In this week’s business news, applications are being accepted for the next intake of Starter Company Plus in Peterborough, iMake iMove offers computer literacy camps for kids this summer, the City of Peterborough moves its bids to a third-party e-procurement solution, aviation services company Flying Colours plans an expansion at the Peterborough Airport which will create 60 new jobs, Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is up for sale, Hannah Keating is the new artistic producer of Artsweek 2018, and MP Jamie Schmale recognizes the Bobcaygeon Chamber Awards of Excellence winners in the House of Commons.
New business events added this week include the May 23rd deadline for nominations for the Peterborough Business Excellence Awards, an Innovation Cluster seminar on “Futurpreneur” on May 23rd, the Lakefield Farmers’ Market opening for the season on May 24th, and the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Evening of Excellence on June 1st in Bobcaygeon.
Still time to apply for second intake of Starter Company Plus, with orientation sessions on May 22 and 29
If you have a business idea you want to make a reality, you still have time to apply for the next intake of Starter Company Plus, a business training program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Government of Ontario.
The free program is designed for aspiring to experienced entrepreneurs 18 years and old in the City and County of Peterborough who are launching a new business, or expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less.
VIDEO: Starter Company Plus – Success Stories
If you want to apply, you must first attend one of two remaining Starter Company Plus orientation sessions: from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22nd or on Tuesday, May 29th.
Both sessions take place at the VentureNorth Boardroom (270 George St. N., Peterborough). No registration is required for either of the drop-in orientation sessions; you just need to show up.
The orientation session will provide all the information you will need to apply for the program, including important deadlines, topics that will be covered in the program, the lean canvas, and more. You must attend an orientation session prior to applying to the Starter Company Plus Program.
In addition to receiving guidance and support from Business Advisory Centre staff, business training through a series of interactive workshops, and support in creating a formalized business plan, participants in the program will have the opportunity to submit their business plan and pitch your business idea to compete for one of seven micro-grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
For full details on Starter Company Plus, including application dates, program description, eligibility requirements, terms and conditions for the program, visit peterboroughed.ca/starter-company-plus.
iMake iMove summer camps make computer literacy fun for kids
Speaking of Starter Company Plus, computer literacy expert Claudia Foung was one of the seven entrepreneurs who shared in the grant money from last year’s program.
Now she is launching her first summer camp programs for children.
Foung is the founder of iMake iMove, which offers unique after-school services for children ages 6 to 12 that blend STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum with creative and artistic flair.
Her camp’s unique approach is designed to integrate physical activity and art making into the learning of computational thinking for school-aged children. It’s the only camp of its kind in the Peterborough-Kawartha region.
Foung’s computer background includes cloud computing and database and customized desktop application development. Foung has worked for small businesses, corporate enterprises, and a national not-for-profit organization. She is a member of Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator since 2016.
At her iMake iMove camp, children will enjoy creative and active play and learn how computers work. Using real-life analogies, Foung will explains programming concepts in an interesting way that children can understand. Campers will have the opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of resources designed for different age levels, including Makey Makey, littleBites, BBC Microbit, Dash robots, Ozobots, and Chibitronics.
“As a mom of two children, I believe it is important to teach my kids computational literacy and inventor skills,” Foung explains. “Kids need to learn future-ready skills for new jobs that many of us can’t even imagine at this moment. At the same time, I am also worried about my children’s physical, mental, and social development when they are exposed to digital devices.”
That’s why Foung has also planned activities that take children away from screens and outside into the fresh air to ensure a happy and healthy experience.
For more information about iMake iMove, including camp dates and prices and registration, visit www.imakeimove.ca
City of Peterborough moves to third-party e-procurement tool for bids
As of today (May 14), the City of Peterborough has officially joined Bids and Tenders, a digital procurement platform.
Phase 1 of the project will allow bidders to view, register, and download bid opportunities online including Requests for Tenders, Quotes and Proposals. Phase 2 will include the ability for bidders to submit bids entirely online and will be introduced in the Fall of 2018.
bids&tenders™ is based on an unlimited-use model that cuts costs for suppliers and allows agencies, such as the City of Peterborough, to use all of the platform’s features.
Suppliers must register and either purchase an annual subscription fee or pay-per-bid at a lower cost. Once vendors subscribe, they have unlimited easy access to up-to-date information relevant to their bids including addenda, reminders, and more. Not only do they have access to all City of Peterborough bids, but every international bid opportunity on the platform as well.
Many municipalities in Ontario are already using bids&tenders, including the County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the County of Northumberland.
To register and see all the City of Peterborough’s open bids on the bids&tenders platform, visit cityofpeterborough.bidsandtenders.ca.
