It’s awards season, and our business community is giving us plenty to be proud of. From provincial recognition with top honours for The Canadian Canoe Museum to the many achievements celebrated at the Business Excellence Awards, there’s much to applaud.
But what inspires me about this edition of businessNOW — and about writing this column each time — is the sense that we are always moving ahead. Businesses are marking milestones, entrepreneurs are expanding and growing their businesses, women are building new connections, and communities are investing in their future.
Taken together, these stories leave me encouraged. Behind each one are people putting ideas into action, supporting one another, and doing the work that helps our region grow. It’s a pleasure to share their progress with you.
The Canadian Canoe Museum earns Ontario’s Attraction of the Year honours
Congratulations to The Canadian Canoe Museum, named Attraction of the Year at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence in Ottawa on October 22. The Peterborough museum earned the honour over fellow finalists Niagara Parks and Rivershrike Inc., which operates Napanee River Tours and the Waterfront River Pub and Terrace.
It’s a provincial spotlight on a destination that is already making a substantial contribution to our local economy. In 2025, its first full calendar year at its new Little Lake home, the museum welcomed 116,493 visitors, exceeding its original annual projection of approximately 87,000. More than 62 per cent came from outside Peterborough city and county, with visitation generating an estimated $10.55 million in direct spending.
Those numbers are a reminder that investment in culture also supports local business, bringing people into our region to explore, eat, shop, and stay.
Recognition also goes to regional finalists Brighton Applefest, Kawarthas Northumberland’s Trent-Severn Trail Towns initiative, and Elmhirst’s Resort, nominated in the tourism event, marketing, and sustainable tourism categories respectively.
Nostimo in Peterborough closes as George Anagnostou retires after 50 years in restaurants
After five decades in the restaurant business, George Anagnostou is trading professional kitchens for boating, golfing, and cooking for his wife Amy.
Anagnostou has announced the immediate closure of Nostimo by the Original Greek, which he operated with business partner and chef Shannon Leclair for more than five years. Leclair will continue her culinary career outside Peterborough. In his announcement, Anagnostou reassured customers that both are healthy and doing well.
His restaurant roots in Peterborough stretch back to 1976, when he began working at age 14 with his parents at the Shish Kebob Hut at Parkhill Road and Water Street, and their other restaurant, the Corfu on Charlotte Street. He went on to open the Greek Tycoon in Whitby, It’s All Greek to Me in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, and the Original Greek in Peterborough.
An attempt at semi-retirement brought the Original Fat Greek Streatery food truck in Ennismore. Customers’ requests for another sit-down restaurant, followed by a dinner conversation with Leclair, eventually led to Nostimo.
In thanking customers and staff, Anagnostou reflected on everything from special wine dinners and holiday menus to the regulars who simply came in for a meal.
“I’m honoured to serve you and share your special memories over the past 50 years,” he wrote.
That’s a lot of meals, celebrations, and familiar faces. Wishing George a happy retirement and Shannon every success in her next chapter.
The Hippie Chippie to open a year-round restaurant in former Nostimo location
When one door closes, another opens. As we wish George Anagnostou well in retirement, there’s already a new chapter ahead for the former Nostimo location in Peterborough: The Hippie Chippie is moving in.
Owned by locals Carla Soles and Nathan White, the Woodview food truck business is preparing to become The Hippie Chippie Restaurant, serving customers year-round. The couple bought a little red chip truck eight years ago and opened for their first season seven years ago.
We recently featured The Hippie Chippie in our Kawartha Localist roadside eats edition, highlighting its colourful, hand-painted trailer at 6220 Highway 28 and a menu that gives plant-based diners plenty of choice.
Its offerings include a housemade sweet potato and black bean burger, a balsamic-marinated portobello, and decadent grilled cheese sandwiches, alongside house-smoked pulled pork and hand-breaded chicken sandwiches. Weekend specials and shoulder-season Fish Fridays have also been part of the food truck’s offerings.
“We have had some ups and some downs (but mostly ups) and our love and passion for serving great, fresh foods has only grown,” the owners shared in their announcement.
An opening date and restaurant menu are still to come. For now, it’s encouraging to see Carla and Nathan building on seven years of serving the community and taking their business in a new direction. Congratulations to both — I’ll be watching for what’s next.
