The 15th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards were handed out last night (October 17) at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce awards publicly recognize and honour local businesses that have demonstrated a passion for excellence.

Hosted by Megan Murphy, the event included awards for local businesses in 17 different categories, along with 4-Under-40 Profiles, two Business Student Leadership Prizes, and Business Citizen of the Year. More than 50 businesses and people were honoured.

The prestigious Business Citizen of the Year was awarded to Morris Cox, founder of family-owned office supply company Brant Basics.

Cox founded the company in 1964, selling typewriters and related items from the basement of the family home. Following two storefronts on Charlotte Street, Brant moved to its 25,000-square-foot permanent home and head office at 296 George Street. The business is currently owned by Cox’s sons Jeff and David and his daughter Susan Sharp.

Other recipients included engineering company Cambium (Employer of The Year), insect-as-food producer Entomo Farms (two awards, once for Innovation/Research & Development and one for Environmental Practices), Tiny Greens Plant Cafe (Local Focus), Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Customer First), and Martin Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante (Immigrant Entrepreneur Of The Year).

The full list of awards finalists and recipients is provided below.

2018 Business Excellence Awards Finalists and Recipients

Entrepreneurial Spirit (sponsored by Gauvreau & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants)

• Salti Yoga
• Tiny Greens Plant Cafe
• We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres – Recipient

Skilled Trades (sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada)

• Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Services Inc.
• Kawartha Lakes Construction – Recipient
• The Endeavour Centre

Tourism (sponsored by BMO Financial Group)

• Cavan Art Gallery & Academy
• Harley Farms
• Kawartha Craft Beer Festival (Publican House Brewery and Smithavens Brewing Company) – Recipient

Hospitality (sponsored by Kawartha Credit Union)

• Personal Touch Catering & Events
• The Imperial Tandoor – Recipient
• The Venue

Micro Business – Fewer than 5 employees (sponsored by Darling Insurance & Realty Ltd.)

• Birchview Design
• Pure Essence Spa
• Sullivan Law Ptbo – Recipient

Retail (sponsored by RBC Royal Bank)

• Lakefield Foodland
• Leon’s Furniture – Recipient
• The Original Flame

Professional Services (sponsored by The Peterborough Examiner)

• Cody & James CPAs Professional Corporation
• Gauvreau & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants – Recipient
• Kawartha Credit Union

Immigrant Entrepreneur Of The Year (sponsored by Fleming College)

• Martin Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante – Recipient
• Mohammad Alftih, (OMG) Oasis Mediterranean Grill
• Andressa Lacerda, Noblegen Inc.

Customer First (sponsored by TD Bank Group)

• Driving Miss Daisy
• Home Suite Home Transitions
• Lang Pioneer Village Museum – Recipient

Local Focus (sponsored by Trent University)

• 4th Line Theatre
• Locavorest
• Tiny Greens Plant Cafe – Recipient

Innovation/Research & Development (sponsored by Innovation Cluster)

• Entomo Farms – Recipient
• Noblegen Inc.
• Selwyn Garlic Farms

Commercial Development Or Renovation (sponsored by City of Peterborough)

• Publican House Brewery – Recipient
• The Venture North Building

Marketing & Promotion (sponsored by BDO Canada LLP)

• Corus Peterborough
• inspirtainment inc. – Recipient
• Mega Experience

Environmental Practices (sponsored by County of Peterborough)

• Camp Kawartha
• Entomo Farms – Recipient
• The Endeavour Centre

Health & Wellness (sponsored by Peterborough Regional Health Centre)

• Jo Anne’s Place
• Kawartha Heights Retirement Living
• Salti Yoga – Recipient

Not-For-Profit (sponsored by Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough)

• Hospice Peterborough – Recipient
• The Canadian Canoe Museum
• YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

Employer Of The Year (sponsored by LLF Lawyers LLP)

• Cambium – Recipient
• Pinchin Ltd.
• Trent Valley Honda

4-Under-40 Profiles (sponsored by Community Futures Peterborough)

• Reem Ali – Recipient
• Mike D’Alessandro – Recipient
• Nicole Gagliardi – Recipient
• Andressa Lacerda – Recipient

Business Student Leadership Prizes (sponsored by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

• Naman Bhardwaj, Trent University – Recipient
• Emily Scott, Fleming College – Recipient

Business Citizen Of The Year (sponsored by Nexicom) – Recipient

• Morris Cox – Recipient

This week’s round-up of business news features Ashburnham Realty’s proposal for a new luxury condo development on Little Lake in Peterborough, the announcement of finalists for the Kawartha Chamber’s 2018 Business Awards of Excellence, a $2 million federal investment in science and research at Trent University, and funding to expand insects-as-food producer Entomo Farms.

