Innovation Cluster Announces Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Partnership Through STARTup Visa Program

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) and the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting Peruvian entrepreneurs and introducing the Startup Visa Program.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster peterborough.

The STARTup Visa Program is a 15-month initiative backed by the Canadian federal government. It is designed to help entrepreneurs from other countries establish and grow their businesses in Canada, creating jobs and fostering economic prosperity. With three program intakes each year, in February, June and October, the STARTup Visa Program offers a comprehensive, tailored experience that includes a 3-month virtual accelerator, milestone review, letter of support for immigration and a 12-month incubation program in Peterborough.

"We're thrilled to partner with the PCCC to support Peruvian entrepreneurs in their journey to establish their businesses in Canada. This collaboration will help us provide invaluable resources and opportunities to Peruvian entrepreneurs,” said Camila Durate, senior innovation specialist & programs director at Innovation Cluster.

Participants in the program will benefit from startup acceleration services and individualized mentorship and coaching opportunities. The program focuses on three key areas: one-on-one mentorship, knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities.

To further inform the PCCC members about the STARTup Visa Program, the Innovation Cluster and PCCC are hosting a joint webinar on May 25, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will provide insights into the program, explain the application process, and discuss the benefits of participating. Interested members are encouraged to join the webinar to learn more about this unique opportunity and get their questions answered by the experts.

"This partnership with the Innovation Cluster is a significant step towards strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem between Peru and Canada,” said Ana Maria Villaran, membership & sponsorship director at the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “By working together, we can create a robust support network for our entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth and innovation of both countries."

For more information about the upcoming webinar, visit the link.

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Nominations Now Open for the Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has opened the call for nominations for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards. 

photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

Nominating your favourite business is as easy as entering their name on our Express Nomination Form. The Chamber will then reach out to let them know and collect the details. Self-nominations are encouraged and are a great way to recognize your team. Express and self-nomination forms are available online.

The Business Excellence Awards were established to promote the advancement of responsible business leadership within the community. Awards will be handed out in over 20 categories including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year Award. 

Businesses and individuals within the City and County of Peterborough are eligible, and do not need to be members of the Chamber of Commerce.

“In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, excellence is all around us,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber President & CEO.  “Every day, businesses and not-for-profits throughout the city and county are delivering exceptional service, providing incredible experiences, and finding innovative ways to grow. We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the businesses and organizations that make our community great.”

The Early Bird nomination deadline for nominations is May 10 at 4:30 p.m. and the Final deadline for nominations is May 24 at 4:30 p.m. The nominations received before May 10 at 4:30pm will be entered into the Early Bird Draw to win a $100 gift card for the Chamber member business of your choice.

Three Finalists in each category will be announced in August, with the award recipients announced live on the big stage – October 18th at Showplace Performance Centre.

There are categories for every business size and sector:

• 4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Business Citizen of the Year

• Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Businesswoman of the Year – Entrepreneur

• Businesswoman of the Year – Organization

• Commercial Development or Renovation

• Customer First

• Employer of the Year

• Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Farm Family of the Year

• Green Initiatives

• Health & Wellness

• Hospitality

• Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Local Focus

• Marketing & Promotion

• Micro Business

• Not-for-profit

• Professional Services

• Retail

• Skilled Trades

• Stuart Harrison President’s Award

• Tourism

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber President Stu Harrison Recognized With National Award

Retiring Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber president and CEO Stuart Harrison was inducted into the Council of Excellence of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The national award recognizes Chamber managers who have achieved outstanding results through their organization while demonstrating professionalism, integrity, intelligent risk-taking and strong ethics in their day-to-day work and adhering to human and financial resource management practices.

Harrison’s nomination notes that in his over 15 years of presidency, he has been synonymous with the business community in his role as president and CEO with the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce. He is a trusted professional that operates with integrity and passion for both small businesses as well as large industry.

This is the highest possible honour the CCEC offers and is presented at the discretion of the Council of Excellence.

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Peterborough And The Kawarthas Chamber Of Commerce Names New President And CEO

The Interim Board of Directors of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have announced that Sarah Budd has been appointed as the new President and CEO.

Sarah Budd. Photo courtesy of Chamber of Commerce.

