This edition of businessNOW is about putting down roots — and the ways local businesses and organizations are investing in the people and places around them.
From an East City mural that celebrates Peterborough’s past and future to entrepreneurs taking on familiar businesses and a Lakefield studio finding a permanent home, these stories reflect a shared confidence in our communities.
We also celebrate organizations creating opportunity and connection, from the Peterborough Community Farm’s support for new and growing farm enterprises to Community Futures Peterborough’s largest-ever Starter Company Plus cohort and the United Way’s new Certified Neighbour collection of clothing and other gear.
Whether they are marking a milestone, opening a new chapter, supporting local causes, or helping others build something of their own, this month’s businesses and organizations are contributing to communities that are stronger, more connected, and built to last.
To be included in a future businessNOW column, please send your business announcements, milestones, and story ideas directly to me at business@kawarthanow.com.
Studio 652 to move to downtown Lakefield this October
Dana Longhurst, founder of Studio 652, is preparing to move her movement studio into a permanent home at 55 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield, with plans to open during the first week of October.
The business began as a pop-up at Stony Lake Furniture Co. at 1 Stanley Street in Lakefield in December 2025. Before Longhurst took on a space of her own, Stony Lake Furniture Co founder Lisa Besseling made room for her to test the concept, build a following, build awareness in the community, and create a local following.
It is a meaningful example of women entrepreneurs supporting one another in practical ways: offering not only encouragement, but the time, visibility, and physical space a new venture needs to find its footing. Longhurst says Studio 652’s new location will allow for an expanded schedule, new classes and programs, and additional instructors – turning a promising pop-up into an independent downtown business.
For more information, visit studio652.ca.
La Hacienda in downtown Peterborough receives Mexican culinary recognition in Ottawa
Congratulations to Peterborough’s La Hacienda, which has received the Sello M recognition for authentic Mexican cuisine abroad.
The award was presented by Mexican Ambassador to Canada Carlos Manuel Joaquín González during a celebration of Mexico’s 216th Independence Day anniversary at the ambassador’s Ottawa residence.
Presented through Mexican embassies and consulates by Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Academy of Gastronomy, Sello M recognizes establishments committed to preserving and promoting authentic Mexican ingredients, techniques, traditions, and culture.
The honour reflects La Hacienda founder and owner Sandra Arciniega’s 24 years of dedication to her restaurant, along with the work of its team and support of its loyal customers.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned downtown Peterborough restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine based on family recipes, with an adjacent Mercado market retail location offering Mexican products. It is located at 190 Hunter Street West.
For more information, visit www.lahaciendaptbo.com/ or call 705-742-1559.
Heritage Wealth Services funds East City mural celebrating Peterborough’s past and future
You’ve likely seen it in person or on social media. A new mural at Heritage Wealth Services’ office at 61 Hunter Street East — the former location of Kelcey’s Nutrition Centre — is bringing a colourful reflection of Peterborough’s history, community roots, and family legacies to East City.
Entirely funded by Heritage Wealth Services and painted by local artist John Leacy, the mural was developed collaboratively with the firm’s team to reflect its tagline: “Built on Heritage, Guided for Generations.” Ashburnham Realty, owner of the building, is supportive of the project.
Rather than using the prominent exterior wall simply as advertising, the firm wanted to create something meaningful that reflected its personal and professional ties to Peterborough.
The design includes recognizable local landmarks, including the Hunter Street Bridge, Quaker Oats, Mark Street United Church, and Bellevue, the historic Burnham Street home with longstanding connections to the Horton family. A large tree anchors the right side of the mural. Its deep roots represent the trusted client relationships and solid financial foundations Heritage Wealth Services works to build, while its branches symbolize growth, family, and future generations.
Beneath the tree are Brian and Brock Horton. Brian founded Heritage Wealth Services and now works alongside Brock as part of a long-term succession plan — a story that mirrors the firm’s work with clients on estate planning, succession, and passing along both wealth and values.