Flying Colours expansion at Peterborough Airport to create 60 new jobs in Peterborough
Flying Colours Corp. is investing $30 million in its facility at the Peterborough Airport, includes construction of a new manufacturing and operations hangar. (Graphic: Flying Colours Corp.)
Flying Colours Corp., a global privately owned and operated aviation services company based in Peterborough, will be investing $30 million in its facility at the Peterborough Airport.
The expansion, which will create 60 new jobs over the next several years while helping to retain 250 existing jobs, includes construction of a new manufacturing and operations hangar. The new hanger will enable increased global business and expanded technical capabilities.
The Province of Ontario is contributing $1 million to the project through a grant under the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF).
“This investment will accelerate the timing of our project and ensure that new employment opportunities will be created in the Peterborough area,” says John Gillespie, President of Flying Colours. “Flying Colours is excited to build on the Peterborough region’s commitment to the aerospace sector by investing in another expansion that will continue to grow our business with the support of our dedicated employees and partners.”
This project includes the purchase of new equipment, as well as significant engineering and design for customer-specific aircraft requirements.
This is the third and largest such project at Flying Colours in recent years, building on recent investments totaling more than $20 million at its Peterborough site, and will bring its total workforce in Peterborough to over 300.
Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is for sale
Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is for sale, with an asking price of $3.5 million.
The marina includes 68 rental boat slips with hydro service, boat rentals and a water taxi service, a boat launching ramp, and two residential cottages.
The location also a licenced restaurant with waterside patio, a bakery, a small convenience store, and water sports equipment and rentals at Cottage Toys (these businesses have rental leases).
Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing is listed with Elda Pirie of Ball Real Estate Inc. Brokerage in Lakefield. For more information, visit www.youronlineagents.com/eldapirie/viewlisting.php?id=1206006.
Hannah Keating appointed artistic producer of Artsweek 2018
The Board of Directors of the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has appointed Hannah Keating as Artistic Producer of Artsweek 2018.
Artsweek is Peterborough’s biennial festival of the arts and includes more than 100 artists presenting work in numerous locations around the City of Peterborough. It takes place this year from Friday, September 21st to Sunday, September 30th.
Keating was born and raised in Peterborough. After completing an undergraduate degree in Art History, she acquired her MA in Art History at Carleton University, writing her thesis on a recent body of work by Ottawa-based artist Leslie Reid. She subsequently served as the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Curatorial Intern of Canadian Art, a position funded by the Canadian Museums Association’s Dr. Shirley L. Thomson Award for Young Curators.
She went on to work at the University of Manitoba School of Art Gallery, where she managed gallery communications and outreach, as well as collections research and curation. Keating returned to Peterborough in May 2017, when she accepted the position of Programming Assistant at Artspace. She has also worked for EC3 and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a project that makes art more visible and accessible to the wider community,” Keating says. “I am also thrilled to take part in a project with such a vibrant legacy and to celebrate the creativity of local artists.”
MP Jamie Schmale recognizes Bobcaygeon Chamber award winners in House of Commons
Jamie Schmale, Conservative MP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, rose in the House of Commons last Wednesday (May 9) to publicly recognize the recipients of the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Awards of Excellence.
VIDEO: Statement – Bobcaygeon Chamber Awards – MP Jamie Schmale
He congratulated all the winners by name and thanked the staff, sponsors, and others involved in organizing the event.
Schmale also congratulated the winners of the recent Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition in Peterborough.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Breakfast Network with Michael Gallant of Lett Architects on May 16
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting Michael Gallant as the guest speaker at its next Breakfast Network meeting on Wednesday, May 16th at at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Gallant, a partner with Lett Architects and a member of the DBIA board, will be speaking about the downtown vibrancy visionary project.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with Gallant speaking at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door and everyone is welcome to attend.
Video interview techniques workshop with Birchbark Media on May 16
The Innovation Cluster’s next “Hands-ON” workshop will be on video interview techniques from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Scott Adams, founder of video production and content marketing agency Birchbark Media, will explain how to properly stage and shoot an interview. Topics covered will include lighting, backdrops, camera techniques, framing and composition, and audio setups.
Participants are welcome to bring their cameras but Adams will be providing all necessary gear.
The event is free, but seating is limited. Advance registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-video-interview-techniques-with-birchbark-media-tickets-45801656989.
Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates meeting on housing and small business on May 16
Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors (PKAR) and the Peterborough & The Kawarthas Home Builders Association are hosting a meeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates for the upcoming Ontario election.
The meeting takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre (347 Burnham St. Peterborough).
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal along with PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will present their views on housing and home ownership as well as their support of small business.
