PKED Launches Workshop Series To Aid Entrepreneurs At Every Stage

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) has launched three workshops in a series for entrepreneurs at different stages.

Photo bcourtesy of PKED.

The workshops support small businesses by laying the foundation for business planning, navigating social media, and adopting digital marketing strategies, according to a press release.

“No matter the stage of a business, mastering the fundamentals and continuous learning matters. Luckily there are many options and no wrong door for entrepreneurs to receive training, tools, and resources,” says Jamey Coughlin, PKED’s director of business attraction, retention and expansion. “Whether you are testing an initial idea, expanding on your success, or considering a future exit, these three workshop series were designed to help businesses start and grow.”

The Business Fundamentals workshop series builds a strong foundation for an aspiring entrepreneur. Focused on business planning, market research and financials. This series is delivered in collaboration with Community Futures Peterborough and Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Small Biz Social Navigator workshop series, delivered by Kat Tepylo Murphy from Social Kat Media, navigates small businesses through social media and how to equip themselves with the skills and strategies needed to thrive online and to better connect with their audiences. This workshop series will guide entrepreneurs through social media essentials, developing a marketing plan and diving deep into Instagram and Reels.

The Digital Excellence Unleashed workshop series helps transform businesses into digital powerhouses and adapt to changing digital marketing trends. It walks entrepreneurs through developing websites, discovering AI tools, and using TikTok as a small business. Camp Tech, Canada’s most established leader in digital marketing skills training, will deliver this interactive series.

“We touch businesses through consultations, visits, and our annual Business Count Survey. We have heard loud and clear the challenges businesses experience and the training and tools they require,” explains Coughlin. “These workshops were developed alongside local business support organizations and topic experts to provide in-person interactive workshops that cater to those specific needs.”

These three series will be delivered throughout 2024, with the following upcoming workshops occurring this spring:

• Small Business Websites 101 – April 9, 9 a.m.-noon, Cavan Monaghan Community Centre

• Developing your Marketing Plan – April 11, 9 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Everest Boardroom, VentureNorth

• New Venture – May 2, noon-1 p.m., PKED Boardroom

• Lean Canvas Business Model – May 9, noon-1 p.m., Innovation Cluster Boardroom

• Social Media Essentials – May 15, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Cavan Monaghan Community Centre

• Market Research – May 16, noon-1 p.m., Innovation Cluster Boardroom

• Writing a Business Plan – May 23, noon-1 p.m., PKED Boardroom

• Lending Landscape – May 30, noon-1 p.m., Innovation Cluster Boardroom

• Cashflow Forecasting – June 13, noon-1 p.m., Innovation Cluster Boardroom

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Downtown Dining Gets Cozier With 'Brrr-O-Licious' In Partnership With PKED and Peterborough DBIA

In a campaign to help support Downtown Peterborough restaurants between Christmas and patio season, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) have partnered to launch their culinary pilot program Brrr-O-Licious.

Photo courtesy of PKED.

From March 1 to 17, ten participating downtown restaurants offer a fixed three-course lunch or dinner for $35 a person.

“Brrr-O-Licious is a wonderful way for visitors and locals alike to get a taste of what our local food scene has to offer, and to check out different events and attractions in downtown Peterborough,” says Joe Rees, PKED director of tourism. “Running this pilot program in March encourages people to support restaurants in the community during their slower time of the year. Following a successful pilot in downtown Peterborough, it is our intention to expand to additional communities and locations in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County in future years.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism to elevate our downtown's destination profile in the visitor space,” said Hillary Flood, PTBO DBIA vibrancy manager. “Brrr-O-Licious will help draw in new and repeat visitors to our charming downtown core through food while providing the perfect backdrop for folks to get better acquainted with our unique shops, fashion boutiques, arts community, nightlife and more.”

Participating downtown restaurants include:

• Agave by Imperial

• Dirty Burger

• Gerti’s

• La Hacienda

• La Mesita

• Sam’s Place

• The El (P)

• The Publican House Brewery & Pub

• The Riverside Grill & Lounge at the Holiday Inn

• The Vine

Restaurant menus and instructions on how to make reservations are available online.

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Starter Companies Showcased From PKED, Bringing Tourism Ideas to the Table

Local businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and artists from the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development programs were on display and were encouraged to bring forth their new tourism ideas through a third intake of the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program at Ivy Event Space on Thursday afternoon.

Erin Burnell of EB Aquatics demonstrates CPR at the PKED showcase of local business who have gone through their programs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Spark’ program is in its third year and provides selected applicants with a $3,000 grant, industry mentorship and additional partner support to help them launch their new tourism idea.

“We are inspired by the creativity, passion and innovative spirit of our past Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program winners and are excited to support new tourism ideas and entrepreneurs in the region,” said Justin Lafontaine, Tourism Innovation Lab program lead.

Past recipients have included agritourism and culinary experiences, camping equipment rentals, a bunkie resort, Indigenous experiences, a farm venue and an immersive maple syrup experience according to a press release.

“We’re inviting individuals, community organizations and small business owners – particularly those in the local creative community – to present their great ideas for dynamic new experiences, products and services that visitors can enjoy in our communities,” said Joe Rees, PKED director of tourism. “This successful collaboration with the Tourism Innovation Lab allows us to tap into local passion and talent to grow our economy – we can’t wait to hear what ideas come forward this year.”

Individuals, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups are encouraged to apply for new tourism ideas until March 19. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The program's goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps in the market, motivate longer stays, and increase year-round visits to the region.