The mural is a thoughtful addition to East City, looking back at Peterborough’s heritage while celebrating the generations still to come.
To contact Heritage Wealth Services, call 705-313-4298.
Green tourism discussion will spotlight practical strategies for local operators
Tourism businesses across the Kawarthas are being invited to learn how sustainability can strengthen both their operations and visitor experiences during an upcoming online discussion presented by Green Economy Peterborough.
“Growing Your Business with Green Tourism Strategies” takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, featuring Hillary Flood of Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8), Lindy Finlan of 4th Line Theatre, and Greg Elmhirst of Elmhirst’s Resort.
They will share practical examples of sustainable tourism in action, from regional planning and environmentally staged theatre to solar energy, biomass heating, farm-to-table food, and waste-reduction initiatives.
It is a timely conversation for an industry increasingly recognizing that protecting the landscapes visitors come to enjoy is also good business. Together, the three organizations show what green tourism can look like at different scales: a regional body setting standards, a cultural institution rooted in land stewardship, and a hospitality business proving environmental responsibility and great guest experience aren’t at odds.
4th Line Theatre and RTO8 are members of Green Economy Peterborough, a GreenUP program and business network that supports local organizations in reducing their environmental impact.
Register for the free webinar at greentourism26webinar.eventbrite.ca.
Community Counselling and Resource Centre celebrates 70 years of helping people move forward
Congratulations to Community Counselling and Resource Centre (CCRC) on 70 years of supporting people across Peterborough and the surrounding region.
The organization’s anniversary was July 3, marking seven decades since the founding of its predecessor the Catholic Social Service Bureau by local volunteers, community leaders, and clergy.
From its home at 540 George Street North, CCRC helps people facing housing insecurity, trauma, grief, relationship stress, and other life challenges find practical support and a way forward. Congratulations to executive director Kirsten Armbrust, the CCRC team, board members, volunteers, donors, and community partners on this important milestone.
CCRC will celebrate the milestone with an October 16 fundraiser at The Canadian Canoe Museum called “Music Through the Decades,” featuring a cocktail party with a cash bar, a performance by Jeanne Truax, and access to the museum exhibits.
The event will support CCRC’s work providing free housing-support services in the Peterborough region and low or no-cost professional counselling for individuals and families in Peterborough and Northumberland.
Tickets are $70. For more information and tickets, visit www.ccrc-ptbo.com/fallevent/, where you can also find out how to purchase tickets for CCRC’s 70th anniversary 50/50 raffle.
United Way Peterborough & District opens online shop for “Certified Neighbour” collection
After introducing the “Certified Neighbour” theme during its 2026-27 campaign launch on September 17, United Way Peterborough & District has opened its new online store, offering branded hoodies, shirts, hats, and other gear inspired by this year’s community campaign.
Every purchase supports United Way’s work to address local needs and build a stronger, more connected community. Orders can be shipped through Canada Post or Purolator, with local pickup available at Ricart OnDemand at 259 Lansdowne Street East in Peterborough.
The new collection offers an easy way for supporters to show their community pride while helping advance the United Way’s 2026-27 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $1.585 million.
You can browse and shop the Certified Neighbours collection at united-way-ptbo.ricartondemand.com.
Farms at Work launches Peterborough Community Farm to help grow local farm enterprises
Farms at Work will celebrate the launch of the Peterborough Community Farm on Saturday, October 3, with a public gathering at 1576 Matchett Line in Otonabee-South Monaghan.
Designed as a hub for education, resources, land access, and food-security initiatives, the Community Farm will support new and establishing farm enterprises while also creating opportunities for community members and local groups to connect with local agriculture.
The launch takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., rain or shine, and will include welcome remarks, presentations from supporters and funders, an introduction to the family farm operating at the property, and an invitation to visit the Community Farm fields. Light refreshments and time to meet those involved will follow.
