This week’s business news includes McColl Turner joining Grant Thornton, new funding for three companies in the Kawarthas, provincial funding for green energy initiatives at Fleming College, an expansion of natural gas services in Kawartha Lakes, a food services RFP for YMCA in Peterborough, nominations for the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Excellence Awards, changes to the board of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and the awarding of the contract for the new outdoor adult gym at Beavermead Park.

New upcoming regional business events this week include an innovation and technology showcase at Fleming College on April 12th, the final pitch event for the 2018 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition Final Pitch in Peterborough on April 18th, and a seminar on mental health in the workplace in Lakefield on May 9th.

We publish businessNOW every Monday. If you want your business news or events to appear in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.

McColl Turner in Peterborough joins national accounting firm Grant Thornton

McColl Turner LLP, one of the leading professional services firms in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, has joined national firm Grant Thornton LLP Canada. The announcement of the union was made in March.

Headquartered in Toronto with more than 60 offices in communities across Canada, Grant Thornton provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to privately held businesses, public interest entities, and public sector entities. The union allows Grant Thornton to provide enhanced services and resources for clients in eastern Ontario.

“This joining marks a new chapter for Grant Thornton as we continue to inspire and engage with dynamic businesses across Ontario,” says Kevin Moshal, Managing Partner in Southern Ontario for Grant Thornton LLP. “We understand that private businesses power our communities and we are dedicated to ensuring they are healthy and supported. Clients can expect the same high level of personal attention the team at McColl Turner has always delivered, in the over 70 years they’ve been serving the region.”

The McColl Turner team will remain in their current location at 362 Queen Street in downtown Peterborough.

“This is an exciting time for the firm, as Peterborough’s economy continues to grow, bringing new opportunities to the region,” says Bill Blair, Managing Partner at McColl Turner LLP. “Grant Thornton is known as a strong, client-focused firm with values that closely align with our own. Joining Grant Thornton will be invaluable to our clients as we expand our services and strive to have a meaningful impact on the community.”

For more information about Grant Thornton, visit www.grantthornton.ca.

kawarthaNOW.com is pleased to announce that Grant Thornton is the sponsor of this week’s businessNOW column. If you are interested in sponsoring businessNOW, or for other sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit our advertisers page.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund supports industry in the Kawarthas, including new Canada Candy Company facility in Cobourg

Three businesses in the Kawarthas have received funding from the Province of Ontario’s Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODP) to support their expansion plans, which will create a total of 76 new jobs. The EODP funding supplements a substantial investment by each company.

Canada Candy Company, a leading consumer-packaged goods company that manufactures sugar candy confectionary for retail sale, re-packing, and private label, has just opened a new facility at 740 Division Street in the Northam Industrial Park in Cobourg. The facility is now producing gummy candies with more product lines on the way. The company is receiving $1,292,400 in EODP funding, supporting an investment of $9,477,175 by the company. The project will create 29 new jobs, and is expected to be completed by February 2021.

Armada Toolworks in Lindsay is one of the few auto component manufacturers in eastern Ontario, specializing in door handle and interior systems including vents and speakers, and decorative trim components. The company will install a new assembly line and increase press capabilities of up to 1,000 tons so it can make higher-value large components, including glove boxes and door handles. The company is receiving $652,500 in EODP funding, supporting an investment of $6,362,500 by the company. The project will create 29 new jobs, help to retain 257 existing positions, and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Mariposa Dairy in Lindsay produces high-quality cheese using 100 per cent Ontario-sourced goat and sheep milk. The company, which is the second largest goat cheese manufacturer in Canada and produces over 20 cheese products, is investing in new automated equipment to increase the current processing capabilities by more than 60 per cent. With new production lines for hard and soft cheese products, the company will take advantage of new opportunities in the specialty cheese market and food service sector. The company is receiving $1,079,402 in EODP funding, supporting an investment of $15,285,618 by the company. The project will create 18 new jobs, help to retain 85 existing positions, and is expected to be completed by December 2021.

Fleming College receives $12 million in provincial funding for green energy initiatives

Fleming College will receive $12,147,000 in provincial funding for green energy intiatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister Responsible for Small Business, made the announcement last Wednesday (April 4). The funding comes from the Province’s Greenhouse Gas Campus Retrofits Program.

A portion of the funding will be used to install a new geothermal heating and cooling system at Sutherland Campus. A closed loop vertical borehole geothermal system and upgrades to the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre will include rooftop solar and wind energy, as well as the implementation of new technologies such as an Internet of Things lab.

