Small business is big business in Canada. There are more than 1.2 million small and medium-sized businesses in Canada which help fuel the economy. In Peterborough & the Kawarthas, small businesses are the heart and soul of the region, and a vital part of what it takes to build a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive business environment.
All four entrepreneurs believe in the importance of helping each other to grow — a value that was reinforced through their participation in the entrepreneurial business start-up and expansion program, Starter Company Plus, offered by PKED as neighbours — instead of being competitors, these businesses work together and build each other up.
Erin Watson has owned Watson & Lou, located at 383 Water St. since 2017. A contemporary gift boutique and studio space filled with a collection of local goods.
“The businesses in Peterborough are super unique because no matter what business you go into, there's a face to it,” said Watson. “If they're not at that business, they're probably at a restaurant or a café across the street.”
Sandra Young made her dream a reality in 2019 when she opened Statement House, a vintage clothing boutique at 378 Water St.
“Collaborating with local businesses is so critical to your success", said Young. "You need to get to know your neighbours, you need to support your neighbours, we need to lift each other up. It just makes everybody stronger.”
Steps away from Statement House and across from Watson & Lou, is Tragically Dipped, a pun-inspired doughnut shop recently opened at 386 Water St. Owner Mike Frampton traded in his biohazard technician career of 15 years for a ‘sweeter’ endeavour.
“Collaborating with local businesses is fun because you get to push your business, somebody else's business, you get to go to meetups and meet different clientele that you may not have met before and it lets me do fun doughnuts,” explained Frampton.
Chris Carvalho had a dream of having his own business and recently opened a brick-and-mortar shop called East City Knife Co. at 376 Water St. this June, next door to Statement House, where he sells blacksmith-made Japanese knives, handmade axes and tools, as well as offers in-store sharpening.
“Peterborough is such a great community of craftspeople and artisans,” he said. “Us supporting each other is essential and I love to be able to practice my trade and learn more about all of the people doing theirs around me.”
The outlook shared by these businesses is not unique in Peterborough & the Kawarthas. This collaborative and supportive entrepreneurial environment, paired with a robust business support system is what makes the region a great place to turn an entrepreneurial dream into a reality.