Registration is requested at farmsatwork.ca/community-farm-launch-2026/. As the property is an active farm and farm business, guests are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.
On a related note, 100 Women Peterborough recently donated over $10,000 to Farms at Work to support the development of the Peterborough Community Farm.
Community Futures Peterborough celebrates its largest-ever Starter Company Plus cohort
Congratulations to the 23 entrepreneurs selected for Community Futures Peterborough’s fall 2026 Starter Company Plus program — the largest cohort yet for the regional entrepreneurial-training initiative.
Chosen from nearly 90 applicants, the cohort includes businesses from the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake First Nation, representing everything from food, retail, and creative enterprises to pet care, trades, wellness, and professional services.
Over six weeks, participants will receive workshops, one-on-one guidance, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to up to $5,000 in grant funding upon successful completion.
It is an encouraging sign of the ambition and diversity within our local business community. Congratulations as well to Community Futures Peterborough and its Business Advisory Centre for helping these entrepreneurs turn strong ideas into sustainable local businesses.
For more information about the Starter Company Plus program and the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough, visit cfpeterborough.ca.
Morgana Lavezzari assumes ownership of KitCoffee in downtown Peterborough
Morgana Lavezzari is the new owner of KitCoffee in downtown Peterborough, taking over from founder Helen McCarthy after five years of working with her at the café and helping to run the business.
McCarthy, who opened KitCoffee in 2019, announced earlier in September that she has not been able to give the business the attention it needs and would be stepping away after her final shift on September 20.
In announcing the transition, she described Lavezzari as a strong, competent, generous presence and said she is proud to leave the café in capable hands.
Other than changing the name to KitCafe, Morgana told kawarthaNOW she will keep “everything the same for now, bigger things to come in December. Our treats are still made in house by yours truly and I’m working on expanding our house made syrups.”
KitCafe is located at 144 Hunter Street West. For updates, visit www.instagram.com/kitcafeptbo/.
Sam’s Place marks 16 years in downtown Peterborough
Sam Sayer, owner of Sam’s Place at 188 Hunter Street West, is celebrating 16 years of serving up house-cured, smoked, and prepared-from-scratch “Samwiches” in downtown Peterborough.
Sixteen years ago, Sam’s former partner Dan Fitchko had one simple dream: a smoked meat sandwich worth lining up for. In 2010, that dream became Sam’s Place – “The best Dan deli in town”.
The deli grew from Dan’s dream and Sayer has carried that vision forward, crediting loyal customers, downtown neighbours, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism for helping make Sam’s Place a downtown staple.
Sam’s Place is located at 188 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, and is open Monday to Friday. For more information, including the menu, and to order online, visit www.samsplace.ca.
S.O.S. Save Our Soles marks 20 years in downtown Peterborough
Downtown Peterborough’s S.O.S. Save Our Soles celebrated its 20th anniversary on September 23, marking two decades of locally owned retail, distinctive footwear, and community connection on George Street North.
S.O.S. was opened in 2006 by Mike Watt and Shelby Leonard-Watt, who have built a family of well-known local retail brands that also includes Flavour Fashion, Providence, and Peterborough Northern Originals. Flavour Fashion, the couple’s longtime streetwear and sneaker shop, predates S.O.S., having begun in 1999.
Congratulations to Mike, Shelby, and their team on this milestone for one of downtown Peterborough’s enduring independent businesses.
For more information S.O.S. Save Our Soles and to shop online, visit www.shopsos.ca.
Modern Entrepreneur Experience returns to Peterborough with free workshops on October 20
Peterborough entrepreneurs and small business owners can explore storytelling, e-commerce, and the benefits of doing business locally when the Modern Entrepreneur Experience returns for its third year on Tuesday, October 20.
The free half-day event takes place at The Roy (formerly the El P Event Space) in downtown Peterborough during Small Business Week 2026.
