Innovation Cluster Launches the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) announces new partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) to foster entrepreneurial skills among secondary students through the creation of the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Club.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster.

As part of the KPR Pathways Initiative, the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program is designed to allow students to develop entrepreneurial skills and encourage innovation and creativity. The club will offer four sessions on Ideation and Creativity, Business Fundamentals, Marketing and Brand Development. The program is open to Grades 9-12 students and equips them with the skills to plan, fund, start and run a business or social enterprise.

At the end of the program, selected students from the KPRDSB will have the opportunity to represent their school board at an Ontario-Wide Showcase and Networking Event. This event brings together students from different school boards across Ontario who have participated in similar entrepreneurship programs. The event provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn from each other, share ideas and expand their networks.

"We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to students and introduce them to the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship! This learning experience will help students build foundational knowledge and skills and empower them to leap out of their comfort zone and turn their ideas into something great," said principal of Teaching and Learning K-12: Secondary Focus Charlotte Filip.

The Cluster recognizes entrepreneurship's pivotal role in driving economic growth and development, creating job opportunities and promoting social and environmental sustainability. As such, the organization provides a broad range of programs and services tailored to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, including high school, college and university students looking to advance their entrepreneurial endeavours.

"I’m confident the new Leap Zone Program will have a positive impact on young entrepreneurs from KPRDSB. These students will discover the resources available to them to start businesses in our region, and our sessions will help them build the entrepreneurial skills they need for success in the years to come. It’s exciting to think that these students will represent our region's next generation of entrepreneurs, and I can't wait to see what businesses they will launch in the future with our support,” said Senior Innovation Specialist & FastStart Program Manager Lindsey Irwin.

For more information on the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Club, interested parties can visit KPRDSB's official website.

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Grand Opening of Pet Spa For Local Couple In Downtown Peterborough

Local couple and co-owners Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown had their grand opening of Peterborough’s newest animal paradise, Roman & Co. Pet Spa on Tuesday.

Co-owner Janeine Sali, grooming cockapoo Ellie, the business’s first-ever client in their grand opening on Tuesday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs only. Cat services are available in the future at an undisclosed date according to the couple.

Roman and Co. highlighted the importance of supporting local as they collaborated with several small businesses.

They sell products from Pip & Penny Co., a small business that makes pet bandanas. Pip also sells bowties and scrunchies for dogs and quilts and catnip pouches for cats online.

The spa sells gourmet dog cookies from Douro-based business HappyNess Cookies.

Sali had the business idea during the height of the pandemic but put plans into motion roughly two months ago.

The new entrepreneur said she could have made a career in several different paths with her love of animals but decided a pet spa was the best option.

“I really love the satisfying feeling of making a dog look good but making them feel comfortable," said Sali. “You really get to know them as an individual when they keep coming back. They become like one of your own.”

@ptbo_canada Meet Peterborough’s newest pet spa, @RomanCoPetSpa! Locally owned by couple Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown! Bring in your dog or cat for some grooming and/or a wash! #ptbo #ptbocanada #pet #pets #petlover #petsoftiktok #dog #dogsoftiktok #cat #catsoftiktok #smallbusiness #petspa #downtown #peterborough #supportlocal ♬ Hound Dog - Elvis Presley

The business took over the previous Mr. Brock Barber Shop located on 221 Brock St. The building has been a barbershop since the 1820s according to Sali. The spa is honouring the building’s history since its transformation such as keeping several relics and trademark items on display.

“I really want to keep a lot of the history alive,” said Sali. “We wanted to keep a lot of the things the same, keep all the antique stuff that was left here and a tribute month for all the people who were in here in past. It's an honour to be in this building.”

Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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New Non-Profit Organization Launches in Peterborough

Hearts 4 Joy, a non-profit organization servicing adults over 21 with intellectual exceptionalities, celebrated their official launch on Sunday.

Artists Carly, Derek, Jessica, Jory, Josh, Kacee, Karsen and Luke celebrate Hearts for Joy official launch with MPP Dave Smith on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Hearts 4 Joy.

Hearts 4 Joy is a volunteer-run group that meets three times a week in President Norma Christensen’s backyard to create hand-crafted items.

Christensen and a group of parents started this group to help their kids and others gain independence, build relationships and gain experience in a workplace setting. Profits from sales go to paying participants a wage and purchasing more supplies.

“The idea is to provide something that families with intellectually exceptional young adults can have something to aspire to or become interested in,” said Christensen. “They can develop some real working skills and that’s what we hope to grow in the future.”

The group is currently working on their fall and Christmas inventory.

“We try to use recycled or environmentally-friendly supplies,” said Christensen.

The group sells hand-painted journals, wine glasses and lanterns. Their seasonal items include decorative pumpkins for Halloween and gnomes and Santa plates for Christmas.