The remaining funding will be used for additional initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the creation of a low carbon demonstration site to support the skills development of students. The project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2019.

In addition to the $12 million in funding, Leal also announced a $500,000 research grant to Fleming’s Centre for Sustainable Municipalities, for a portfolio of projects designed to accelerate the development of advanced asset management technologies.

City of Kawartha Lakes to expand natural gas services in Fenelon Falls, Cambray, and Cameron

The City of Kawartha Lakes has received more than $12.3 million from the Ontario government to expand natural gas services in Fenelon Falls, Cambray, and Cameron.

Part of the 2017 Natural Gas Grant Program, the funding will be used to construct a reinforcement and distribution pipeline to connect homes and businesses, including one large industrial customer, in Fenelon Falls.

The work will be completed by Enbridge Gas Distribution and is expected to begin this spring, with communities fully serviced with natural gas by spring 2019. Upon the project’s completion, more than 2,000 additional homes and businesses will be connected to natural gas in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Fenelon Falls, Cambray, and Cameron residents and businesses that are interested in getting connected to natural gas can call Enbridge Gas at 1-888-427-8888 or email connecttogas@enbridge.com.

YMCA Balsillie Family Branch seeking food services vendor

The Balsillie Family Branch of the YMCA of Central East Ontario has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of food services at the Balsillie Family Branch, located at 123 Aylmer Street South in Peterborough.

The branch is seeking to enter into a two-year contract with the possibility of an extension. The successful proponent will be responsible for all aspects of the day to day operation of the cafe such as staffing, purchasing, food preparation, service, equipment, and cleaning of the area.

The RFP is available online at ymcaofceo.ca

Nominations now open for Peterborough Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Excellence Awards

Nominations are now open for the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards, which publicly recognize and honour local businesses who have demonstrated a passion for excellence.

Awards will be handed out in the following categories: Business Citizen of the Year, Local Focus, Micro Business, Marketing & Promotion, Not-for-Profit, Retail, Innovation/Research & Development, Environmental Practices, Skilled Trades, 4-under-40 Profiles, Business Student Leadership Prizes, Employer of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Hospitality, Health & Wellness, Retail Chain/Franchise, Commercial Development or Renovation, Customer First, Supply Chain, Tourism, and Newcomer Entrepreneur of the Year.

VIDEO: 2018 Business Excellence Awards

In addition, the Chamber has added a new category for the 2018 awards, Professional Services, to recognize businesses showing excellence in the provision of services that require a formal certification by a professional body, such as legal, medical, financial, real estate, and more.

Nominations are open at excellencepeterborough.ca until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd. Early bird nominations received by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9th will be entered into a draw for two tickets to the awards ceremony and a $100 gift card to a Chamber member restaurant of the winner’s choice.

The Chamber will announce three finalists in each category on August 9th, with the award recipients revealed at an awards ceremony on October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.

Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area reduces size of its board

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is reducing the size of its board in accordance with a new City of Peterborough by-law.

Last September, Peterborough City Council passed a new by-law governing the city’s Business Improvement Areas (the Peterborough DBIA and the Village Business Improvement Area in East City). The by-law came a year after the Peterborough DBIA challenged the city at an Ontario Municipal Board hearing over the rezoning for the new casino.

In part, the by-law sets the maximum size of a Business Improvement Area board to nine directors. The Peterborough DBIA currently has 13 members.

As a result of the by-law, Dave Madill and Alvin Schieck will resign from the DBIA’s board, resulting in 10 remaining members. Madill has served on the board for 12 years (and as chair since 2011) and Schieck has been on the board for eight years (and as vice-chair since 2014).

The board has selected Paul Bennett, co-owner of Ashburnham Realty, to serve as interim chair until the next Peterborough DBIA Annual General Meeting (AGM), at which time the DBIA membership will elect a new board.

The DBIA AGM is scheduled for June 27th at Showplace Performance Centre at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to everyone, but only DBIA members are eligible to vote and to serve on the board. Any member looking to join the board can contact the DBIA office to make arrangements or announce their intentions at the meeting.

New World Park Solutions Inc. to build new Rotary adult outdoor gym in Beavermead Park

The City of Peterborough has awarded Brantford-based company New World Park Solutions Inc. with the contract to build Peterborough’s first adult outdoor gym.

The gym will be located in Beavermead Park adjacent to the volleyball courts and near the children’s playground. It will feature a variety of exercise machines, including some that are accessible for persons with disabilities.