Presented by the Business Advisory Centre and Community Futures Peterborough, with support from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), the event will feature three workshops, a catered lunch, networking opportunities, and prizes.
Participants can register for one or more workshops, choosing sessions that reflect their business needs and goals. The program focuses on practical approaches to building brands, connecting with customers, and growing businesses in a changing marketplace.
Keynote speaker Susan Tung, the entrepreneur behind Peterborough hospitality businesses Mei Mei, Hanoi House, and Electric City Catering, will explore how local roots can become a competitive advantage. Storyteller Megan Murphy will lead a session on using stories to strengthen customer connections, distinguish a business from its competitors, and create a memorable brand, and Solid Leather owner Jesse Bateson will focus on building an e-commerce business that supports an entrepreneur’s preferred lifestyle.
The event also offers opportunities for business owners to exchange ideas and learn from entrepreneurs who have built businesses in the region.
Free registration is available at eventbrite.ca/e/2000604201020. Don’t delay registering, as the previous two editions sold out.
Business briefs from City of Kawartha Lakes
Applications for the fall cohort of the Starter Company Plus program in the City of Kawartha Lakes are open until October 2. The provincially funded entrepreneurial program, administered in Kawartha Lakes by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre, offers training, mentorship, and grants of up to $5,000 for new and growing businesses. For more information and to apply, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/business-development/small-business-centre-sbc/starter-company-plus/.
In Bobcaygeon, work on the Bolton Street and Main Street bridges begins this fall to upgrade the heating system that protects the water and sewer pipes suspended along the sides of the bridges from freezing. Expect lane closures on both bridges through late November. Separately, Canal Street reconstruction is now expected to begin this fall and run into summer 2027.
People on the Move
Cassia Piper joins Peterborough DBIA team as operations assistant
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has welcomed Cassia Piper as its new operations assistant.
With a background in housing, community services, and local business, Cassia brings a practical, people-first approach to supporting the organization’s work and the downtown businesses it represents.
Cassia also understands the BIA world firsthand, having previously served as chair of the East City Village Business Improvement Area. Passionate about the people and connections that strengthen a community, she joins the DBIA team with a focus on helping create a welcoming, connected downtown where local businesses can succeed.
Upcoming Events – September 29 to October 16
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – Selwyn
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Lakefield-Smith Community Centre and Arena, 20 Concession Street, Lakefield
Cost: Free
Community Futures Peterborough continues its County Tour with a Selwyn stop offering aspiring entrepreneurs practical information about starting a business, available supports, financing, and local opportunities, followed by time to connect directly with Community Futures and County economic development staff.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998431086175
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Branding Your Small Business
Host: Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Creative designer Shevon Sigouin will lead this virtual workshop on why branding matters, what entrepreneurs can realistically handle themselves, and when it makes sense to hire a professional designer. The session is geared to both existing small businesses and entrepreneurs developing a new brand.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1999044398609
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Free AI Training for Business – Millbrook
Host: Peterborough County Economic Development and IntegrAlign Partners
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10, Millbrook
Cost: Free
The Local Advantage training series brings a full day of practical AI workshops to Millbrook, with separate sessions geared to Construction & Trades, Small Business Operations, Tourism & Hospitality, Health & Wellness, and Non-Profit & Community organizations. The workshops are designed for people without a technical background who want practical ways to start using AI in their work.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998263723589
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – Douro-Dummer
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Township of Douro-Dummer Municipal Office, 894 South Street, Warsaw
Cost: Free
The Peterborough County entrepreneurship tour moves to Douro-Dummer, giving people considering self-employment or starting a business access to startup information and representatives from Community Futures and County economic development.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998431180457
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101: “Launch Pad: Business Planning”
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Allison Adam will guide entrepreneurs through business planning and practical strategies for launching a new venture.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998752835536
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – IC Talks: Unfiltered
Host: Innovation Cluster
Time: Doors open and networking begin at 4:30 p.m.; talks begin at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Local innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, health-care leaders, educators, and business owners will share short talks on ideas and collaborations shaping the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Details and registration: innovationcluster.ca/ictalks
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Whiskey & Wingfest
Host: Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Victoria Park Armoury, 210 Kent Street West, Lindsay
Cost: $20 Whiskey & Wingfest dance only; $35 Whiskey & Wingfest full access
The Lindsay Chamber’s Whiskey & Wingfest combines local food, beverages, entertainment and community networking.
