Energy efficiency doesn’t always require an expensive overhaul. For many businesses, it starts with a conversation, a clearer picture of what’s possible, and perhaps foam sealer and a competitive spirit.

In a 2017 Save on Energy YouTube video, employees at KI Canada, a furniture manufacturer in Pembroke, fanned out across the factory floor armed with foam canisters to find and reduce energy loss.

The results of their efforts are revealed at the end: the company reported annual energy savings of $300,000 (nearly one-third of its energy budget), offering a clear example of how simple efficiency measures can deliver significant results for a small Ontario business.

Though energy upgrades — big or small — aren’t always top of mind for small businesses in a time of economic uncertainty, rising costs, and tighter margins, they are a tangible way to increase resilience, efficiency, and cost savings.

“Energy costs are one of the few expenses small businesses can actually influence,” says Nour Mazloum, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).

“Whether you own or lease your space, understanding where energy is being used and where savings are possible can make a really meaningful difference. For many small businesses, it starts with access to trusted information and identifying simple changes that can lower monthly costs.”

For local small and downtown businesses feeling the impact of a cold winter, an event on Wednesday (February 18) will offer a unique learning opportunity.

Hosted by the Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP’s energy and Green Economy Peterborough programs, “Ask the Energy Experts: A Breakfast Open House for Small Businesses” will bring together small business owners and energy experts to explore energy solutions.

“Events like this help demystify energy decisions and turn them into practical, actionable steps,” says Mazloum.

Featured topics will include heat pumps, solar energy, and general efficiency upgrades — many of which can be low or no-cost starting points.

Supported by RBC, City of Peterborough, and TD, Ask the Energy Experts will be conducted in an informal “ask me anything” format. Business owners are encouraged to bring their questions, challenges, and ideas and receive straightforward answers without sales pressure.

Ask the Energy Experts takes place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18 at the GreenUP office at 378 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough. A light breakfast will be provided. For more information and to register for the free session, visit tinyurl.com/5yxb8j28.

In addition to the breakfast event, GreenUP is launching a new energy efficiency-focused pilot to develop an assessment for small businesses. Funded in part by RBC’s Community Investment Fund, the pilot aims to determine what local businesses need to better understand how energy is used in their space and where meaningful savings may exist.

“We know small businesses need more support to understand and implement energy efficiency measures,” says Clara Blakelock, energy program manager at GreenUP. “That’s why we’re developing this program. We’ve already gained valuable insight into small business needs by providing assessments to Green Economy Peterborough members, Morton Medical Centre, Charlotte Products, and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.”

“It was exactly what we needed — a professional once-over of the building,” says Guy Hanchet, board member of Morton Medical Centre in Douro-Dummer. “It gave us a solid first impression of what’s there and what could be improved. From that starting point, we can now zero in on the priorities identified.”

“The assessment really opened my eyes,” Hanchet continues. “I hadn’t realized how often a direct exterior backdoor was opening, or that there was an electric radiator right beside it. Every time the door opened, the temperature dropped, the heater kicked in and ran for ages to catch up. I just hadn’t realized how impactful that was.”

Small businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County can take part in the pilot program free of charge and will receive an energy assessment with technical and operational recommendations in return for providing feedback to help build the program.

Green Economy Peterborough is a GreenUP program and network that supports local businesses to achieve operational efficiency, cost savings, resilience goals, and respond to customer and client interest in climate action. To keep informed of the pilot and sign up for an assessment, register to receive Green Economy Peterborough’s newsletter at www.greeneconomypeterborough.ca.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for the second annual Luminary Awards for Women in Business during an event at the chamber’s offices on Wednesday (February 11).

The Luminary Awards are intended to celebrate the valuable contributions of women in the local business community, including those named in leadership positions as well as women who lead from behind the scenes.

First launched by the chamber in September 2024 with five categories, the awards were expanded for 2026 with two new categories: Building Belonging and Community Catalyst.

A total of 60 women have been nominated in seven award categories, with some nominated in multiple categories for a total of 71 nominations: Barrier Buster – Employee (9 nominees), Community Catalyst (19 nominees), One to Watch – Employee (6 nominees), Building Belonging (7 nominees), Trailblazer – Entrepreneur (11 nominees), Emerging Entrepreneur (8 nominees), and Legacy (11 nominees).

The names of the nominees for the 2026 awards in each category are listed below in alphabetical order by surname.

The winners will be announced at an awards luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 in the Great Hall at Champlain College at Trent University. Early bird tickets will be available to purchase on March 3 at www.luminaryawards.ca.

Last year’s sold-out inaugural celebration drew more than 200 attendees and honoured five inspiring recipients: Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor.

Barrier Buster – Employee

Celebrating the achievements of a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field/place of employment, embraced new ideas, technologies or ways of working, and demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance when faced with adversity.