First announced in June 2017, the project will be funded with contributions of $25,000 from each of the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and the Rotary Club of Peterborough and $40,000 from the City of Peterborough.

New World Park Solutions Inc. was the successful vendor to the City of Peterborough’s Request for Proposals for the layout design and supply and installation of outdoor exercise equipment at Beavermead Park.

Work will begin on the project in May 2018, with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony when the project is completed.

Peterborough Chamber Breakfast Meeting with Lindsay Stroud on April 10

The next Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).

Lindsay Stroud, Manager of Transportation and Urban Design Programs at GreenUP, will speak on the annual Shifting Gears transportation challenge.

Networking begins at 7 a.m. with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (where you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room) followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.

The event is free to attend (pay for what you order). To register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

Mental Health in the Workplace seminar in Haliburton on April 10

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast meeting takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10th at Maple Avenue Tap & Grill (172 Highland St., Haliburton).

Jack Veitch, Health Promoter and Educator with the Canadian Mental Health Association, will speak about mental health issues in the workplace, including strategies, approach, and prevention.

The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members (includes taxes and gratuity).

Bancroft Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Symposium on April 10

The Bancroft Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Business Symposium takes place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10th at Bancroft Pentecostal Tabernacle (311 Hastings St. N., Bancfort).

The event includes a keynote from Hastings—Lennox and Addington MP Mike Bossio and three morning panels: “Show Me The Money” (where you get the capital to grow your business) with Michael Gatschene – BDC, Carolyn Barker-Brown – CFDC, and Jacques Pilon, Launch Labs; “Hidden Gems” (community-focused organizations that can help your business) with Loyalist College, Brad Labadie – ECOTB, Melanie Wright – CFDC, and Mark Hanley – Hastings County; and “Seeing through the Smoke” (what you need to know about marijuana in the workplace) with Joel Ribideau, Nancy Wiechenthal – NHFP, and Bancroft OPP.

The cost is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members (includes breakfast). To register, call 613-334-1513 ext. 213 or register online at www.bancroftdistrict.com.

FastStart E-Connect with Darryl Goodall and Reg Maranda on April 10

The next FastStart E-Connect, “Spring into Entrepreneurship 2.0”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

Featured speakers are Darryl Goodall, founder of Part Time CFO Services Inc., and Rejean “Reg” Maranda, co-founder of Reggie’s Hotgrill, El Caminos, McThirsty’s Pint, and Kettledrums Restaurant.

Admission is free, but registration is required.

FastStart is a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.

Innovation and Technology Showcase at Fleming College on April 12

Student innovation and hands-on learning will be on display at the Fleming College Innovation and Technology Showcase on Thursday, April 12th.

Over the winter, students from the School of Business and School of Trades and Technology worked with sponsors from industry and non-profit sectors to find innovative solutions to a business- or technology-related problem.

The 61 student projects that will be on display during the showcase include: a smart water sprinkler that measures soil moisture and air temperature to determine whether lawn watering is needed; turning everyday objects such as posters or t-shirts into FM radio transmitters; identification of international markets for sustainable materials used in the manufacture of surfboards; creating a plan to attract new business, relocate businesses, and repatriate locals in City of Kawartha Lakes; and a smart doorbell that can identify a visitor and notify the homeowner using a smartphone app.

Projects will be judged with prizes awarded at the conclusion of the showcase.

Members of the public are invited to attend the event and view the projects, which will be on display from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).

In addition to the project displays, award-winning video producer Bryan Bolan will deliver a keynote presentation at 2 p.m.. The keynote will be followed by a reception at 3 p.m. with the awards presentation at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Woman – You Gotta Laugh in Lindsay on April 13

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC) in partnership with Women in Networking Kawartha Lakes (WiN) are hosting their sixth annual women’s event at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13th at Olympia Restaurant (106 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

“Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Woman – You Gotta Laugh” features guest speaker Susan Stewart, a comedian, professional speaker, and author of Reaching the Laugh Resort, Your New Lenses are Ready for Pick Up: A Guide to Seeing the Lighter Side of Life and You Gotta Laugh: Wit and Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously. She has spent the last ten years entertaining and inspiring people to see the lighter side of life.

The cost is $45+HST for members of KSLBEC, WiN, and the Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Coboconk, Norland and Area Chambers of Commerce or $55+HST for non-members. The price includes a complimentary copy of Stewart’s book You Gotta Laugh.

Tickets for the event are available at www.cklwomen.eventbrite.ca or by calling 705-324-9411 ext. 1362.

