This week’s business news features the launch of “Start Here” in downtown Cobourg, fully serviced office rentals from Peterborough Business Hub, the opening of Field Day Bed and Breakfast in Millbrook, Colborne Street Gallery of Fenelon Falls featured in The Toronto Star, Ritual Apothecary in downtown Peterborough now open for business, the new board for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge seeking board members, and Board and staff changes at Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8).

Regional business events added this week include an open house at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre on July 12th and the application deadline for the Camp Startup youth entrepreneurial bootcamp on July 26th.

We publish businessNOW™ every week. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.

Downtown Cobourg launches “Start Here” business attraction marketing campaign

At the end of June, the Town of Cobourg, the Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), and the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce launched a new business attraction marketing campaign for downtown Cobourg called “Start Here”.

The goal of the 12-month campaign is to attract businesses to the downtown, including supermarkets and other grocery stores, clothing stores (including women’s clothing and accessories stores), specialty food stores, and a full-service restaurant (preferably a mid-scale family restaurant).

VIDEO: Start Here Campaign

The campaign will target potential business owners within a 45-minute radius of Cobourg, businesses with multiple (franchise) locations experiencing growth, and new entrepreneurs with a unique business concept.

“The Start Here Downtown Business Attraction Marketing campaign was created by the Downtown Marketing Partnership to further fulfill Council’s strategic objective stating that we will complete the business attraction component of the Downtown Vitalization Action Plan,” said Mayor Gil Brocanier. “We look forward to further rolling out this successfully executed marketing campaign as a team.”

The campaign includes seven strategies, five of which have been completed: marketing materials including wrapping empty downtown storefronts into an attractive visual of what could exist within those spaces; a social media campaign; the launch of a website; attendance at trade shows within target sectors; and earned media coverage.

Two additional strategies to be implemented this fall include an “‘Explore the Core” event (scheduled for September 12th) and the launch of an online, print, and broadcast advertising campaign.

For more information about “Start Here”, visit www.startherecobourg.ca.

Peterborough Business Hub offers offers fully serviced office rentals

Peterborough Business Hub at 398 McDonnel Street in Peterborough held its grand opening in June.

The company offers “affordable space for business professionals”, including both short- and long-term leases of office space.

Leases include free parking, choice of office layout, office furniture, after-hours keyless entry, administrative support, mail service, boardroom access, a fully equipped kitchen, secure Wi-Fi, high tech security, and more.

VIDEO: Peterborough Business Hub

The first business to use the service is Pilkington Immigration Law.

For more information on Peterborough Business Hub, email info@peterboroughbusinesshub.com or visit peterboroughbusinesshub.com.

Field Day Bed and Breakfast opens in historic Millbrook home

Field Day Bed and Breakfast in Millbrook held its grand opening on June 23rd.

Owners Brian and Kate (Segriff) Field have renovated their 4,500-square-foot Robert Amrstrong Heritage Home (also known to locals as the Westmacott House), built in 1874, into a bed and breakfast.

Field Day Art is also located in the home, featuring arts classes, a gallery, and art supplies.

The Fields offer overnight accommodation for both artists and non-artists, offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms along with home-cooked meals.

The two-acre property has a park-like backyard, a swimming pool, and children’s activities.

For more information, call 647-641-1236 or visit www.fielddaybandb.com

Owners of Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls featured in Toronto Star story about economic impact of cottagers

Chris Van Lierop and Tim Wisener, owners of Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls, were featured in a story in The Toronto Star on July 7th.

The Toronto natives, who previously summered in the area, moved themselves and their design business — Home By Tim+Chris — to Fenelon Falls last fall and opened a gallery. They have since become involved in the local business community.

The two are used as an example in a story by Tess Kalinowski about how rural municipalities are trying to encourage seasonal residents to become involved in the business life of the community.

“We decided Fenelon Falls is where we wanted to be because it needed some help,” Van Lierop says in the story. “It needed some more businesses on the main street and a little bit more vibrancy.”

Kalinowski’s story also refers to a recent report from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) which “suggests there are opportunities to improve the vitality and viability of cottage communities by exploiting the talent, experience and wealth of cottagers.”

FOCA executive director Terry Rees is also interviewed for the story.

“We’ve got to make sure our communities are thriving, aren’t hollowed out,” he says in the story.