Follow their updates on Facebook at facebook.com/thehippiechippiewoodview, and keep an eye on their new Facebook page for the Peterborough restaurant.
New Selwyn Women’s Business Network launches November 10
Sometimes a good idea starts with simply getting out and talking to people. For local businesswoman Shannon Junkin, visits to businesses on behalf of BEL Rotary sparked the idea for a new network connecting women who own, operate, and lead businesses across Selwyn Township.
The Selwyn Women’s Business Network will hold its first gathering on Tuesday, November 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bridgenorth Community Hall, with Mayor Sherry Senis as its inaugural guest speaker.
“The idea came to me while I was out visiting local businesses on behalf of BEL Rotary,” Junkin explains. “I found myself speaking with so many incredible women who were running businesses throughout our community.”
The evening will include informal networking, coffee, and conversation, giving participants an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships with other local businesswomen. Admission is $5 to help cover costs for the venue and refreshments.
Women who own, operate, or manage businesses within Selwyn Township are encouraged to attend and invite others who might be interested. The network hopes to establish quarterly meetings in 2027, with participants helping shape future programming.
It’s a welcome opportunity to get to know the women behind neighbouring businesses and find ways to support one another. To save a spot at the November 10 gathering, visit selwynwbn.ca
Millbrook Mercantile celebrates seven years
A good food shop gives you a reason to visit — one that also introduces you to local makers and sends you home with something unexpected gives you a reason to return.
Congratulations to Bernadette MacNeil and Lance Nachoff, whose Millbrook Mercantile is celebrating seven years at 28 King Street East in downtown Millbrook.
“As we celebrate our 7th year in business we would like to acknowledge all of the wonderful support we have received from our incredible clientele,” the owners shared in an anniversary message.
The husband-and-wife team opened the shop in 2019, bringing decades of culinary and hospitality experience to a business that combines a deli, specialty food shop, and thoughtfully stocked general store.
Alongside prepared foods, sandwiches, charcuterie, and boutique wines, the shelves feature homewares, gifts, and artisan products, with an emphasis on Canadian and small-business suppliers. Recent additions include ceramics by Warsaw artists Thomas Aitken and Kate Hyde.
Cheese lovers have plenty to explore, with more than 100 varieties, including selections the owners collect directly from Quebec fromageries. Their Cheese of the Month Club offers two cheeses with accompaniments, tasting notes, pairing recommendations, and recipe suggestions — a lovely way to expand your cheese repertoire.
The owners credit friendly, knowledgeable service as part of their approach from the beginning, and say they will continue introducing new and hard-to-find products.
We recently featured Millbrook Mercantile among the reader-nominated businesses in our Kawartha Localist Small Business Week edition. Seven years of helping people discover good food and independent makers is certainly worth celebrating.
For more information, visit www.millbrookmercantile.com/
Business Excellence Awards celebrate the people and businesses strengthening our region
There’s a lot to celebrate in our local business community, and this year’s Business Excellence Awards offered a reminder of just how much talent, initiative, and commitment we have across Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce brought its annual celebration to Kawartha Downs in Fraserville on October 22, with recipients ranging from independent retailers and tourism operators to skilled trades, professional services, and charitable organizations.
This year, every nomination came from someone else in the community, with self-nominations no longer accepted. That makes the recognition particularly meaningful: customers, colleagues, and neighbours took the time to put these businesses and individuals forward.
The evening also introduced a new dinner format, with Tiffany Arcari hosting the red carpet, appetizers from Fyrestoke, and dinner catered by Chemong Lodge — which also took home the Hospitality award.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients:
- Business Citizen of the Year: David Feeley, Cogeco Connexion
- 4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem: Elsa Batten, Jordan Mercier, Kyle Christie, and Susan Tung
- Customer First: Kingdon Lumber
- Employer of the Year: Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Peterborough Axe Club
- Farm Family of the Year: Staples Maple Syrup
- Health & Wellness: Trent Health in Motion
- Hospitality: Chemong Lodge
- Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year: Canada-CPR
- Indigenous Led Business: Cambium Indigenous Professional Services
- Local Focus: The Cheesy Fromage General Store
- Marketing & Promotions: Peterborough Humane Society
- Micro Business: Black Rock Developments
- Not-for-Profit: Kawartha Land Trust
- Professional Services: Baker Tilly
- Retail: Kawartha Country Wines
- Skilled Trades: Blackwood Developments Inc.