Also featured are the opening of Shorelines Casino Peterborough and the temporary closure of Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs, the opening of Cork & Bean in downtown Peterborough, and Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Peterborough raising funds for women’s health at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

There are lots of events happening this week during Small Business Week, and new business events added this week include a Scotiabank Business Boot Camp on October 24th, an exit strategies workshop on October 25th, the Innovation Cluster’s “Power Breakfast: Gen Y – How Millennials Are Shaping The Future” on October 26th, and the application deadline for the Cubs’ Lair Entrepreneurship Competition on October 27th.

Ashburnham Realty proposes luxury condo development on Little Lake in Peterborough

Paul Bennett, president of Ashburnham Realty, is proposing a new condo development on Crescent Street in Peterborough.

The proposed building, which would be located on Little Lake near the Art Gallery of Peterborough, would consist of around 100 private residence and luxury rental suites.

Bennett has purchased a number of properties along Crescent Street for the development, which would need to be approved by city council.

The proposed building was designed by Michael Gallant of Lett Architects based on Bennett’s vision.

“The Ashburnham Crescent street development is responding to the growing desire for housing options that cater to a more urban lifestyle in a central location,” Gallant says. “The design is inspired by its proximity to Little Lake, with plans to reclaim a section of Crescent street to provide new public park space, trail connections, and the potential to naturalize the shoreline.”

Bennett says the development would help meet a known demand for high-end accommodation in Peterborough, but acknowledges it will not address the issue of apartment affordability.

“We are working with a local housing provider to create a cool affordable project close to the core,” he says. “We hope to announce this project and timing before Christmas.”

Kawartha Chamber announces finalists for 2018 Business Awards of Excellence

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has announced the finalists for its 2018 Business Awards of Excellence.

The Chamber received more than 80 nominations were received for the awards, which will be presented at the 19th Annual Awards of Excellence & Social Gala on Thursday, November 8th at Lakefield College School. Tickets can be purchased at kawarthachamber.ca or by calling 705-652-6963.

Commercial Development or Renovation (sponsored by BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage)

• Jack’s Lake Lodge
• Lock Stop Cafe
• The Cozy Home
• The Regency of Lakefield

Customer Service Excellence (sponsored by CIBC)

• Happenstance Books & Yarns
• Logan Tree Experts
• The Regency of Lakefield
• Village Pet Food & Supply

Entrepreneur Innovation (sponsored by Gastle Registered Patent Agents)

• kawarthaNOW
• Molly’s Acres
• Thirteen Moons Wellness
• Vetterview

Not-for-Profit Excellence (sponsored by Darling Insurance)

• Community Care
• Cuddles for Cancer
• Peterborough Humane Society

Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Nexicom)

• Happenstance Books & Yarns
• Style Boutique
• Trinkets & Treasures

Service Sector Excellence (sponsored by Herod Financial Services)

• Kawartha Lakes Construction
• Lakefield Herald
• The Regency of Lakefield

Tourism/Hospitality Excellence (sponsored by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

Outstanding Business Achievement (sponsored by County of Peterborough)

• Lakefield Foodland
• Nightingale
• Salon Sorella & Day Spa

In addition, awards will be presented at the gala for Young Professional (sponsored by Community Futures Peterborough), Special Recognition (sponsored by ISL Insurance Brokers), Citizen of the Year (sponsored by RBC). The finalists for these awards are not announced in advance.

Federal government invests more than $2 million in science and research at Trent University

Last Tuesday (October 9), on behalf of the federal Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef announced an investment of more than $2 million to support fundamental research at Trent University.

“Canada is a world leader in science, and the investments we are making today in Trent University will ensure researchers and students are able to pursue their dreams and come up with solutions to some of our most pressing challenges,” Monsef said. “Our investments show that Canada is serious about science.”