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Lang Pioneer Village Hosting Zero-Waste Feast on the Farm Event For May 28 and 29

Lang Pioneer Village is selected to host the Feast On the Farm event, a two-day zero-waste fundraiser event for May 28 and 29 announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the PKED.

The event is a series that includes a gastronomic food-loving experience on the 28th followed by a full day of interactive sessions for industry professionals only on the second day.

The Culinary Tourism Alliance is hosting the event in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism.

The consumer day event on May 28 brings together Chef Brad Watt of Publican House Brewery and Pub, Chef Tyler Scott from Rare Escape, and Chef Lisa Dixon, owner of Black Honey Cafe. Their curated dishes will be paired with local spirits by Persian Empire, craft beer by Bobcaygeon Brewing Company and Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified wines.

“We’re excited to host such an inspired event,” says Joe Rees, director of tourism at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED). “Feast On the Farm is a great opportunity for visitors to savour a menu that reflects the rich agricultural history of our region in a way that is genuinely in line with our sustainable tourism development goals.”

Every consumer day ticket supports recovery in the culinary tourism industry and includes a subsidy for industry professionals to attend the Feast On the Farm Industry Day the following day.

“Our Feast On program acts as the conduit to connect industry professionals with others in our network who are truly creating change in Ontario's food and drink space,” said Billy Alexander, director of programs for the Culinary Tourism Alliance. “Industry day is about knowledge sharing, supporting each other, and working together toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Tickets and details for the Feast On the Farm: A Taste of Peterborough & the Kawarthas are available online.

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Starter Company Plus Showcase Returns To Celebrate Local Small Businesses

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) will host their Starter Company Plus Showcase on Feb. 28 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre; celebrating the program’s successes in launching and growing local small businesses.

photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

The Starter Company Plus Program launched in 2017 and have assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses to date; creating over 200 jobs in the local economy.

After a hiatus due to COVID-19, the event will celebrate participants and grant winners from the seven intakes of the Starter Company Plus program that occurred from 2020 to 2022.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC) delivered virtual entrepreneurship and small business training to 86 individuals in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County during the pandemic. The participants have been eagerly anticipating the return of the event which celebrates their successes through their businesses.

PKED says more than 24 businesses are confirmed to participate, with more to come. Businesses ranging from culinary, wellness and local goods to tourism experiences and professional services will showcase their products and services while networking amongst fellow local entrepreneurs.

Staff and board of directors at PKED are inviting members of the media, community partners and stakeholders to attend and show their support for the small business community from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 28th. To register for the event and view the list of participating businesses, visit their website.

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Eight Small Local Businesses Awarded $5,000 Grants Through Starter Company Plus Program

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) has awarded $5,000 in micro-grants to local small businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County through the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program, announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

12 small business entrepreneurs successfully completed the five-week Starter Company Plus online business training course offered through PKED’s Business Advisory Centre, and were awarded grants to support the growth of their business based on the strength of their plan and pitch.

The following businesses were each awarded a micro-grant:

• Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage, City of Peterborough

• Lisa Mace, ECO Cabin, Township of North Kawartha

• Ineke Turner, Turner & Pooch Dog Training, City of Peterborough

• Nathan Truax, Truax Leather Co., City of Peterborough

• Lisa Burkitt, Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Kate Griffin, Mental Wealth Counselling, Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan

• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Vanessa Bruce, Vanessa Bruce Virtual Services, City of Peterborough

Since the program’s launch in 2017 it has assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses, creating over 200 jobs in the local economy according to PKED.

“This intake of the Starter Company Plus program saw many new businesses that were referred from past participants. Now in its fifth year, the program has directly contributed to the growth and development of small businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and has allowed us to support the largest cohort to date,” said Madeleine Hurrell, manager of PKED’s Business Advisory Centre. “In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, we are lucky to have thriving and growing small businesses. We have seen our communities rally around entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

For more information on the Business Advisory Centre, visit www.investptbo.ca/bac

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development Seeking New Board Members

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) Board of Directors is accepting applications for new board members to serve for a three-year term beginning in April announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the PKED.

PKED says their ideal applicants will have demonstrated leadership in their industry, their commitment to the region’s growth and prosperity and will be capable of representing broad regional interests, and not just those of a specific industry, organization, or group.

A PKED board director expectations are to:

• Feel passionate about growing the regional economy and willing to invest time and expertise into guiding PKED to fulfill its mission and mandate.

• Possess a deep understanding of current business issues and trends and is committed to seeking solutions

• Be committed to supporting the PKED team to capitalize on/pursue opportunities

• Be well connected to the local business community, and committed to attending local business events

• Be familiar with community economic development programs, policies and activities related investment attraction and growth

• Understand how economic development seeks to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of a community by creating and retaining jobs and providing a stable tax base

• Be age of majority, live or be employed in the City or County Peterborough

• Have a post-secondary education or relevant business experience

• Have previous board experience

• Have a background in one or more of the following sectors is ideal: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Agriculture, Cleantech, Tourism and Small Business

• Demonstrate excellent leadership skills, resourcefulness, and the ability to act collaboratively.

• Have time and capacity available to meaningfully prepare for and participate in board meetings, discussions and PKED events.

The board meets monthly and there may be additional committee or special meetings from time to time.

Applications from interested members of the public can be submitted by sending a resume or CV to recruitment@investptbo.ca on or before Saturday. Applications received after this date will be held on file for the next recruitment period.

Applications can also be accepted by visiting their website.

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