- Tourism: Wanderlight Alpaca Experience
- President’s Award: Alan Black
Behind every name is a great deal of work, along with the staff, customers, volunteers, and supporters who help make it possible. Congratulations to the recipients and everyone nominated.
Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre reports 227 business launches and 414 jobs in two years
Community Futures Peterborough says its Business Advisory Centre has supported 546 unique businesses during its first two years, helping launch 227 new businesses, sustain or expand 336 others, and complete 10 business acquisitions.
The non-profit organization also reports that 414 jobs were created, 1,047 in-depth consultations were held, and $214,000 was distributed through the provincially funded and locally administered Starter Company Plus and Summer Company programs. In addition, the Business Advisory Centre’s 115 workshops attracted 1,769 participants.
Serving the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation, the Business Advisory Centre is part of the Ontario government’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and also receives operational funding from the city and county of Peterborough.
For more information, visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca.
Eastern Ontario Development Fund intake opens November 3
Ontario’s next Eastern Ontario Development Fund intake opens November 3 and closes January 21.
The program supports eligible businesses investing in expansion, new technology, productivity, skills and markets. Business projects generally require at least $500,000 in eligible investment, with a lower $200,000 threshold for qualifying rural businesses. Funding may cover up to 15 per cent of eligible costs, subject to program requirements.
Businesses located in Haliburton, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Peterborough may qualify.
For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/page/eastern-ontario-development-fund.
Upcoming Events – October 27 to November 9, 2026
Tuesday, October 27 – Women in Business Networking Event
Host: Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Community Futures, 26 Chemaushgon Road, Bancroft
Cost: Free; advance registration requested
This monthly networking gathering will help women entrepreneurs prepare for the holiday shopping season with ideas for marketing their businesses and products, guest speakers and opportunities to connect with other local business owners.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2002142592390
Tuesday, October 27 – Women Wisdom & Wine – Winter Wellness & Self Care
Host: Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Elias Street, Port Hope
Cost: Free; registration required
Local businesses will share practical ideas for staying healthy, energized and well through winter. The evening combines presentations, conversation and networking, with limited places available.
Details and registration: https://business.porthopechamber.com/events/details/women-wisdom-wine-winter-wellness-self-care-1020
Wednesday, October 28 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – North Kawartha
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: North Kawartha Municipal Office, 280 Burleigh Street, Apsley
Cost: Free; advance registration requested
An introductory entrepreneurship workshop will cover steps to consider when starting a business, followed by open-house networking and conversations with local financing and economic-development advisers.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1998431831404
Wednesday, October 28 – Free AI Training with IntegrAlign
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and IntegrAlign
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (four separate sessions)
Location: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, 175 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free; registration required
Sherry Hill will deliver hands-on AI sessions for small-business operations (8:30–10:30 a.m.), tourism and hospitality (10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), health and wellness (12:45–2:45 p.m.), and non-profit and community organizations (3–5 p.m.). Participants register for the session most relevant to them.
Details and registration: https://web.pkchamber.ca/events
Wednesday, October 28 – New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S.
Host: Government of Ontario and the Trade Commissioner Service
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Online
This export-readiness session for technology and service companies covers CUSMA, intellectual property protection, taxation, immigration, standards and government services for entering the U.S. market.
Details and registration: https://www.ontario.ca/international-trade-events-calendar/new-exporters-of-technologies-and-services-to-the-us-oct-2026-049/
Thursday, October 29 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – Curve Lake First Nation
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Andrew’s Building, 1787 Curve Lake Road, Curve Lake First Nation
Cost: Free; advance registration requested
The County Tour concludes with entrepreneurship guidance, open-house networking and direct access to Community Futures and County economic-development staff for information about business advice, financing and regional supports.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1998431945746
Thursday, October 29 – Starting a Food Business and Regulatory Compliance
Host: Foodpreneur Advantage, promoted locally by Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free; advance registration required
This webinar for emerging food and beverage businesses covers validating a product concept, defining a competitive advantage, food-safety and licensing requirements, and common regulatory mistakes that can delay a launch.