The funding is part of the more than $558 million in Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) investments announced the same day for institutions across Canada as part of the Government of Canada’s plan to provide nearly 4,300 researchers and students with the means to pursue world-leading discovery work.

This year, the NSERC Discovery Grants program is providing more than $5 million in supplements for early-career researchers, ensuring the next generation of scientists, engineers and researchers will have the tools they need to flourish. At Trent University, that includes Dr. Christina Davy, who is studying the ecological effects of resource development on threatened wildlife, and Dr. Ian Power, who is researching carbon dioxide capture and storage in mining operations.

“I’m delighted to see this round of funding support three of our newest researchers at the university, among many other distinguished faculty,” said Trent University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Groarke. “This NSERC funding helps emphasize our long-standing leadership in the environment and supports Trent’s emerging strengths in health sciences and agriculture.”

Insects-as-food producer Entomo Farms is expanding

Entomo Farms in Norwood, North America’s largest human-grade edible insect farm, is expanding with funding secured through Community Futures Peterborough and the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII).

The funding will allow Entomo Farms, which is supplying cricket powder to the Loblaw’s supermarket chain, to continue their growth through automation, increasing scale and process improvements. The expansion will grow their current workforce by 38 per cent within the next year.

The interest in insects as food is growing steadily as consumers increasingly seek out alternatives to meat for protein.

Shorelines Casino Peterborough is now open and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs is temporarily closed

Shorelines Casino Peterborough at 1400 Crawford Drive in Peterborough opens today (October 15th).

The 50,000-square-foot casino features 500 slot machines, 222 live dealer table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, a Racebook, a live entertainment area, and a restaurant. The casino will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with tables open daily from noon until 4 a.m.

The new casino employs 300 people, including 180 new employees who were hired as a result of a job fair in May. The other positions have been filled by employees transferred from Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville.

With the opening of Shorelines Casino Peterborough, Shorelines Slots will be temporarily closed for approximately two weeks while the gaming area is reconfigured for 150 slot machines. Both facilities are owned by Ontario Gaming East LP.

According to statements from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, local staff will be recalled once Shorelines Slots reopens and no employees will be laid off as a result of the closure.

Cork & Bean now open in downtown Peterborough

Cork & Bean opened in downtown Peterborough last Tuesday (October 9).

Steve Francis and Delia Senra, co-owners of the former Natas Cafe, opened their new venture with Lorn Scanlon, owner of the Cork & Bean in Oshawa, a popular destination where you can get coffee, wine, and craft beer all at one location.

Cork & Bean is located at 382 George Street in downtown Peterborough, a building owned by Scanlon just north of The Olde Stone Brewery. The new location is three buildings north of the former location of Natas Cafe, which was damaged by water after a fire in an adjoining building in 2017.

The new restaurant features the same coffee and treats that were available at Natas Cafe, but will also feature a licensed bar serving craft beers and fine wine. The location will also be hosting workshops and events.

Shoppers Drug Mart raising funds for women’s heart health at Peterborough Regional Health Centre

Five Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Peterborough are raising funds to support women’s heart health at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

On now and continuing until Friday, November 2nd, the “Growing Women’s Health” campaign will encourage Shoppers Drug Mart customers to make a donation. Proceeds will be given to the PRHC Foundation to help fund six new Electrocardiograph (ECG) machines for PRHC that are needed in 2019.

“Women often don’t think of heart disease as a women’s health issue,” says PRHC Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Katy Shufelt. “However, it is the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women. ECG machines are a critical noninvasive diagnostic tool that provides us with immediate diagnostic results that allow us to determine the best course of treatment.”

ECG machines are used in many areas of the hospital, from diagnosis of heart attacks, arrhythmias or abnormal heart patterns, to the operating room and emergency department. PRHC performed a total of 43,358 ECGs last year.

Donations can be made by visiting any one of the following Shoppers Drug Mart locations until November 2nd: 1875 Lansdowne Street West, 741 Lansdowne Street West, 971 Chemong Road, 225 Charlotte Street, and 361 George Street.

You can purchase a $1 leaf, a $5 butterfly, a $10 apple, or a a $50 bird. These are then proudly displayed in the store’s front window for the duration of the campaign, and all proceeds will go to the PRHC Foundation.

Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts e-commerce seminar in Lindsay on October 16

As part of Small Business Week, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting an e-commerce seminar from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, October 16th in the Community Room at Lindsay Recreation Complex (133 Adelaide St. S., Lindsay).

“Plan for Success: Top Tips for Starting Up An Online Store” will explore the important considerations when planning for your online store’s success.

The seminar is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/top-tips-for-starting-up-an-online-store-tickets-50616724987.

Rural Business Summit 2018 in Fraserville on October 16 and in Burleigh Falls on October 17

As part of Small Business Week, Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development are hosting a Rural Business Summit in two locations this October.

The Rural Business Summit is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and movers and shakers who have big aspirations for their small communities in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

The Rural Business Summit in Fraseville takes place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16th at Baxter Creek Golf Club (1702 Cedar Valley Rd, Fraserville), and in Burleigh Falls from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at the Burleigh Falls Inn (4791 Ontario 28, Lakefield).

On October 16th in Fraserville, the morning keynote speaker will be Danielle Rocheleau of Laridae Consulting with a presentation on “Building Opportunities in Rural Communities”. On October 17th in Burleigh Falls, the morning keynote speaker will be Erin Bury (named Marketing Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30) with a presentation on “The Blank Slate Effect: How to Use an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Win in Business”. (Note: due to unforeseen circumstances, Gregg McLachlan is no longer the morning keynote speaker at either summit).

Both summits will include an afternoon panel discussion on Succession Planning with local experts Darryl Wade from Farm Life Financial, Matthew Savino from Savino HR Professionals, and Nicole Truman of Fox Law, as well as an opportunity for round table discussion with other rural business leaders from Peterborough & the Kawarthas, to explore challenges being faced by rural businesses, followed by a discussion of opportunities and objectives moving forward.

Both events are free and include lunch, but seating is limited. Register in advance at ruralbizsummit-fraserville.eventbrite.ca or ruralbizsummit-burleigh.eventbrite.ca.

Small Business Week Employee Retention and Engagement seminar in Haliburton on October 16

As part of Small Business Week, the Haliburton County Development Corporation and Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce are hosting a seminar called “Getting the Most Out of Your Employees” from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16th at Haliburton County Development Corporation (235 Highland St., Haliburton).

Presented by management coach and consultant Greg Ostryhon, the seminar will provide participants with some innovative ideas to help owners and managers to increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and increase profits for your business. Participants will leave with high-level tools and strategies they can apply to their businesses to allow for happier, more productive employees and a more smoothly run enterprise.

Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efpgssjb857caadc.

Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts Small Business Week Breakfast in Lindsay on October 17

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Small Business Week Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at Mackey’s Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).

The guest speaker will be Dr. Brett Goodwin, Dean/Principal at the School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences at Fleming College, who will speak on the topic “Connecting Frost Campus with Your Business Community’. Dr. Goodwin will provide information about the Frost campus, their students, programs, and the connection between the college and the local business community.

The breakfast costs $25 per person. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07efqc9eapecf5da1a&llr=kd7xv5vab.

Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network featuring John Kiru in Peterborough on October 17th

This month’s Breakfast Network hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) takes place at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).

John Kiru, Executive Director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, is the guest speaker.

Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.

The event is open to everyone, and tickets are $5 at the door.

VCCS Employment Services hosts an employment law seminar in Lindsay on October 17

As part of Small Business Week, VCCS Employment Services is hosting an employment law seminar from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at their offices at 370 Kent St. W. in Lindsay.

Following networking and refreshments, Mark Marson (Barrister & Solicitor with Hicks Morley) will speak on several topics including what employers need to know about Bill 148, liability insurance versus WSIB, navigating Ministry of Labour complaints and lawsuits, cannabis/vaping in the workplace, and termination with cause and without cause.

The seminar costs $25 per person. To register, call 705-328-0180 or email dawn@vccs.work.

Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce host social media photography session in Coboconk on October 17

As part of Small Business Week, Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Make More Money: Increase your sales by taking better photos for social media” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th at the Coboconk Train Station.

In this two-hour session, you will learn how to take and select the best photos for the greatest impact. No experience necessary to attend. Bring your phone, existing pictures, and enthusiasm.