“This gives them the idea that they all can be so productive,” said Christensen. “We just need to find the thing they’re passionate about. It’s about providing them those opportunities so that they can learn and they make money while they do it.”

Christensen hopes that soon their organization can find a space to host their meetings and store their inventory so they can continue working even through the winter.

“I actually considered moving my furniture outside so we could work in my house,” said Christensen. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep it going.”

Hearts 4 Joy is having a pop-up sale at Avant-Garden shop on Sherbrooke Street, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

You can e-mail hearts4joyptbo@gmail.com for questions or more information.

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Local Soap Company Keeps Firefighters Clean and Places First at Clean Beauty Awards

SootSoap Supply Co., a company out of Port Hope, has won first place at the 2021 Clean Beauty Awards.

K.Dee Howards poses with SootSoap products. In the wake of COVID-19 SootSoap released a line of hand sanitizer to combat germs while keeping skin healthy. Photo courtesy of SootSoap Supply Co.

SootSoap Supply Co. was started by K.Dee Howard. It is a line of personal care products like body wash and shampoo designed for firefighters.

“I developed SootSoap for my husband initially, who is a firefighter in Brampton,” said Howard. “I discovered after he came home smelling like fire even after showering numerous times that it was contaminates and toxins causing the smell,” she said.

Howard did some research and found there was no products to help combat this. She also found that cancer is the number one cause of death in firefighters, and these toxins are the cause of it.

Her products are designed to absorb and discard of both the smell and the toxins that firefighters often come into contact while on duty.

SootSoap launched their first product line in 2019 and is now Howards full time job.

Since launching Howard has found that it’s not only firefighters that come into contact with toxins and hard-to-get-rid-of odors at work.

“Lot’s of people can benefit. People that experience environmental toxins, every day things like fuel and grease, kitchen smells, we even have customers that are pig farmers,” she said. “We’re finding more and more uses for our products.”

This year SootSoaps shampoo was the first place winner in the hair wash category of the Clean Beauty Awards.

The Clean beauty Awards recognize the best performing beauty and personal care products, manufactured without the use of known harmful chemicals, from across the globe.

“In a year and a half to go from a firefighter, industrial shampoo to a shampoo recognized by clean beauty influencers, it’s pretty amazing,” Howard said. “Being clean, all natural, and biodegradable is very important to me. Our core challenge is to get rid of toxins so the last thing I want to do is add in more chemicals.”

Photo courtesy of SootSoap Supply Co.

Howard says her aim with SootSoap is to create products that will solve a problem.

“Innovation comes from our customers saying ‘I don’t have a solutions to this particular challenge’,” said Howard. “My challenge is to find solutions that don’t exist currently.”

To view SootSoap’s full line of products click here.

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Six Local Small Businesses Awarded $30,000 in Funding

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development awarded 6 local entrepreneurs $5000 each in funding to further support sustainable business growth.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development

This funding was provided by the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program.

11 businesses successfully completed the five-week online business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

The following 6 businesses were awarded funding based on the strength of their business plan and pitch:

• Chris Carvalho: East City Knife Sharpening – knife sharpening for all types of knives with 24-hour turnaround service

• Emily Nigro: Dead End Lures – a family-owned eco-friendly fishing lure company

• Kelsey Watts: Worthy Truth Wellness – mindful movement yoga classes offering a kind space of compassion and non-judgmental awareness

• Lucas Graham: Countdown Creative – a full-service E-Commerce agency that helps small businesses start selling online

• Suzanne Schmidt: Suzanne’s Hot Stuff – hand-crafted, small-batch gluten-free hot sauces, pepper jellies, jerk marinade, mango salsa and more

• Tuncay Alkan & Laura Wilson: MEZE – a vegan deli and café serving traditional Turkish food and drink

“This Starter Company Plus class was a group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs. From start-ups to early-stage businesses, this group is representative of the diverse and thriving small business community within the City and County of Peterborough,” said Entrepreneurship Officer Hillary Manion, who oversees the program for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. “These entrepreneurs have all created products and services that fill a need within the community. I look forward to watching their businesses grow and succeed.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program through the Business Advisory Centre has assisted over 175 local entrepreneurs and over 140 small businesses.

The Starter Company Plus program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs from aspiring to experienced, aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough who are launching a business or expanding an existing business.

The next intake of the Starter Company Plus Program will be open from September 1st – 27th, 2021. Eligibility criteria and upcoming workshop dates can be found here.

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Witchy Ways Hosts Women at Once in a Blue Moon Full Moon Circle

Witchy Ways Peterborough hosted a community of women for a full moon circle last night under the Sturgeon moon. Visitors were invited to tap into Grandmother Moons energy in a safe, authentic space, free of judgement.

