP for more than 13 years, contributing to exhibition installation, collections management, visitor services, communications, operations, and volunteer coordination. She holds an honours degree in art history with a fine art studio minor from York University and a postgraduate certificate in museum management and curatorship from Fleming College. Read the full AGP announcement.
Ryan Barnett appointed creative director of ReFrame Film Festival
Ryan Barnett has been appointed creative director of Peterborough’s ReFrame Film Festival following a three-month national search.
He succeeds Eryn Lidster, who stepped down after three years in the role.
Barnett is an interdisciplinary curator, producer, writer, and documentary storyteller with experience in public programming and cultural engagement. He is the founder of Knockabout Media, which produces podcasts, books, and other non-fiction projects about Canadian culture and history. Barnett holds a master’s degree in film studies from Concordia University’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema.
Kelly Jessup promoted at Trent University
Kelly Jessup has been promoted to assistant director of recruitment marketing and communications at Trent University. She previously served as the university’s manager of recruitment communications and marketing.
Before joining Trent, Jessup spent almost 15 years promoting Peterborough and the Kawarthas to visitors, businesses, and investors through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. Her experience includes destination marketing, strategic communications, place branding, partnership development, and community engagement. View Jessup’s profile on LinkedIn.
Rizzan Delos Santos becomes interim executive director of Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce
The board of directors of the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce announced on August 27 that Rizzan Delos Santos has been appointed interim executive director of the organization. A digital entrepreneur, she is a former secretary of the board and the current president of the Lindsay Rotary Club.
Santos takes over the role from Terry Guiel, who has served as the Chamber’s executive director for almost three years. The board’s statement does not mention Guiel or the reason for his departure. Guiel began in the role in November 2023 just weeks after resigning as executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – Rural Ontario Development Business Stream Webinar
Host: Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs
Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
An information session for small rural Ontario businesses interested in the Rural Ontario Development Business Stream.
Details and registration: www.ontario.ca/page/rural-ontario-development-program#section-5
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – September TBX with the Rotary Club of Peterborough
Host: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Riverview Park & Zoo, Peterborough
Cost: Free
The September edition of TBX – The Business Exchange brings together business owners, professionals and community leaders for informal networking and an introduction to the host organization.
Details and registration: web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – September Chamber AM with Senior Helpers and Nepal Hills Tea
Host: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Location: Senior Helpers of Peterborough, 72-320 Water Street, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Chamber AM is the Chamber’s recurring morning networking series, giving local businesspeople an opportunity to make connections, learn about the host businesses and network before the workday.
Details and registration: web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – City Express by Marriott Port Hope Grand Opening
Host: City Express by Marriott Port Hope and the Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Location: 2211 County Road 28, Port Hope
Cost: Free
The event celebrates the opening of Canada’s first City Express by Marriott Hotel. It will include a ribbon cutting, refreshments, hotel tours and opportunities to meet members of the local team and Marriott representatives.
Details and registration: business.porthopechamber.com/events/
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – AI Foundations for Safe, Productive Use Webinar
Host: Workforce Development Board with Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce and Muskoka-Kawartha Employment Services
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
This webinar introduce core AI concepts, such as generative AI and large language models, while highlighting practical, low-risk use cases that organizations can adopt right away. Participants will learn how to apply AI safely to at least two everyday workflows, such as meeting summaries, email drafting, or document briefings using non-sensitive content.
Details and registration: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1994074527591
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Trent Lakes
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Municipality of Trent Lakes Municipal Office (760 County Road 36, Bobcaygeon,
Cost: Free
Community Futures Peterborough is coming to Peterborough County municipalities this fall to get to know the entrepreneurs in the county. Learn what steps to consider when thinking of starting a business, followed by open house style networking. Representatives from Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss local business support programs and opportunities.
Details and registration: wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E352237QE&id=71
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – United Way 2026 Community Campaign Launch
Host: United Way Peterborough & District
Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough
Cost: $30
Presented by Miskin Law, the official launch of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 Community Campaign will bring community and business leaders together for lunch, an opportunity to connect with fellow Certified Neighbours and the reveal of the campaign’s fundraising goal. The launch is part of United Way’s 85th anniversary year.
Details and registration: wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E352237QE&id=71
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Business Plan Forecasting with Scotiabank
Host: Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre and Launch Kawartha
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Launch Kawartha, 165 Kent Street West, Suite 302, Lindsay
Cost: Free
Join Scotiabank for a workshop designed to demystify the financial forecasting process and help entrepreneurs build confidence in their numbers. Scotiabank experts will walk participants through the key components of a strong business plan, with a special focus on developing practical, accurate financial forecasts. You’ll learn how to estimate revenues and expenses, understand cash flow, identify key financial assumptions, and create projections that support your business goals.
Details and registration: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1995465548171
Monday, September 21, 2026 – Small Business Energy Efficiency Demonstration with GreenUP
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, 175 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Learn how to identify energy inefficiencies and uncover cost-saving opportunities in your building in this hands-on walk-through from GreenUP Energy Advisor Clara Blakelock.
Details and registration: web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – ONWARD: Women & Money – Economic Security in Uncertain Times
Host: ONWARD and Maryam Monsef with Kawartha Financial Services, Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, kawarthaNOW, BDC, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, Baker Tilly
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Cost: $45.14
Focusing on economic security in uncertain times, this four-hour event will explore financial challenges affecting women, including the pay gap, the motherhood penalty, access to care including child care, and access to capital for business startups and expansion.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/onward-women-money-tickets-1993932257056
To submit your business news and events for businessNOW, email jeannine at business@kawarthanow.com.