Medical Officer of Health at Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network on April 18

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health with Peterborough Public Health, will be the guest speaker at the next Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) Breakfast Network on Wednesday, April 18th.

The DBIA Breakfast Network meets on the third Wednesday of the month at Empress Gardens at 131 Charlotte Street and is open to everyone.

Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with Dr. Salvaterra speaking at 8 a.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

2018 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition Final Pitch on April 18

The six finalists in the 2018 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition will be pitching their businesses to a panel of judges on Wednesday, April 18th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

The finalist in the innovation stream are ViSmart, Transit One, and Kavtek, and the finalists in the goods and services stream are Full Tilt Cycle, Percheron Plastic Inc. and Indigo Green.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. A panel of judges — Nicole Verkindt, founder and CEO of Canadian technology company OMX; Rhonda Barnet, President and COO at Steelworks Design Inc. and Chair of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Board of Directors; and Geordie Konrad, co-founder of digital innovation company Konrad Group — will score the finalists’ presentations based on innovation, commercialization, diversification, business plan quality, and the benefit to the local economy.

The two winners (one for the innovation stream and one for the goods and services stream) will be announced at 8:45 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be ordered online at bearsptbo18.eventbrite.ca.

Application deadline for Slingshot incubation program for young entrepreneurs is April 20

The application deadline for Slingshot, the Innovation Cluster and FastStart Peterborough’s summer incubation program for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29, is midnight on Monday, April 20th.

Successful applicants will receive coworking space in the downtown Cube along with tools, resources, and funding opportunities to grow their business — a value of $5,000 for four months.

Participants in the inaugural Slingshot program in 2017 included businesses related to social media, drones, hockey, influencer marketing, podcasting, and digital solutions. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 29, planning to start their company in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and have an idea for a company or have been operational for under one year. Applicants outside of the region are encouraged to apply if they intend on making the move to Peterborough.

At the end of the summer, the most successful company will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with other prizes. Last year’s winner was Vetterview, a social media influencer marketplace created by founder and Slingshot participant Alex Gastle. He is now in London, England growing the company.

Successful applicants will move into the Cube to begin working on their company on May 1st. For more information or to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/slingshot/.

Innovation Cluster Agriculture Tech Power Breakfast on April 27

The Innovation Cluster’s next quarterly Power Breakfast is on the topic of growth and innovation in agriculture technology and takes place on Friday, April 27th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).

Presented by Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation, guest speakers are Jeal Leal (Peterborough MPP, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Small Business), Thien Quoc Nguyen and Suresh Narine of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research at Trent University, and Darren Goldin (Co-Founder and VP of Operations for Entomo Farms).

The breakfast event takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and features a buffet breakfast of eggs benedict, fresh baked muffins, seasonal fruit yougurt parfaits, smoothies, and pan-friend potatoes.

The Power Breakfast is free, but registration is required.

Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence on April 28

The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards of Excellence takes place from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th at the Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Employee Achievement, Not for Profit Achievement, Business Achievement, Citizen of the Year, New Business Achievement, Tourism Achievement, Hospitality, and Creative Arts Achievement.

For more information, visit www.bobcaygeon.org.

Trent Hills Chamber Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 28

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony for the 2018 Celebration of Business Excellence takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th at Island Park Retirement Residence (18 Trent Drive, Campbellford).

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Customer Experience Award (Service-Based), Customer Experience Award (Product-Based), Pride And Progress Award, Ignite 2018 – Business, Ignite 2018 – Non-Profit Organization, Excellence In Business, Community Impact Award, Inclusive Community Employer Award, and Chair’s Award.

A cocktail reception begins at 7 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $35+HST, available at trenthillschamber.ca/business-awards/.

Business Owners Sharing Solutions (BOSS) – Mental Health in the Workplace on May 9

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (BOSS) seminar takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).

The session will focus on coping strategies and techniques to encourage mental wellness in your workplace, with panelists Jack Veitch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Dave Pogue of Team 55, and Ashley Challinor of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

If you’ve got a great business idea and you’re between the ages of 15 and 29, you should definitely consider going after one of the local grants now available through the Summer Company program. Nine grants are available through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and seven are up for grabs through the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre.

Summer Company is the Government of Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program that connects students ages 15 to 29 with training, mentorship, and the funding needed to start a summer business.

And according to past Summer Company participant, Brigh Findlay-Shields, it’s is a low risk way to start and grow a successful business.

Findlay-Shields was only 16 when she applied to the program. She was young, competitive and she had started to take an interest in equestrian jewelry that allows riders to personalize their tack.