Women in attendance were gifted a few crystals as well as flowers from River Bend Bouquets. Photo courtesy of Angela O’Grady

Witchy Ways was founded by Nicole Turco in January 2020 and Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe joined shortly after. Together they encourage individuals to claim their joy, use their gifts and own a life created by themselves.

The focus of Witchy Ways is crystals, healing, moon cycles, ceremonies and rituals, knowledge exchange, empowerment and reconnection with one’s self.

Written on Witchy Ways Instagram is “The word ‘witch’ was a way to demonize women in their power. There is no warts, flying on brooms or devil worship. Just a woman/man who heal with knowledge and wisdom.”

“One of the hardest things to know is that we are in control of our lives,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe.

Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe and Nicole Turco. Photo by Mary Zita Payne Photography.

A moon circle is hosted for women to honour and celebrate the different cycles of the moon, says Shaughnessy-Rowe. A new moon is a time to set intentions for the month ahead and a full moon is when one makes room for those upcoming intentions by releasing any feeling or practices that may be draining one’s energy.

“The moon is a feminine energy and as women our bodies are controlled by the moon, we have cycles,” she said. “That’s the idea behind the moon circle is, it’s all women and it’s a beautiful, safe space to work on yourself.”

The Full Moon Circle started with a tarot reading and introductions by Shaughnessy-Rowe and horoscopes written by her sister, Brooke Shaughnessy. Shelly Hope led the group in mediation before women were asked to write down anything they want to release.

While all of the women in attendance were there for different reasons and coming from different backgrounds, many found that they had written similar words. Lack of confidence, body shaming, fear of failure and the need to forgive ones self were among common themes shared.

“A lot of people feel uncomfortable being vulnerable, and you will be vulnerable but you’re also going to be supported by the women around you,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe before the event.

In small groups, women discussed what they had written and then burned with whispers of ‘and so it is’ around the circle.

To end the night each woman said thank you. Some said a simple thank you to Witchy Ways for hosting the event, and some thanking everyone in attendance for their acceptance and for making a space unlike any they had ever been a part of.

For updates on the next moon circle and re-caps of past moon circles visit Witchy Ways Instagram.

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Local Indigenous Business Owner Semi-Finalist in Pow Wow Pitch

Dominique O'Bonsawin, owner of cedarlilie a beadwork and craft supply shop, is a semi-finalist in the Pow Wow Pitch. Pow Wow Pitch is a a grassroots community of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.

Dominique O’Bonsawin and her dog Cedar. Photo courtesy of Dominique O’Bonsawin

O'Bonsawin is of both French-Canadian and Abenaki heritage and started learning beadwork about five years ago while attending university in Ottawa.

“It was an important part of me reconnecting to my community and the larger Indigenous community in Canada,” she said.

As she gained interest in the craft she began to notice a lack of Indigenous owned bead stores in the country. She began to buy beads in bulk for her own use and selling any extras she had.

“I started running out of beads and realized this was a market I could tap into,” she said. “Before I knew it I had to make my own website.”

O'Bonsawin has now been selling beads and craft supplies for about a year and a half.

An example of Dominique O’Bonsawin’s beading. These pieces were completed along with her mother and sister. Photo courtesy of Dominique O’Bonsawin.

The Pow Wow Pitch competition is for Indigenous entrepreneurs across North America. It shines a light on vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.

This year, more than 1,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses online for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $500 to $25,000.

O'Bonsawin was one of those entrepreneurs and was surprised to find that she was chosen as a semi-finalist.

“I had a few people reach out to me and tell me to apply, but I didn’t think I was there yet. I’m still kind of figuring out this whole thing,” she said.

“All we had to do was submit a one minute video of what we would do with the money if we were to win,” she said. “It caught and I thought ‘okay this is for real now’.”

Of the over 1600 entries there are 156 semi-finalists who now must pitch their business plan live to a board of panelists.

O'Bonsawin is also eligible to win the peoples choice award, which would send her straight to the finals. The peoples choice award is based on the amount of votes a contestant receives, anyone is welcome to participate in voting.

More beadwork by Dominique O’Bonsawin.

O'Bonsawin’s pitch can be viewed here on September 22, 2021.

If she wins the Pow Wow Pitch competition she plans to expand her business and while she plans on doing so anyways, winning this competition would allow her to do it sooner.

Through beading O'Bonsawin has had the opportunity to connect with a new community of people.

“I didn’t grow up knowing much about my roots until I became a young adult and started doing that work myself, and I’m still learning. It’s an ongoing journey of reconnection,” she said.

O'Bonsawin hopes that people realize that beadwork is about building a community, and anyone can do it.