Details and registration: https://foodpreneuradvantage.ca/start-up-seminars/
Thursday, October 29 – Entrepreneurship 101: Bookkeeping Bootcamp – Bookkeeping Basics for Your Small Biz
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free; advance registration required
Presented with Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, the workshop covers basic bookkeeping, tracking income and expenses, and practical habits that help owners understand their finances and keep records organized.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1999686349702
Thursday, October 29 – AI Café with Alex Tribe and Sherry Hill
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Cork & Bean, 382 George Street North, Peterborough
This informal drop-in conversation with AI specialists Alex Tribe and Sherry Hill gives local business owners an opportunity to ask practical questions about artificial intelligence and how it may change their work. No registration is necessary.
Details and registration: https://web.pkchamber.ca/events
Thursday, October 29 – Chamber 5:01 – LBD Naturally Beautiful and The Pulse Café
Host: Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: The Pulse Café, 10 Robertson Street, Port Hope
Cost: Free; registration appreciated
Marcia McMaster of LBD Naturally Beautiful and The Pulse Café will host an evening of networking, showcasing Canadian-made skincare, jewellery, corporate gifts, pop-up partnerships and fundraising collaborations.
Details and registration: https://business.porthopechamber.com/events/details/chamber-5-01-lbd-naturally-beautiful-and-the-pulse-cafe-1019
Tuesday, November 3 – Powering Morocco’s Smart Factory & Mobility Revolution
Host: Government of Ontario and Global Affairs Canada
Time: 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern
Location: Online
Ontario manufacturers and technology companies can learn about export opportunities in Morocco’s automotive, aerospace, electronics, automation, electric-mobility and intelligent-transportation industries.
Details and registration: https://www.ontario.ca/international-trade-events-calendar/powering-moroccos-smart-factory-and-mobility-revolution-08a/
Tuesday, November 3 – Eastern Ontario Development Fund – New Application Intake Opens
Host: Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Time: Applications open November 3; deadline January 21, 2027
Location: Online through Transfer Payment Ontario
A new Eastern Ontario Development Fund intake opens for eligible business-expansion and community economic-development projects. The fund supports investment, productivity improvements, job creation and innovation; applicants should consult a regional adviser before applying.
Details and registration: https://www.ontario.ca/page/eastern-ontario-development-fund
Wednesday, November 4 – Do’s and Don’ts When Crossing the U.S. Border
Host: Government of Ontario and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern
Location: Online
Cost: Free; advance registration required
This practical webinar for Ontario small and medium-sized businesses explains the documentation and border requirements involved in shipping products into the United States, with guidance from a U.S. customs officer.
Details and registration: https://www.ontario.ca/international-trade-events-calendar/dos-and-donts-when-crossing-the-us-border-nov-2026-e53/
Thursday, November 5 – She Owns It Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference
Host: Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland and Northumberland County
Time: 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; registration opens at 8:15 a.m.
Location: Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre, 930 Burnham Street, Cobourg
Cost: $58 plus HST; sold out (waitlist available)
The fourth annual conference features keynote presentations, an entrepreneur panel, networking and hands-on learning. Speakers include Comeback Snacks founder Emily O’Brien and author and coach Leisse Wilcox. Tickets are sold out; organizers are accepting waitlist requests.
Details and registration: https://becn.ca/programs/she-owns-it/
Thursday, November 5 – How to Sell Your Food Product
Host: Foodpreneur Advantage, promoted locally by Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free; advance registration required
Former Boho Bars founder Nicole Haney will discuss product positioning, pricing, retail and farmers’ market sales, and how food businesses can build repeat purchases and lasting customer demand.
Details and registration: https://foodpreneuradvantage.ca/start-up-seminars/
Thursday, November 5 – Entrepreneurship 101: Marketing Lab – Strategic Marketing
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free; advance registration required
Rose Terry will lead a practical session on identifying target audiences, choosing appropriate marketing channels and building strategies that attract customers and encourage repeat business.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1998759236682
Friday, November 6 – Great Lakes Local Action Fund – Application Deadline
Host: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Time: Applications close at 5 p.m. Eastern
Location: Online through Transfer Payment Ontario
Incorporated community organizations, Indigenous communities, municipalities, conservation authorities and eligible associations have until November 6 to apply for funding for projects that protect Great Lakes water quality, restore habitat and strengthen climate resilience.
Details and registration: https://www.ontario.ca/page/available-funding-opportunities-ontario-government
To submit your business news and events for businessNOW, email Jeannine at business@kawarthanow.com.