Budd will join the chamber on Sept. 12 as she prepares to take over the reins from Stuart Harrison, who retires on October 31 of this year.

Budd has deep roots in The Kawarthas. Born and raised in Lakefield with high school in Peterborough, Budd brings exceptional communication skills, not-for-profit leadership, entrepreneurial experience, government advocacy, and financial acumen to the role.

“It was Sarah’s enthusiasm to really want to listen and work with businesses, at all levels, that put her above the rest of the candidates. I am very excited for the future of the PK Chamber – not just because of a new leader with her own fresh perspective but because of the combined strength of the Peterborough and the Kawartha’s working together as one.” said Allison Seiderer, Co-Chair.

Co-Chair Mary Brown noted that Chamber knew they would have a hard time replacing Harrison, but found Budd to be a perfect fit.

“I am beyond thrilled to be taking on the reins of President and CEO of the Chamber and I personally want to thank Stu for all his dedication and hard work over the last 20 years,” said Budd. “I am committed to bringing our membership, board of directors and community leaders together to not only continue to build a strong, resilient business environment, but also a stronger more connected community as well.”

“I’ve watched Sarah’s work at Habitat for Humanity for many years, and I think her enthusiasm and leadership at Habitat will work equally well here at the Chamber,” said Harrison. “She’s inheriting an awesome team and she’ll fit right in.”

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Digital Main Street Program By Chamber Of Commerce Is Offering To Help Small Businesses Digitally Transform

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is re-launching the Digital Main Street program for all Peterborough area businesses, a free program meant to help businesses digitally transform.

Stock image.

The Chamber has received a grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad program, which provides small business owners with tools, personalized technical support and access to funding.

The Digital Main Street program is being run locally by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with acorn30 to boost the local economy and empower small businesses across the region to navigate new tools to remain competitive.

“It’s a privilege to once again be able to offer these resources to the local business community,” says Stuart Harrison, President and CEO of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. “Investing in digital isn’t a one-time thing – it’s about continuing to invest in streamlining your processes, reaching new markets, and creating a better customer experience. Having this program available for two years will help us work with businesses more long-term for a stronger future.”

Digital Service Squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street (DMS), with trained specialists who meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses, at no cost, to help them complete an online assessment and to introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills.

This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for basic website setup, Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses with the development of their Digital Transformation Plan and then with the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.

To qualify for the Digital Transformation Grant, businesses owners must:

• Have a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Ontario

• Employ 1-50 employees

• Pay commercial property tax either directly or through commercial rent

• Be a registered business in Ontario and/or incorporated

Applications for the Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) opened on June 21 with eligible brick-and-mortar small businesses able to apply for a $2,500 grant to adopt digital tools and techniques. The current intake period for application will remain open until October 31 (or until funds have been exhausted).

For more information about how to apply to the DTG or to access digital tools and training to improve your business, visit https://digitalmainstreet.ca/ to register on Digital Main Street and begin the journey.

“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support Peterborough’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities across Peterborough to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”

To book a free consultation with a Digital Service Squad Team Member, contact Jacie Condon Houghton at 705-201-1663 or Jacie@acorn30.com.

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Chamber of Commerce Announces Peterborough Business Excellence Awards

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosted its 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards online on Wednesday.

Stu Harrison has been a member of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for over 16 years. File Photo.

This is the second year the award show has been hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses and people in over 20 categories were honoured and recognized throughout Peterborough county for demonstrating excellence.

Up to three businesses and people were nominated for each category.

The Business Excellence Awards are available to watch on Youtube.

The following are the 2021 Business Excellence Awards finalists:

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd.)

• Kawartha Lakes Construction

 

Tourism

• Escape Maze Incorporated

Hospitality

• Jesse’s Tap & Grill

 

Micro Business — Fewer than 5 employees

• Jason McIntosh Auctions

 

Retail

• Avant-Garden Shop

 

Professional Services

• Pinchin Ltd.

 

Customer First

• Antoinette Bridal Boutique

 

Local Focus

• RMS Events — LIVE! at the Barn

 

Innovation/Research and Development

• OptiSolve Ltd.