For more information and to register, call 705-454-1110 or email jwilson@coboconknorland.ca.

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 17

The 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards takes place on Wednesday, October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough), with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

Awards will be presented for Business Citizen of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Skilled Trades, Tourism, Retail, Professional Services, Customer First, Local Focus, Innovation / Research & Development, Commercial Development or Renovation, Marketing & Promotion, Environmental Practices, Health & Wellness, Not-for-Profit, Employer of the Year, Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, Micro Business – Less than 5 employees, and Hospitality. Business Student Leadership Prizes and 4-under-40 Profiles will also be recognized.

Tickets are $40+HST and include one complimentary beverage and light hors d’oeuvres.

For tickets and a list of the finalists, visit www.excellencepeterborough.ca.

Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts seminar on cyber-security and small business in Lindsay on October 18

As part of Small Business Week, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a seminar on cyber-security and small business from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, October 18 in the lower level meeting room at Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

Facilitated by Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics.ca, the seminar will explore best practices for keeping a small business safe, secure, and backed up. You will learn more about cyber-security risks, how to cost-effectively protect your business, and when it’s time to involve a a cyber-security professional.

The seminar is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/cyber-security-and-small-business-what-you-need-to-know–tickets-50780934141

Small Business Week financial success seminar in Haliburton on October 18

As part of Small Business Week, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar called “Roadmap to Financial Success” from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th at the Chamber’s offices (195 Highland St., Haliburton).

Presented by Kyle Brewer of K. Brewer Financial, the workshop will provide participants with a review of the business cycles and an assessment of where they are at in the realm of the financial wellness. Participants will be given the opportunity to create their own customized roadmap to financial success that can be applied to their business operations.

Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efpgtvbmd75c679e.

Five speakers at multimedia channel workshop in Peterborough on October 18

Sofie Andreou & Associates is hosting “Peterborough’s Multimedia Channel Workshop” from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th in the boardroom at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).

The workshop — which covers radio, television, newspaper, and digital — features five speakers: Janet Di Bello, Broadcast and Digital Account Executive; Jeffery Jones, Peterborough Examiner Account Manager; Jeannine Taylor, Founder and Publisher of kawarthaNOW.com; Brenda O’Brien, General Sales Manager, Global News; and host Sofie Andreou.

The workshop costs $59+HST. Register at www.sofieandreou.com/fall2018workshops.

Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce hosts Small Business Week Social in Bobcaygeon on October 18

The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Small Business Week Social from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th at Kawartha Coffee Company (58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon).

The Chamber event will feature local business owners as guest speakers, light refreshments, and an opportunity to renew your Chamber membership for 2019.

The event is free for 2019 Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

To register, call 705-731-1107 or email kawarthamediums@gmail.com.

Kawartha Lakes 2018 Innovation Day and Innovation Awards in Lindsay on October 19

Culminating Small Business Week in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation and Kawartha Lakes Business and Community Development Corporation are hosting the 2018 Innovation Day and Innovation Awards from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, October 19th at Lindsay Golf and Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).

The event begins with a presentation by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) on this year’s Small Business Week theme of “Digitize Now – Transform Your Business”. After a luncheon in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Lindsay, the annual Small Business Innovation Awards will be presented, followed by a keynote address by MPP and Ontario Minister of Labour Laurie Scott.

The cost is $20 per person. Register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/innovation-day-tickets-50742460064.

Small Business Week website accessibility seminar in Haliburton on October 19

As part of Small Business Week, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a website accessibility seminar from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 19 at the Chamber’s offices (195 Highland St., Haliburton).

Presented by Loran Upton of Scotiabank, the workshop will provide participants with a holistic review of web accessibility issues, increase awareness of the need to be accessible online, and provide some assessment tests for participants to check their own websites.

Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efpgv0yx2e479849.

Application deadline for Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students is October 19

The application deadline for the the fourth annual Pitch It! competition for aspiring entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College students is midnight on Friday, October 19th.

Up to five finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas before a panel of industry judges at Trent University’s Symons campus in a Dragons’ Den style competition. Participating students can win $500, meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, and receive help to bring their innovative idea to market.

For more information and to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/2017/09/pitch-it-2018/.

