This week’s round-up of business news features the federal government’s announcement of $498,000 in funding to attract women to pursue manufacturing careers, the launch of kawarthaNOW’s special editorial section for the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, the closing of Brio Gusto in downtown Peterborough in October, the Peterborough startup Pitched revolutionizing the way Canadians camp, and the coming return of the Win This Space entrepreneurial competition to downtown Peterborough.
New business events added this week include the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development BAC at the Bonfire at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on September 18th, the Peterborough DBIA’s monthly Breakfast Network with Paul J. Bedford on September 19th, and the Innovation Cluster’s workshop on alternative financing options in Peterborough on September 20th.
We publish businessNOW every week. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Federal Minister of Status of Women announces $498,000 in funding to attract women to pursue manufacturing careers
Last Thursday (September 6), Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Minister of Status of Women announced $498,000 in federal funding for the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to implement a three-year project aiming at attracting and inspiring more women and youth to pursue a career in manufacturing.
The announcement was made at the new Steelworks Design facility on Fisher Drive in Peterborough. Rhonda Barnet, the President & COO of Steelworks Design, is also the chair of CME’s National Board.
VIDEO: Federal government announcement at Steelworks Design
Our government recognizes that one of the keys to growing our economy is attracting more women to the manufacturing sector. Tune in now for an important announcement at Steelworks Design in #PtboKawartha #Nogojiwanong.
Posted by Maryam Monsef on Thursday, September 6, 2018
As part of the project, CME will create regional networks to work with a national working group to attract more women into Canadian manufacturing professions and create more inclusive and diverse workplaces. The project will also develop a best practices toolkit for manufacturers to adopt and report on progress.
The CME’s Management Issues Survey in 2016 found that nearly 40 per cent of respondents are currently facing labour and skills shortages, while 16 per cent of businesses stated that ongoing shortages may force them to shift production and investment outside of Canada.
At the same time, while Canadian women make up 48 per cent of the workforce, only 28 per cent hold jobs in manufacturing jobs. This percentage has not changed in the last 30 years.
CME says that attracting women to the manufacturing sector is critical to helping these companies grow, filling job vacancies and replacing the existing aging workforce.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough launches 2018-19 season
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) has launched its 2018-19 season, holding its kick-off meeting last Wednesday (September 5) at the Holiday Inn Waterfront in downtown Peterborough.
And, for the second year in a row, WBN member kawarthaNOW.com is providing exclusive digital promotion of the preeminent networking organization for professional women in the Kawarthas.
Check out our special WBN editorial section, which includes everything you need to know about WBN, along with our profiles of selected WBN members.
Brio Gusto Restaurant & Wine Bar in downtown Peterborough is closing after 15 years
After 15 years in business, Brio Gusto Restaurant & Wine Bar in downtown Peterborough will serve its final meal on Friday, October 5th.
Owner and chef Lindsey Dupuis made the announcement on Facebook last Friday (September 7).
Dupuis bought the business six years ago from Scott Wood (who currently owns Ashburnham Ale House in East City). She initially starting as a dishwasher and then went to culinary school, and has worked as a chef at the restaurant for the past 10 years.
Dupuis had a baby six months ago.
“We have had to make the hard decision to close Brio Gusto as it is and focus more on our family,” she writes on Facebook.
The building housing the popular restaurant is owned by AON Inc.
Peterborough’s Pitched is the camping version of Airbnb
Local entrepreneur Olaf Dunn is revolutionizing the way Canadians camp.
Dunn is the founder of Pitched, Canada’s first campsite booking website similar to Airbnb. Using Pitched, anyone can host a campsite on their property and rent it to others.
With over 50 campsites in Ontario alone, Pitched provides an opportunity for campers to have a unique place to stay and the hosts an opportunity to share local knowledge of the site, creating memories travellers wouldn’t experience at an average campground.
Dunn, who is originally from the United Kingdom, explains he was inspired to develop Pitched when he had difficulty finding a suitable campsite one summer for a family getaway.