Read the full story, entitled Can cottagers keep Ontario’s lake regions afloat?, at www.thestar.com/business/2018/07/07/can-cottagers-keep-ontarios-lake-regions-afloat.html

Ritual Apothecary is now open in downtown Peterborough

Nadine McCallen held the grand opening of her new store, Ritual Apothecary at 196 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough, last Wednesday (July 4).

The owner of The Willow’s Bark, McCallen was the grand prize winner of the year’s Win This Space entrepreneurial competition, which included one year of free rent in a downtown storefront.

“It will be the home of The Willow’s Bark studio, which creates wildcrafted skincare and herbal remedies from locally foraged plants, as well as other like-minded companies producing all-natural, small-batch, sustainable beauty products, herbal remedies, and artisan goods with care and attention to protecting our natural habitat,” McCallen says.

This is the second year for Win This Space, a competition that aims to support budding entrepreneurs and promote economic development in Peterborough’s downtown. The initiative is made possible in partnership by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Casinos.

“We are incredibly happy to see all of Nadine’s hard work pay off,” says Peterborough DBIA executive director Terry Guiel. “This new storefront not only gives her business the next step in reaching its full potential, but it also enhances the liveliness and economic vitality of our downtown. We hope this gives other business owners the inspiration they need to succeed.”

The inaugural winner of Win This Space in 2017 was Tina Bromley of Tiny Greens.

New board elected for Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area

A general election of the board of management for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) took place the DBIA’s annual general meeting on June 27th at Showplace Performance Centre.

The eight board members elected are Michael Cherney of Cherney Properties, Michael Gallant of Lett Architects, Paul Bennett of Ashburnham Realty, Tegan Moss of B!KE: The Community Cycling Hub, Sam Sayer of Sam’s Place, Jean Grant of The Toy Shop of Peterborough, Brad Collyer of Grant Thorton LLP, and Sacha Lai-Svirk of BrandHealth.

The board members will serve a four-year term beginning in October 2018, along with an appointed representative from the City of Peterborough following the municipal election.

Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge seeking board members

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is seeking applications for volunteers for its board of directors for the new board year beginning September 19th.

Applicants should live within the association’s catchment area (Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland) and demonstrate an understanding of the community and its mental health needs, as well as a passion to support mental health for all. The association is seeking with experience or knowledge across a variety of areas including the mental health system, Aboriginal mental health services, finance, law, fund development, board governance, stewardship, human resources, healthcare and not-for-profit organizations. Previous board experience is an asset.

The board meets throughout the year on the evening of the third Wednesday of each month, at locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, and Minden. Applicants must be able to commit to regular attendance at the monthly board meetings, as well as specialized committee meetings and representation of the organization at special events, including fundraising initiatives. The monthly commitment is approximately eight to 14 hours per month. Travel expenses are provided.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume by August 3rd to:

Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge
Attention: Karen Wolff, Executive Administrative Assistant
415 Water Street
Peterborough, ON K9H 3L9

You can also email Karen Wolff at kwolff@cmhahkpr.ca or fax 705-748-4078.

Board and staff changes at Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RT08)

Several changes have taken place at Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8), the organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to promote regional tourism activity in the area that is now branded as Kawarthas Northumberland, and includes the City of Kawartha Lakes, the City and County of Peterborough, and the County of Northumberland.

Three new members have joined RT08’s 12-person board in three-year positions: Bryan Buchanan, General Manager of Great Canadian Gaming – Shorelines Casinos; Montana DesJardins, CEO of the Market and Smor; and Thomas Wilkins, Digital Marketing Manager of Fleming College in Peterborough.

Abby Ross joined RT08 staff in June as the Partner Communications Lead. Contact Abby to list your experiences on the ontariotravel.net website, Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour, Regional Tourism Ambassador Program, Trip Planner and the RTO8.com website. You can contact her at partner@rto8.com or at 705-874-8505 ext. 102.

Julie Cain also joined RT08 staff in June to cover a maternity leave. As Operations Coordinator, Julie will lead RTO8’s Partnership Allocation Program along with board and office administration. She can be reached at admin@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext. 103.

Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce Meet & Greet at Moonlit Pines Guest House on July 10

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is holding its next “Meet & Greet” networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10th at Moonlit Pines Guest House (6108-6A Curtis Point Rd., Roseneath).