Commercial Development or Renovation

• The Little Building Company

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Emily Mae’s Cookies

 

Marketing and Promotion

• Peterborough Public Health

 

Green Initiatives

• Trent University — Forensic Crime Scene Facility

 

Health and Wellness

• Canadian Family Health Counselling

Not For Profit

• New Canadians Centre

 

Employer of the Year

• Trent University

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Entrepreneur

• Christine Teixeira — Accountability Financial

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Organization

• Julia Anderson — Canadian Partnership for Women & Children’s Health

 

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• The Traynor Family (Traynor Farms)

4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Jessica Dalliday

• Faith Dickinson

• Joon Kim

• Lyle Saunders

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Sarah Moore (Fleming College)

• Mohamad Ellabban (Trent University)

New Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year

• Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Agave Designs, Faces by 2)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Tom Minicola

All finalists were asked to record a thank you video. To view those videos click here.

Chamber of Commerce to Host Peterborough Business Excellence Awards This Week

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards on Wednesday.

Stuart Harrison has been a member of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for over 16 years. File Photo.

The event can be viewed for free online on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. by following this link.

To virtually attend the pre-show ZOOM party, obtain a copy of the event program and a $15 restaurant gift card, attendees must purchase a ticket for $30 here.

The Gala will be emceed by Deb Crossen, Wendy Smith and Cindy Windover.

This is the second year the award show has been hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our small business community has a big impact. They employ more than two-thirds of our private sector employees and spend millions of dollars in our community on taxes, wages, services, products and more. They’re often the first to step up with support when people in our community need it,” said Stuart Harrison, president and CEO, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “Our small business community has shown over the last 18 months that they are incredibly adaptable and resilient, creating opportunities and driving economic growth, even during challenging times."

Businesses and people in over 20 categories will be honoured and recognized throughout Peterborough county for demonstrating excellence.

Up to three nominees are chosen for each category.

Screenshot.

The following are the 2021 Business Excellence Awards finalists (listed alphabetically):

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd.)

• Cardinal Plumbing & Electric

• Goodwin Creations

• Kawartha Lakes Construction

 

Tourism

• The Canadian Canoe Museum

• Escape Maze Incorporated

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

 

Hospitality

• Black Honey desserts coffee catering

• Haven Brewing Company

• Jesse’s Tap & Grill

 

Micro Business — Fewer than 5 employees

• Accountability Financial

• CMD Technology Solutions Corp

• Jason McIntosh Auctions

 

Retail

• Avant-Garden Shop

• Watson & Lou

• Wild Rock

 

Professional Services

• Century 21 United Realty Inc.

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

 

Customer First

• Antoinette Bridal Boutique

• Griffin’s Greenhouses

• Morello’s Your Independent Grocer

 

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

• Living Local

• RMS Events — LIVE! at the Barn

 

Innovation/Research and Development

• Noblegen

• OptiSolve Ltd.

• PKA SoftTouch Corp.

 

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Cambium

• Central Smith

• The Little Building Company

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• acorn30

• Emily Mae’s Cookies

• Social Kat Media

 

Marketing and Promotion

• acorn30

• Central Smith

• Peterborough Public Health

 

Green Initiatives

• Green Street

• Lockside Trading Company

• Trent University — Forensic Crime Scene Facility

 

Health and Wellness

• Canadian Family Health Counselling

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• Peterborough Public Health

Not For Profit

• New Canadians Centre

• Peterborough Humane Society

• YMCA of Central East Ontario

 

Employer of the Year

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

• Trent University

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Entrepreneur

• Brenda Ibey — Avant-Garden Shop

• Carlye Mongraw — Shaw Computer Systems Inc.

• Christine Teixeira — Accountability Financial

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Organization

• Julia Anderson — Canadian Partnership for Women & Children’s Health

• Joëlle Favreau — YWCA Peterborough Haliburton / Nourish Project

• Gail Moorhouse — Community Futures Peterborough

 

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• The Traynor Family (Traynor Farms)

4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Jessica Dalliday

• Faith Dickinson

• Joon Kim

• Lyle Saunders

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Sarah Moore (Fleming College)

• Mohamad Ellabban (Trent University)

New Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year

Congratulations to this year’s recipient!

• Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Agave Designs, Faces by 2)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Recipient to be announced at the awards ceremony on Oct. 20

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Finalists Announced for 2021 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce has released the finalists for the 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards on Wednesday.