“It is hard for the average person to find a campsite that is both secluded and quiet,” he says. “We wanted to create an experience for campers who are adventurous, maybe take impulsive road trips, or just want to try somewhere new.”
When searching for a campsite location using Pitched, people can see everything available to them when they are at the campsite. The minimum requirement is room for a tent, but hosts may also provide additional facilities and equipment such as fire pits and tent supplies. Campsites are available in a range of locations and price points (the host determines the price).
In the near future, Dunn hopes to implement insurance options that will provide basic coverage for all non-commercial hosts.
For more information on Pitched, visit www.pitched.ca.
Win This Space returns in downtown Peterborough for 2019, sponsorship opportunities available
For the third straight year, the Win This Space entrepreneurial contest is returning to downtown Peterborough.
The competition aims to support budding entrepreneurs and promote economic development in Peterborough’s downtown. The winner of the competition receives a downtown storefront free for a year, along with other prizes.
The initiative is a partnership of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Casinos and includes sponsorships by many local businesses.
The 2019 contest will be officially launched on Tuesday, September 18th.
If you are interesting in sponsoring Win This Space 2019, call the DBIA at 705-748-4774.
Peterborough Chamber hosts breakfast meeting with Ashley Lamothe on September 11
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next “Chamber AM” breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11th at the Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough)
Ashley Lamothe of Creative Kwe Coaching will be the guest speaker, on the topic “Empowerment in the Workplace”.
Coffee and breakfast is served from 7 to 8 a.m. followed by the guest speaker.
Admission is free (you just pay for what you order for breakfast).
Next FastStart Peterborough E-Connect features Susan Sharp of Brant Basics and Dr. Kristy Hiltz of Sherbrooke Animal Hospital on September 11
The next FastStart Peterborough E-Connect event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11th at Brant Basics (296 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event features presentations from Susan Sharp, partner of Brant Basics, and Dr. Kristy Hiltz, founder of Sherbrooke Animal Hospital. Free appetizers and drinks will be available.
E-Connect is free, but you need to register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-semester-kick-off-tickets-49178160201.
Port Hope Chamber 17th Annual Golf Tournament on September 13
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 17th Annual Golf Tournament beginning at 11:30 a.m. (shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.) on Thursday, September 13th at the Ash Brook Golf Club (7215 Dale Rd., Port Hope).
The event includes lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and a steak dinner. There will be a best ball fun tournament and prizes.
Tickets are $110. For more information and to register, visit www.porthopechamber.com.
Venture13 in Cobourg hosts seminar on University of Toronto internship program for startups on September 18
The Impact Centre in partnership with Northumberland CFDC and Venture13 is presenting a lunch and learn seminar on course-based internship program for early-stage startups offered by the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto.
“Exploring New Ventures Closer to Home: Helping your Startup grow with top talent from UofT” takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18th in the seminar room at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Students in the Exploring New Ventures Closer to Home (ENV-C2H) program will work with your company (unpaid) for either 100 or 200 hours, learn about entrepreneurship, and earn an academic credit.
The seminar is free and lunch will be provided. Register at Eventbrite.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts BAC at the Bonfire at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on September 18
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre hosts its annual BAC at the Bonfire event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18th at Elmhirst’s Rerort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
BAC at the Bonfire brings together entrepreneurs around a cozy campfire to share their stories and mingle with like-minded professionals.
This year’s theme is how to scale your business for growth and remain competitive. Gain valuable insight guest speakers Marissa McTasney of Moxie Trades and Craig Mortlock from Mortlock Construction.
BAC at the Bonfire is free, but advance registration is required at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bac-at-the-bonfire-tickets-48841408969.