Hosted by Chamber members on the second Tuesday of every month, this month’s Meet & Greet will be hosted by Chris and Kerin Valcourt of Moonlit Pines Guest House. In addition to networking with other local business people, you’ll have an opportunity to explore this beautifully appointed guest house.

The Chamber will also be announcing the travel partner and exotic destination for its 2019 Chamber trip.

The usual $10 non-member fee has been waived for this event, but advance registration is required at nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-meet-greet-moonlit-pines-guest-house-1341.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre Open House on July 12

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is hosting an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 12th at the Visitor Centre (270 George St. N., Suite 101, Peterborough).

Called “Get the Scoop”, the open house is intended for tourism partners, community members, and local media to learn about the visitor services and resources available through the Visitor Centre.

The event will include free ice cream (while quantities last), face painting with Faces by 2, and activities and fun for kids.

To RSVP, contact Cara Walsh at cwalsh@peterboroughed.ca or 705-743-0777 ext. 2116 or respond via Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/412393355942602/.

Application deadline for Camp Startup youth entrepreneurial bootcamp is July 26

Previously known as Kawartha Backcountry Entrepreneurship Experience, Camp Startup is a new adventure for young entrepreneurs to push their limits past their comfort zone and dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

In September, 20 successful applicants will experience an action-packed weekend at Camp Kawartha. The weekend is open to all aspiring and current entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and29 who want to learn about starting their own business or further develop their skills.

The costs are covered by FastStart Peterborough, but you must apply for one of the 20 spots by Thursday, July 26th at midnight. To find out more and to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/campstartup.

Innovation Cluster hosts “Power Breakfast: Women in STEM – Building Business and Breaking Barriers” on July 27

The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Power Breakfast: Women in STEM – Building Business and Breaking Barriers” from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27th at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).

Over a hot breakfast, four successful female entrepreneurs will speak about their experiences in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as the importance of maintaining and promoting women in STEM.

The speakers are Dr. Kate Withers (Business Development Manager for Central Ontario from Ontario Centres of Excellence), Miriam Verberg (Executive Producer of Bloom Digital Media), Dr. Andressa Lacerda (Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of Noblegen Inc.) and Rhonda Barnet (President and Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design and National Board of Directors Chair for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters).

Presented by Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation, the event is free but seating is limited. Advance registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/power-breakfast-women-in-stem-building-business-and-breaking-barriers-tickets-46845151108.

Northumberland chambers host accessibility workshop for businesses on August 13

The local chambers of commerce in Northumberland County are hosting the “Discover Ability Workshop” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 13th at Warkworth Legion (6 Norham Rd., Warkworth).

You can learn about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), how it applies to your business (including your responsibilities under the legislation), and the advantages of developing an inclusive workforce. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to register, visit business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/discover-ability-workshop-2831.

Once again Peterborough has demonstrated it is a hotbed for young entrepreneurs. On Wednesday (July 4), nine students showcased their startups at Staples on Park Street in Peterborough.

The showcase was supported by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre — part of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development organization — that supports the creation of new student-owned and operated companies.

We’re at @STAPLESptbo until 1PM celebrating the launch of 9 student run businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas. Stop by and find out what #summercompany is all about. We’ve got free treats from @pedalparlorco! pic.twitter.com/OzIDx1gqoO

— Peterborough Ec Dev (@PtboEcDev) July 4, 2018

Summer Company, Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program, provides students aged 15 to 29 an opportunity to open and operate their own business during summer break. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre has partnered with the program since 2001.

The program is based on the notion that empowering youth benefits the whole community.

“A big focus in economic development is on the attraction, development and retention of a skilled workforce,” says Rhonda Keenan, President & CEO of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

“This program offers an opportunity for students from high school, college or university to test the waters of entrepreneurship and get connected in the business community.”

Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett was in attendance and addressed the crowd, commenting on the positive impact Summer Company has on its participants.

“When I bump into the young entrepreneurs after the showcase, they always describe it as positive experience,” Bennett says. “This generation has many opportunities with new media to reach a wide audience, something my generation didn’t have.”

Bennett’s comments ring true for all participants, who have used a variety of social media channels to spread awareness about their projects. Connectivity and self-marketing are invaluable tools for anyone starting a business and young people are taking advantage.

Lucas Graham – Socialize

Lucas Graham is one of those young people. His product, Socialize, aims to help people network. His proximity-based app uses Bluetooth technology to display information about other app users in the vicinity.