• Jane Bischoff
• Kayley Duggan
• Ashley Flynn
• Marsha Gaulton
• Jordan Lyall
• Nour Mazloum
• Bridget McCluckie
• Tori Silvera
• Stephanie Wilson

Community Catalyst

Celebrating a woman whose leadership, collaboration, and vision have sparked positive change in the community. A Community Catalyst brings people together, builds partnerships, and drives meaningful progress on local priorities. Nominees can be paid staff or volunteers of a not-for-profit organization, or be an employee or owner of a business or enterprise.

• Chelsey Carberry
• Ashley Collins
• Emma Featherstone
• Michelle Ferreri
• Sheridan Graham
• Betty Halman-Plumley
• Dana Hetherton
• Tonya Kraan
• Nour Mazloum
• Kat McCartie
• Amy Muir
• Rebecca O’Rourke
• Marcia Steeves
• Meryn Steeves
• Rosalea Terry
• Lois Tuffin
• Ashley Woollacott
• Susan Zambonin
• Abby Zotz

One to Watch – Employee

Future leader known for innovative, meaningful contributions to their workplace, proven professional success, and outstanding potential for the future. Nominee may hold entry- to mid-level management positions in their workplace.

• Allison Adam
• Bethan Bates
• Amanda Bedford
• Lindsey Brodie
• Michelle Nguyen
• Rosalea Terry

Building Belonging

Celebrating a woman whose inclusive leadership and equity-driven innovation have reshaped how business is done—demonstrating that building for belonging is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic advantage. Nominees may focus on workplace culture, employee experience, and/or customer-facing innovation.

• Mackenzie Annis
• Marsha Gaulton
• Akshana Katoch
• Jennifer Lawson
• Peggy Shaughnessy
• Danielle Turpin
• Patricia Wilson

Trailblazer – Entrepreneur

Celebrating a business owner who has created innovation and success through her leadership, vision, courage, and commitment.

• Winter Barringer
• Kinjal Shukla Clement
• Lisa Couture
• Leanne Crump
• Ashley Flynn
• Marsha Gaulton
• Richa Grover
• Catherine Hanrahan
• Tracy Minnema
• Rebecca O’Rourke
• Danielle Turpin

Emerging Entrepreneur

A business owner engaged in a new, successful, innovative, and inspiring business venture that shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee must have been in business for a minimum of two years and no more than five years.

• Kara Ainsworth
• Ashley Flynn
• Marsha Gaulton
• Chasley Keepfer
• Karen Kerr
• Erin Shannon
• Elena Thomas
• Ashley Woollacott

Legacy

She has spent her successful business career inspiring others and giving back to her community. She strives for business excellence, and through realizing her vision, the nominee has provided opportunities for others for employment, growth, and philanthropy.

• Judy Byrne
• Monika Carmichael
• Betty Halman-Plumley
• Dr. Kristy Hiltz
• Vanessa Oake Hogan
• Dr. Jenny Ingram
• Jenni Johnston
• Cathy Olley
• Anne Ryan
• Susan Tung
• Wendy Kelly

kawarthaNOW is proud to be the presenting media sponsor of the Luminary Awards.

The original version of this story has been updated to correct the number of nominees and nominations.

Community Futures Peterborough is expanding its free Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series this spring, with two brand new workshops in response to demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Taking place over the lunch hour on Wednesdays from March to May, the nine-part series is designed for entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey, from those exploring a business idea to established owners looking to grow their business or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set.

After first launching the series with four workshops last February, Community Futures Peterborough expanded the series last fall with seven workshops that supported more than 120 entrepreneurs and small business owners.

That was followed by a three-part condensed series in Peterborough County this year, with the final workshop in that series, “Funding and Cash Flow” with Braden Clark, taking place at Lakefield’s Marshland Centre the morning of Monday, February 23.

According to Community Futures Peterborough, the Entrepreneurship 101 series has grown quickly as more businesses across the region seek advisory and lending support. Since last April, the organization’s Business Advisory Centre has supported more than 340 businesses with over 440 in-depth one-on-one consultations.

The growing interest in business advisory services along with feedback from past workshop participants had led to a partnership with Scotiabank that will see two new workshops added to the spring series.

“Appear First – Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce” on April 8, delivered by e-commerce and Shopify expert Brendan Quigley, will introduce participants to building an online presence, improving search visibility, and boosting online sales.

“Employer Essentials – Understanding Your Obligations as an Employer” on April 22, delivered by staff of the Office of the Employer Advisor and Service Canada, will help business owners better understand their responsibilities when hiring staff.

In addition to these two new workshops, the other seven workshops in the spring series are “Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas” on March 4, “Launch Pad – Business Planning” on March 11, “Brand Lab – Marketing and Branding” on March 25, “Funding Fuel – Explore Funding and Financing” on April 1, “Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee” on April 15, “Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting” on April 29, and “Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses” on May 6.

All the workshops will be held in the lower-level boardroom at the Venture North building at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. There is no cost to participate, but space is limited and early registration is encouraged at cfpeterborough.ca.