Peterborough DBIA’s monthly Breakfast Network with Paul J. Bedford on September 19
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)’s next monthly Breakfast Network takes place at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 19th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Renowned planner Paul J. Bedford will be the guest speaker. A member and fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners, Bedford has 45 years of experience in urban planning, including as Toronto’s chief city planner for eight years.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The meeting is open to everyone, and tickets are $5 at the door.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunch-time seminar on business relationships in the era of machine intelligence on September 19
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Lunch Box Learning seminar takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th in the Chamber boardroom at 175 George Street North in Peterborough.
The topic will be “Business Relationships in the Age of Machine Intelligence and Automation” presented by Paul Teleki, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Lunch Box Learning is a noon-hour seminar series that’s open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN).
The seminar is free to attend, but please bring your own lunch.
For more information, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca
Port Hope Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on marijuana in the workplace on September 19
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Marijuana in the Workplace: Is Your Workplace Ready?” from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th at the Port Hope Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope).
The seminar will provide information on the rights and responsibilities of employers regarding the upcoming legalization of marijuana. Jason Schmidt of Schmidt Law Legal Services will be leading the discussion, along with Peter Treacy, Field Consultant from Peninsula Canada – Human Resources & Employer Advice.
Bring your own lunch (beverages will be provided). The event is free, but please RSVP by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
Kawartha Chamber presents Business After Hours in Bridgenorth on September 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business After Hours event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th.
During the “Bridgenorth Hop”, the Chamber will visit members in Bridgenorth, including Bridgenorth Deli, Style Boutique, and TCB Office Furniture & Supplies.
More details will be announced as the date nears.
Port Hope Chamber hosts community economic development workshop on September 20
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Community Economic Development 101” from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, September 20th at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre (29 Thomas St., Port Hope).
The interactive workshop, intended for municipal candidates, staff, community volunteers, and business professionals, will teach the basics of economic development and provide practical tools to help your municipality attract jobs, investment, and tackle economic development barriers.
The workshop is free, but advance registration is required by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
Lindsay Chamber Fall Golf Classic Tournament on September 20
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Fall Golf Classic Tournament from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The event fee of $141.25 includes a BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and dinner. There will be prizes for women’s and men’s closest and longest drive, most honest and winning teams, and putting and chipping contests.
For more information and to register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com.
Innovation Cluster hosts workshop on alternative financing options in Peterborough on September 20
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Alternative Financing Options with SME Bancorp Inc.” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The workshop, presented by Peter Browning of SME Bancorp, will cover the topics of financing accounts receivable or factoring, using credit insurance to eliminate your credit risk and reduce your cost of borrowing, financing purchase orders, how to fund the purchase of assets such as inventory and the services you need to run your business, and financing equipment.
The workshop is free and lunch will be provided to attendees courtesy of SME Bancorp, but advance registration is required. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-alternative-financing-options-with-sme-bancorp-inc-tickets-49178907436.
New Venture Workshop in Buckhorn on September 26
Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a workshop for entrepreneurs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26th at St. Matthew – St. Aidans Church (1946 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
The “New Venture Session” is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs or startups looking for support in the business community. The session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs that are available for entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, the business model canvas exercise, how to access support from the Business Advisory Centre, and getting started on the “Startup Checklist”.
Presented in partnership with Selwyn Township, Trent Lakes, and Curve Lake First Nation, the workshop is free and you can register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-workshop-tickets-48692197674.
Next Kawartha Chamber B.O.S.S. session takes place on October 2
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) session is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2nd at Camp Kawartha (1010 Birchview Rd., Douro-Dummer).
The session will explore team building programs, practices, and activities, and discuss the importance of establishing trust, setting goals, and honouring the goals of others. Refreshments will be provided.
Register at kawarthachamber.ca.
Love Local Ptbo Business Expo on October 3
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Love Local Business Expo will take place this year from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3rd.
The region’s largest business showcase, in previous years the Expo took place at the Morrow Building during September. While spacious, the location was also somewhat uncomfortable during the heat of late summer and required a lot of carpets to cover up the concrete floor.
This year’s Expo is taking place at the Envinrude Centre, which features air conditioning and hardwood floors.
You can register for a booth at peterboroughchamber.ca.