The top 10 finalists will be announced on November 8th, and the final pitch competition (which is open to the public) takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th. The event will showcase three contestants from the following business categories pitching an idea: Clean & Agriculture Technology, Trades and Retail Business and Information Technology / Media & Gaming. FastStart has also added a new category allowing high school students to compete for a prize.

Women’s Expo Peterborough on October 24

The first-ever Women’s Expo Peterborough. a business-to-business trade show and networking event, takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24th at the Peterborough Naval Association (24 Whitlaw St., Peterborough)

The expo will include 25 booth vendors representing all types of women business owners including lawyers, naturopathic practitioner, social media specialists, massage therapists, retail, financial, psychologists, farmers, and more.

There will also be two stations where people can be seated to view a presentation from the exhibitors and ask questions about the products and strategies discussed.

Admission is free with a donation to the YWCA Crossroads Shelter.

Scotiabank presents Business Boot Camp on October 24

Scotiabank is presenting a business boot camp from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24th at its office at 111 Hunter St. W., Peterborough.

The event will feature accountant Robert Gauvreau, lawyer John Mesec, and experts from Scotia Wealth Management.

Attendees are encouraged to bring in questions to ask during one-on-one sessions.

Innovation Cluster presents exit strategies workshop in Peterborough on October 25

The Innovation Cluster’s next “Hands-ON” workshop will be on exit strategies and takes place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

Nicole Stephenson, partner with Stikeman Keeley Spiegel LLP, will talk about exit strategies for entrepreneurs, including initial public offerings, mergers or acquisitions, and reverse takeovers. Stephenson, a corporate and securities lawyer in Toronto, has extensive experience working with emerging growth companies across North America to implement their exit strategies.

This workshop will be held in the large boardroom on the ground floor of VentureNorth. The event is free to attend, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-exit-strategies-tickets-49178315666.

Innovation Cluster hosts “Power Breakfast: Gen Y – How Millennials Are Shaping The Future” on October 26

The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Power Breakfast: Gen Y – How Millennials Are Shaping The Future” from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 26th in the Garden Court at the Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).

Presented by Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII), the breakfast will feature Dr. Kate Withers, Business Development Manager for Central Ontario from Ontario Centres of Excellence, and three local entrepreneurs: Dylan Trepanier (Alexander Optical), Bianca Nucaro (NV Media Productions), and Mercedez Nucaro-Viteri (NV Media Productions).

The event is free, but seating is limited and you must register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/power-breakfast-gen-y-how-millennials-are-shaping-the-future-tickets-49179200312.

Application deadline for Cubs’ Lair Entrepreneurship Competition is October 27

The application deadline for the 2018 Cubs’ Lair Entrepreneurship Competition is Saturday, October 27th.

An initiative of FastStart Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster, and the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society, Cubs’ Lair gives entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes, including office space and equipment, coaching and mentoring, social media promotion, and more.

After applying online, participants will attend a series of three mandatory workshops at the Innovation Cluster that will help them build skills in creating a business model canvas, financing, marketing, and preparing their pitch to a panel of judges.

The top five finalists will be announced on Friday, November 9th, with the final pitch event takeing place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough. A panel of established business professionals will test competitors’ knowledge of how they will grow the business and judge the best pitch.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/programs/cubslair/.

Kawartha Chamber Awards of Excellence and Social Gala in Lakefield on November 8

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its 2018 Awards of Excellence and Social Gala at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8th at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield).

Unlike previous years, the format for this year’s presentation will be a social gala format, with a reception taking place at Upper Hadden Hall followed by the awards presentatins in the Bryan Jones Theatre.

There will be both silent and live auction items, light hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music from Rhythm & Grace, and time for socialization and networking before the awards.

Tickets are $40 per person, which includes the hor d’oeuvres and one drink ticket.

Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/awards-of-excellence-social-gala-7165.

Application deadline for Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition is November 16

Entrepreneurs have until Friday, November 16th to put together a video application and submit it to the 2019 Win This Space competition, an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs.

The top 10 finalists will take several workshops to fine-tune their business plans before a winner is chosen on March 5th by a panel of judges.

The winner will then have their choice of available participating downtown locations free for one year. To cover rent payments, several sponsors are adopting a month and contributing $2,000 toward each month’s lease.

Visit winthisspace.com for the rules and regulations and application instructions.