Small businesses across Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas will be in the spotlight from October 19 to 25 as local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce mark Small Business Week with workshops, networking, and celebrations.
Organized nationally by the Business Development Bank of Canada since 1979, Small Business Week brings together entrepreneurs each October to learn, make connections, and celebrate the contributions of small businesses to their communities and the Canadian economy.
Across Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, this year’s programming ranges from workshops about artificial intelligence, cash flow, business succession, and storytelling to networking opportunities, annual general meetings, and business awards.
Here are some of the Small Business Week events happening in the greater Kawarthas region.
Monday, October 19
From Startup to Succession – 4 to 6 p.m.
Canadian Canoe Museum (2077 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough)
Kawartha Financial Services senior strategist John Kehoe will lead a free discussion about financial considerations throughout the business lifecycle, from launching and growing a company to preparing for succession. The session will look at how financial planning can help entrepreneurs build, manage, and protect their wealth. Details are available at kawarthacu.com/events.
Small Business Week Kick-Off – 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Gordon Yacht Harbour Marina (81 Front St. E., Bobcaygeon)
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre kicks off Small Business Week with an evening of food, trivia, conversation, and connections among local entrepreneurs and business owners. The event includes a sandwich and salad dinner from a local business, trivia, networking, and a surprise announcement from the Small Business Centre. Registration is required at eventbrite.ca/e/small-business-week-kick-off-tickets-2003001680947.
Tuesday, October 20
AI for Retail: Work Smarter, Market Better & Get Holiday Ready – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg)
The Town of Cobourg’s Economic Development Department is hosting a hands-on workshop with AI strategist and educator Sofie Andreou aimed at retailers preparing for the holiday season. Participants will use AI to develop social media posts, promotional emails, product descriptions, campaign themes, and other marketing material while learning how to maintain their business’s brand voice and protect sensitive information. Participants should bring a laptop. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/ai-for-retail-work-smarter-market-better-get-holiday-ready-tickets-1999397624116.
The Modern Entrepreneur Experience – 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Roy (380 George St. N., Peterborough)
Community Futures Peterborough and its Business Advisory Centre are bringing back their twice-sold-out Modern Entrepreneur Experience for a third year. The free choose-your-own-adventure event features three workshops, a catered lunch, and networking, with participants able to attend individual sessions or the full program.
Peterborough storyteller, actor, filmmaker, and broadcaster Megan Murphy will lead a session on using storytelling to build connection and make a business memorable. Jesse Bateson, who operates Solid Leather, will share lessons from building an e-commerce business around the lifestyle he wants. Peterborough entrepreneur Susan Tung, whose businesses have included Mei Mei, Hanoi House, and Electric City Catering, will deliver a keynote on turning being local into a competitive advantage.
Murphy’s session runs from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., followed by lunch, networking, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem panel from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bateson’s workshop runs from 1 to 1:45 p.m., with Tung’s keynote beginning at 2 p.m. While the event is again sold out, you can join the waitlist at eventbrite.ca/e/2000604201020.
Planning Your Exit with Succession Ontario – 11 a.m. to noon
Online
Entrepreneurs thinking about eventually selling their business, passing it to family, or transferring ownership to employees can join a free webinar led by Sarah Gobeil of Succession Ontario. The session will cover when succession planning should begin, different ownership-transfer options, and steps entrepreneurs can take to prepare a business for its next owner. Register at eventbrite.com/e/planning-your-exit-with-succession-ontario-tickets-2002576802123.
Record Keeping Essentials: Keeping Your Business on Track – 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Online
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland is hosting a free workshop with business advisor and entrepreneur Carey McMaster of TRAICON on the fundamentals of record keeping. Topics include recording business income and expenses, GST/HST and payroll obligations, common business expenses, separating business and personal finances, and using well-organized financial information to make better business decisions and meet Canada Revenue Agency requirements. Details and registration are available at becn.ca/seminars-workshops-and-conferences.
Wednesday, October 21
Workday Upgrade: Small Business Week Edition – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Unit 102, Peterborough)
The Innovation Cluster is opening its downtown Peterborough workspace to local entrepreneurs, professionals, and small business owners for a free day of coworking during Small Business Week. Participants can use hot desks, high-top tables, and shared work areas, with coffee and light snacks provided, while learning more about the Innovation Cluster’s workspace and membership options. Space is limited, registration is required, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at luma.com/9fv49oxx.
How to Build a More Resilient Business – noon to 1 p.m.
Online
The Innovation Cluster is hosting a free workshop examining how small businesses can adapt as artificial intelligence changes the way customers research, compare, and choose products and services. Brandy Old and Craig Elias will focus on practical strategies for finding new customers faster, retaining existing customers longer, and generating more revenue from existing customer relationships. Register at luma.com/dtfo2cif.
Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce AGM – 5:30 p.m.
Coboconk Legion (2916 Highway 28, Coboconk)
The Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual general meeting as part of Small Business Week programming in Kawartha Lakes. More information is available at kawarthalakes.ca/business-development/small-business-centre-sbc/small-business-week.
Thursday, October 22
BECN Peer-to-Peer Connect: Your Business Is Making Money … So Where Is the Cash? – 9:30 to 11 a.m.
BECN Boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg)
Northumberland entrepreneurs, business owners, and other professionals can take part in a free roundtable and networking session featuring Shaelene McInnis of Books In Line Professional Services Inc. McInnis will discuss why businesses can have customers, sales, and profits but still encounter cash-flow problems, including how to plan for regular expenses and slower periods, identify warning signs, and develop better financial habits. The first half of the session will use a facilitated roundtable format, followed by open networking. Details and registration are available at becn.ca/seminars-workshops-and-conferences.
Business Excellence Awards Gala – 5:30 p.m.
Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)
Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations at its annual Business Excellence Awards. The sold-out gala begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a locally sourced awards dinner prepared by Chemong Lodge beginning at 6:30 p.m. The awards recognize achievement in areas including innovation, leadership, resilience, and community involvement. More information is available at pkcc.awardify.io.
Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce AGM – 5:30 p.m.
Bobcaygeon Legion (96 King St. W., Bobcaygeon)
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual general meeting as part of Kawartha Lakes’ Small Business Week programming. More information is available at kawarthalakes.ca/business-development/small-business-centre-sbc/small-business-week.
Fenelon Chamber Cocktails and Conversations – 6 p.m.
The Workout Shed (65 Lindsay St. S., Fenelon Falls)
The Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce will host Cocktails and Conversations, offering an informal opportunity for local business owners and professionals to meet and make connections during Small Business Week. More information is available at kawarthalakes.ca/business-development/small-business-centre-sbc/small-business-week.