The app may sound similar to LinkedIn but Graham is quick to note that Socialize is more about in-the-moment, face-to-face connections.

“The goal is to connect people in person, rather than simply online,” he says, noting that he envisions the app being used by both professionals and students.

One feature of Socialize will be the virtual business card, where users can simply tap their smart phones and transfer their contact information and a user profile.

Graham acknowledges that among the next steps will be reaching out to businesses and organizations to raise awareness about Socialize.

Eric Hall – Spotless

Reaching out to local businesses is something Eric Hall, whose interior car-detailing business is called Spotless, started with when he began his journey into entrepreneurship.

Hall kicked off his project by contacting local auto dealerships to determine whether there was a demand for a car detailing service. Hall says he received mixed responses.

“One dealership told me that the market was too competitive for me to be successful,” Hall recalls. “Another one told me they had cars available right then that needed detailing.”

Hall went ahead with his plans and now has trouble keeping up with his clients, which include one of the dealerships that initially told him there was no need for his services.

Alexander McGrath – College Lake Labour

Alexander McGrath and Bryce Wasson of College Lake Labour are also experiencing a high volume of clients only a few months into their business.

Their startup is a small student-run, labour-for-hire service that assists clients with simple jobs around their cottage, marina, or home in the Catchacoma and Gold Lake regions.

“This business also allows me to put into practice the knowledge I’m learning at university,” explains McGrath, who is minoring in business at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

“We do work for our clients so they can enjoy their summer.”

Eric Wootton – The Highlands Dock Company

Likewise, Eric Wootton’s product also aims to help cottagers enjoy their summers. Wootton’s one-man startup, The Highlands Dock Company, specializes in building quality custom docks at affordable prices.

Wootton, who just graduated high school, prides himself on efficiency and quality. For example, he says he can build a 6′ by 12′ dock with a ramp in as little as three days.

“The big companies can be expensive, and sometimes the product is even lower quality. I provide an affordable service that is equal to if not better than the quality of the docks made by the big companies.”

Jaleel Siddiqui – Alliance Living

Affordability is an important factor in Jaleel Siddiqui’s business, Alliance Living.

As a student at Trent University, Siddiqui was forced to commute daily from Pickering to Peterborough due to the lack of affordable housing options in the city.

Siddiqui, who has a business administration degree and is now studying physiotherapy, built his startup around two different needs he identified within the city. While those over 55 are struggling to maintain their homes, students are struggling to find affordable accommodation.

Still in the marketing phase, Alliance Living aims to allow mature students to offset the cost of rent by assisting seniors with tasks around the house. The arrangement allows seniors to earn income and maintain their independence.

For those interested, Alliance will arrange each step in the process including screening applicants, interviewing candidates, and even coordinating payments.

Nathan Clifford – Green Improvements

Nathan Clifford also saw a need within the community as declining bee populations pose a risk to our food supply.

Clifford’s startup, Green Improvements, is working on PiHive, a computer-based system that will enable beekeepers to monitor the health of their hives.

“I feel like this is important research,” says Clifford. “This tool will be able to provide scientists and beekeepers in this area with accurate data.”

Clifford notes that there is a lot of conflicting information about beekeeping in circulation. By creating this monitor, he hopes to take the speculation out of beekeeping. At this time, he is unaware of any comparable products in Canada.

Mason McMullen – Backwoods Landscaping Supplies and Woodworking

Using wood available on his family’s property in Lakefield, Mason McMullen of Backwoods Landscaping Supplies and Woodworking creates a variety of products, including cedar fence post/rails, firewood, mulch, meat smoker supplies, rough-cut lumber, custom furniture, and custom planters.

Gregory Postill – Metal Arts

Gregory Postill of Metal Arts, who unfortunately was unable to attend the event, is an artisan metal jewellery maker who uses traditional goldsmithing techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

Noah Abrahamse – GoldWing Jazz

Noah Abrahamse of GoldWing Jazz, a soon-to-be grade 12 student at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, has turned his passion for music into a music entertainment company for hire.

From solo alto saxophone to a fun and funky jazz combo, light background music or a lively show, Abrahamse can provide the entertainment. You can sample his tunes every Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Hot Belly Mama’s in downtown Peterborough.

All nine of the young entrepreneurs participating in this year’s Summer Company program developed their ideas from the resources at hand.

For more information about the Summer Company program, administered locally through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, visit peterboroughed.ca/small-business/summer-company/.