Details and registration: www.lindsaychamber.com/event-6771462
Monday, October 5, 2026 – Port Hope Mayoral Candidates Business Q&A
Host: Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope
Cost: Free; no registration required
Port Hope’s mayoral candidates will answer public questions with priority given to issues affecting the local business and economic climate, including economic development, support for local businesses, growth, investment, infrastructure and taxation.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Free AI Training for Businesses – Norwood
Host: Peterborough County Economic Development and IntegrAlign Partners
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, 88 Alma Street, Norwood
Cost: Free
The final scheduled stop in Peterborough County’s Local Advantage AI training series brings the five sector-specific sessions to Asphodel-Norwood.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998264196002
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Port Hope Ward 1 Councillor Candidates Business Q&A
Host: Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope
Cost: Free; no registration required
Ward 1 candidates will answer questions with priority given to economic development, local business support, growth, investment, infrastructure, taxation and the overall environment for businesses in Port Hope.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Artificial Intelligence Essentials for Organizations – Session Two
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and Trent University
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, 175 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: $315
This is the second session of the two-part AI Essentials program that began September 23. Participants have been developing an AI strategic plan between the two sessions, making this a more intensive organizational AI program rather than a general introductory workshop.
Details and registration: www.trentu.ca/careerspace/artificial-intelligence-ai-essentials-organizations
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Growing Your Business with Green Tourism Strategies
Host: GreenUP
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
This webinar focuses on using sustainability and green-tourism strategies to strengthen a tourism business. It is especially relevant to accommodation operators, attractions, tourism businesses, and organizations across Peterborough County and the broader Kawarthas tourism economy.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1999797054824
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Women’s Business Network of Peterborough: 65 Years of Giving Back
Host: Women’s Business Network of Peterborough
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Golf & Country Club, 1030 Armour Road, Peterborough
Cost: Free for members
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s October meeting focuses on how community involvement and supporting others can create connections and opportunities for businesses.
Details: wbnptbo.ca/event/oct2026/
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Port Hope Ward 2 Councillor Candidates Business Q&A
Host: Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Haute Goat Farm, 1166 5th Line, Port Hope
Cost: Free; no registration required
Ward 2 candidates will answer questions on the business and economic issues facing rural Port Hope, with economic development, local business, investment, infrastructure and taxation among the priority topics.
Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – Cavan Monaghan
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10, Millbrook
Cost: Free
The County Tour returns to Millbrook with startup guidance and direct access to Community Futures Peterborough and County economic-development representatives for prospective entrepreneurs and people in the early stages of developing a business.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998431333916
Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101: “Funding Fuel: Explore Funding and Financing”
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Braden Clark will lead this workshop that explores financing options and what lenders and investors look for when assessing a small-business opportunity.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998754373135
Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Hacked: What Every Founder Needs to Know Before It’s Too Late
Host: Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
This webinar focuses on cybersecurity risks facing founders and businesses and practical measures owners should consider before an incident occurs.
Details and registration: luma.com/hrflmeby
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street East, Havelock
Cost: Free
The entrepreneurship tour reaches Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, providing startup guidance and access to financing and business-support information for entrepreneurs in eastern Peterborough County.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998431538528
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101: Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Venture North, Everest Boardroom, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Braden Clark leads a practical session on understanding and forecasting cash flow, aimed at helping small-business owners better anticipate financial needs and make informed operating decisions.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998754695098
To submit your business news and events for businessNOW, email Jeannine Taylor at business@kawarthanow.com.