“I saw bridle charms out there,” Findlay-Shields says. “And I thought I could do it better, so I started Darling Equine.”

A rider from a young age, she sensed there was an opportunity to sell the small charms that can be attached to bridles, or used in other ways, like zipper-pulls. Once enrolled in the Summer Company program, she got to work building a website at darlingequine.ca to launch her online business.

And while the program’s start-up funds helped with ordering stock and with web development, it was the workshops and mentoring that made the biggest impact on the new entrepreneur.

“I learned that it’s not as simple as just setting up a website,” Findlay-Shields laughs. “I was like, where are all the people?”

Marketing workshops helped, especially when it came to social media marketing. Findlay-Shields says she really appreciated learning how to build and develop a community through social media, how to share resources with her fans and followers, and how to convert that community support into actual sales.

Now, a few of years later, the business is still running. Findlay-Shields is studying at the University of Toronto and she runs Darling Equine in her free time. The company has grown to include a clothing line and she sells on both Etsy and Shopify. She’s continued to grow her community and she says that learning by doing was a great experience.

“People in this program were always listening and understanding,” she says. “They understood that young entrepreneurs are the future.”

Alexis Wilson agrees. She completed the Summer Company program last summer and her arts-based business, The Tiny Talents Arts Company in Fenelon Falls (73 Lindsay Street, Fenelon Falls), continues to thrive.

Wilson says she thought the program was just for students looking to develop a trade, but her mom encouraged her to pitch her own arts-based idea. Wilson wanted to launch a triple-threat program for kids that would teach music, dance, and acting. Wilson’s mom was right and the Tiny Talents Arts Company was launched.

Although stage fright is not an issue for Wilson, who has been acting and dancing for as long as she can remember, she was definitely scared to start a business at such a young age but looking back, she says it was worth facing her fears.

“I went to the meetings and workshops and I loved the social media lessons and learning how to market,” Wilson says. “I started the program in church basements and I opened a studio space by the end of the program.”

Wilson used some of her start-up funds to purchase art supplies and everything else she needed to get her kids’ program off the ground. She jumped into marketing and promotion and started signing kids up. The young entrepreneur ran two weeks of summer camp in July and another two weeks last August. At the end of the summer she had a musical production of “Aladdin” ready to go and everyone gave a great performance.

“There were eight kids in the show, all under 10 years,” Wilson says. “They were all off-script and even the youngest one, a six-year-old, did not forget anything.”

Wilson says she loves what she’s doing and it always feels good when the kids she has worked with see her in town, and say they can’t wait to come back again. Parents are happy too, filling her Facebook page with warm compliments and enthusiastic encouragement.

Wilson is planning on a future path that involves teaching and performing. While she works to complete her final studies at Fenlon Falls Secondary School, she’s still running her studio and offering afterschool, weekend, and holiday programming and she’s got big plans for this summer with more camps and shows at her studio.

“This was stressful,” Wilson admits. “But the fun outweighed that. I’d never done anything like this before but I’m so happy I did. I learned so many things — like organization.”

Wilson says she’s trying to work on a plan now to help manage growth, to teach more kids, and to keep her approach as individual as she can.

Both Summer Company participants say they are grateful for the support, learning, mentorship and success that they found through the program. The young women believe that the unique experiences that they had will help shape their lives for years to come and they both appreciated being able to build a business with so little risk and so much support. These are all reasons why they are both encouraging others to apply to the Summer Company.

Both the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre and the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre deliver the Summer Company program, which helps students navigate the business plan writing process and financial management. Throughout the summer, students will have the opportunity to take part in the same workshops that Wilson and Findlay-Shields raved about.

“This will be our seventeenth year delivering the Summer Company program, an amazing program for developing career skills and experiential learning for our region’s youth.” explains Economic Development Officer Madeleine Hurrell, “Through the program, students receive training, mentorship and funding of up to $3,000.”

Diane Steven is manager of the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre. She says she is always amazed to see the transformation that each of the Summer Company participants goes through over the summer months.

“They begin the summer so shy and unsure of themselves but by the end of summer they become true entrepreneurs,” Steven says.

“Their determination and knowledge of what they are doing and why is truly evident. They have confidence when speaking about their business to customers, take pride in the quality of the work they are doing and understand how the business needs to operate to be successful. What more can you ask for when measuring success?”

The deadline for applications is May 19, 2018. This highly sought-after program fills up quickly so applicants are encouraged to apply online. For more information and application instructions, visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany.

Staff at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre and at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre are available to answer questions and to help young entrepreneurs with the application process.