President and CEO of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Stu Harrison delivers his Business Beat with StoosNews every Monday on PTBOCanada. Screenshot.

Businesses and people in over 20 categories will be honoured and recognized throughout Peterborough county for demonstrating excellence.

Up to three nominees are chosen for each category.

The award ceremony will be done virtually for a second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Oct. 20.

The following are the 2021 Business Excellence Awards finalists (listed alphabetically):

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd.)

• Cardinal Plumbing & Electric

• Goodwin Creations

• Kawartha Lakes Construction

 

Tourism

• The Canadian Canoe Museum

• Escape Maze Incorporated

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

 

Hospitality

• Black Honey desserts coffee catering

• Haven Brewing Company

• Jesse’s Tap & Grill

 

Micro Business — Fewer than 5 employees

• Accountability Financial

• CMD Technology Solutions Corp

• Jason McIntosh Auctions

 

Retail

• Avant-Garden Shop

• Watson & Lou

• Wild Rock

 

Professional Services

• Century 21 United Realty Inc.

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

 

Customer First

• Antoinette Bridal Boutique

• Griffin’s Greenhouses

• Morello’s Your Independent Grocer

 

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

• Living Local

• RMS Events — LIVE! at the Barn

 

Innovation/Research and Development

• Noblegen

• OptiSolve Ltd.

• PKA SoftTouch Corp.

 

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Cambium

• Central Smith

• The Little Building Company

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• acorn30

• Emily Mae’s Cookies

• Social Kat Media

 

Marketing and Promotion

• acorn30

• Central Smith

• Peterborough Public Health

 

Green Initiatives

• Green Street

• Lockside Trading Company

• Trent University — Forensic Crime Scene Facility

 

Health and Wellness

• Canadian Family Health Counselling

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• Peterborough Public Health

Not For Profit

• New Canadians Centre

• Peterborough Humane Society

• YMCA of Central East Ontario

 

Employer of the Year

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

• Trent University

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Entrepreneur

• Brenda Ibey — Avant-Garden Shop

• Carlye Mongraw — Shaw Computer Systems Inc.

• Christine Teixeira — Accountability Financial

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Organization

• Julia Anderson — Canadian Partnership for Women & Children’s Health

• Joëlle Favreau — YWCA Peterborough Haliburton / Nourish Project

• Gail Moorhouse — Community Futures Peterborough

 

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• The Traynor Family (Traynor Farms)

4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Jessica Dalliday

• Faith Dickinson

• Joon Kim

• Lyle Saunders

 

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Sarah Moore (Fleming College)

• Mohamad Ellabban (Trent University)

New Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year

Congratulations to this year’s recipient!

• Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Agave Designs, Faces by 2)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Recipient to be announced at the awards ceremony on Oct. 20

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Klompmaker Family Named 2020 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the Klompmaker family, of 1378 6th Line Asphodel, Hastings as the 2020 Farm Family of the Year. 

This award recognizes a farm family that has demonstrated good farming practices, an interest in the farming community, and interest and participation by the family in its operation. 

For 7 years, Chris and Angela Klompmaker have owned and operated their 89-acre broiler chicken farm, K & H Poultry LTD. Chris is a 4th generation chicken farmer and serves as a District Committee Representative for district 9 with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO). Angela also grew up heavily involved in agriculture, and when she's not working as an RN, you can find her helping on the farm. 

Photo courtesy Peterborough Chamber

In 2015, the farm was certified organic by Pro-Cert Organics Systems LTD. The farm has also earned certifications for high animal welfare standards from Global Animal Partnership and the Chicken Farmers of Canada Animal Care Program, as well as for exceptional sanitation and food safety practices from the Ontario Farm Food Safety Assurance Program.

After upgrading each of the original three barns, the Klompmakers expanded and built a modern 24,000 square-foot barn, featuring a state-of-the-art computer system as well as a high-volume heat exchanger to increase efficiency. The farm now produces 50,000 chickens every eight weeks, and the family donates 700kg of fresh chicken to local food banks each year through the CFO Cares Program.

The Klompmaker family expanded in August of 2019 as they welcomed their daughter, Isabella. The same year, they purchased a 200-acre farm to fulfill their dream of getting involved in field crops.

The award will be presented at the Peterborough Business Excellence Awards digital event on Wednesday, October 21st.

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