The panel discussion wil be moderated by 2018 PKAR president Kristi Doyle.
The event is free, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
As part of the 2015 electoral redistribution, the Peterborough provincial electoral district was renamed Peterborough-Kawartha. The new dictrict no longer includes the Townships of Otonabee-South Monaghan and Asphodel-Norwood and the Hiawatha First Nation (all which are now part of the new Northumberland-Peterborough South riding), but now includes the townships of Trent Lakes and North Kawartha.
Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates debate on business issues on May 17
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is also hosting an a meeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal, PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will all be attending.
The debate will focus on issues affecting the business community.
Send any questions to Sandra Dueck at the Chamber at sandra@peterboroughchamber.ca.
Peterborough Business Excellence Awards Deadline on May 23
The deadline for the Greater Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce’s 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd.
Awards for businesses include Entrepreneurial Spirit, Skilled Trades, Tourism, Hospitality, Micro Business – Fewer Than 5 Employees, Retail, Professional Services, Customer First, Local Focus, Innovation / Research & Development, Commercial Development or Renovation, Marketing & Promotion, Environmental Practices, Health & Wellness, Not-For-Profit, and Employer Of The Year.
Awards for individuals include Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, 4-Under-40 Profiles, and Business Citizen of the Year.
To submit your nomination, visit www.excellencepeterborough.ca.
Finalists will be announced on Thursday, August 9th with the winners announced at the awards ceremony on October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough.
Innovation Cluster hosts Futrepreneur seminar in Peterborough on May 23
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting “Futrepreneur”, its next Hands-ON seminar, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ryan Ounjian, Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur Canada, will teach you everything you need to know about what Futurpreneur has to offer, a walk through of their business plan writer, breaking down sections of a business plan, characteristics of an entrepreneur, and more.
Ounjian has extensive knowledge in business operations, specializing in marketing activities and business strategy and business start-ups.
The event is free, but advance registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-futurpreneur-tickets-45801732214,
Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates meeting on May 23
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is also hosting a mmeeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates for the upcoming Ontario election from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield0.
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal, PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will all be attending.
The meeting will feature a question-and-answer session moderated by David Goyette.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market opens for the season on May 24
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market opens for the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 24th in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre parking lot beside Isabel Morris Park.
This season, the Lakefield Farmers’ Market will be selling freshly brewed coffee as a fundraiser for the market, and will be offering it for free on opening day along with tasty treats.
The market will be featuring the work of Nourish Lakefield in its community booth. After having been involved in launching a community garden at the school, Nourish Lakefield is extending its reach through cooking and canning workshops and this year vendors at the Lakefield Farmer’s Market will redeem Nourish Market Dollars.
Peterborough and Kawartha Tourism will also be at market on opening day with a mobile visitor center showcasing all the great things to see and do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and the musical duo of Ean & Eleanor will be providing market customers with lively music throughout the day.
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is verified by the MyPick program, so all the farmers at the market have been third-party verified as selling only what they have grown. The market also has a wide variety of prepared food vendors who use local ingredients and artisans selling their handcrafted wares.
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas hosts its annual general meeting on May 31
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting its annual general meeting from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Beginning at 2 p.m., the public can tour The Cube, the Innovation Cluster’s 10,000-square-foot business incubator, and meet some of the region’s most promising start-ups.
The annual general meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at 3 p.m. and will include highlights from 2017.
The event is free to attend, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-innovation-cluster-annual-general-meeting-tickets-45475696031.
Lindsay Chamber of Commerce 2018 Evening of Excellence on June 1
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Evening of Excellence from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 1st at the Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The 2018 award nominees are Lindsay Little Theatre, VCCS, Kawartha Care Wellness, Graham Bashford, Stewart Morrison Insurance Brokers, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, Mariposa Dairy, Happy Days House Boats, Kawartha Art Gallery, Horizon Family Dentistry, A Place Called Home, Randy Burke, Pawz & Company, Di Bello Towing, Adelaide Clinic, and Adam Hawyard.
The evening will feature networking and a silent auction with a gourmet dinner ands award presentations. Catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
Tickets are $120 per person or a table of eight for $800. Tickets are limited and must be reserved by Friday, May 25th. To register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com/ or call 705-324-2393.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Annual General Meeting on June 27
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 27th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with business at 6 p.m. The meeting will include updates on what’s happening in downtown Peterborough, as well as a general election of the board.
Everyone is welcome to attend, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more information on joining the board, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at 705-748-4774 or joelwiebe@peterboroughbia.com.
Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20
Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)
RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.
The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.
The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8th. Register at Eventbrite.