“I’ve met a lot of people who are in the exact position as I am. They’re doing their best to learn their language and know the people. It’s so beautiful to meet people that are going through the same thing you are and i think its even more beautiful that we can do that through beadwork.”

To view all the semi-finalists in the Pow Wow Pitch click here.

To vote for a winner in the peoples choice award fill out this online form.

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Local Entrepreneur Receives Top 10 Honours From International Magazine

Robert Gauvreau is an author, accountant, public speaker and now can add a top 10 disrupting entrepreneur to that list last week Thursday.

Robert Gauvreau is a graduate of Holy Cross Secondary School and Trent University. Photo Courtesy of Gauvreau CPA.

Disruptors Magazine, an information magazine for successful leaders, executives, investors and entrepreneurs, listed Gauvreau in their top 10 list in the world in no particular order.

“A disruptor is really somebody who does not accept the status quo,” explained Gauvreau. “It’s just somebody is not willing to accept the way things are and wants to change how things are done.”

Gauvreau shares the top 10 list with other entrepreneurs spanning across the world in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Photo Courtesy of Gauvreau CPA.

Gauvreau, owner of accounting firm Gauvreau & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants — also known as Gauvreau CPA — says he has was honoured to be recognized but believes the bar on his business has been set even higher.

“It’s almost like there’s extra responsibility now,” explained Gauvreau. When you’re being named as being a disruptor in your industry, now there’s this new responsibility to really enhance some of those changes and take things to the next level.”

Gauvreau was the only Canadian recognized as part of the top 10 disruptors list. Photo Courtesy of Gauvreau CPA.

Several disruptions that Gauvreau has done to make the list are public speaking including virtual summits to help entrepreneurs, author books achieving financial freedom, building a law firm and host online courses as some examples.

Gauvreau centres his business around community, financial and entrepreneurial development with his business.

“We’ve got three words outside our wall outside of the elevator: people, passion and integrity,” explained Gauvreau. “Let’s continue to support each other and collaborate.”

Gauvreau CPA plans to go from 35 to 50 employees by January of next year. The business will build a law firm starting in September.

“Peterborough is a great community but together collaboratively, we continue to build an even greater place and that’s exciting,” said Gauvreau.

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Six Local Youth Entrepreneurs Launch Summer Businesses

Six local youth entrepreneurs have recently launched their summer business ventures thanks to the Summer Company program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre (BAC).

(Top row from left to right) Ainsley Dunn, Drew McFadden, Grace Holmquist (Bottom row from left to right_ Owen Gerrard, Timothy Mills, Lawson Hill. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

The Summer Company Program is the Government of Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program which helps youth aged 15-29 try their hand at business ownership by connecting them with up to $3,000 in start-up funding, one-on-one guidance from BAC staff, advice and mentorship from local business leaders, access to business workshops, training and resources and business support.

“This year’s group are committed and passionate youth entrepreneurs. Enrolling in a program like Summer Company requires dedication and a desire to learn and improve small business knowledge. Each of the six students has taken their unique skillset and experiences and turned them into marketable and sought-after products and services,” said Suzanne McCrimmon, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Director of Business Development. “We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for their continued support of the Summer Company program. These youth business owners are learning skills that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”

This summer’s group of youth entrepreneurs includes:

Creatively Dunn (Norwood, ON) – Owner Ainsley Dunn is currently taking the Indigenous Bachelor of Education program at Trent University and handcrafts all-natural, sustainable handcrafted wooden toys and playsets for children. Her product line includes anything from themed sets, peg people, playdough stampers, stacking toys and Indigenous education sets.

Drew’s Chicks (Cavan Monaghan, ON) – Sharing his passion and love for chickens, Drew McFadden, founder of Drew’s Chicks provides complete chick kits to young families, teachers, and retirement homes. The kits include an enclosed cage, heat lamp, bedding, food, and water containers as well as two baby chicks that customers foster for two weeks, after which time they return to his farm as egg-laying chickens. In addition to chicks, Drew has expanded his fostering services to include baby quail and ducklings.

She Stitch (Douro-Dummer, ON) – Founder Grace Holmquist, a local high school student from Lakefield is a maker who designs and creates reusable bags for shopping and boating, with a focus on striving to reduce the use of plastic bags and creating beautiful, practical, stylish, and unique designs.

Trent Lakes Property Maintenance (Trent Lakes, ON) – Completing his last year of the paramedic program at Fleming College, Lawson Hill offers property maintenance services including painting, grass cutting, spring cleanups and more, focus on offering week-day services to allow homeowners time to enjoy their cottage properties on the weekends.

OG LawnCare (Lakefield, ON) – Owen Gerrard is a local student, entrepreneur offering affordable lawn care services using 100 per cent eco-friendly electric equipment instead of environmentally harmful gas-powered machines which offers clients an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint.

3D Casting (Peterborough, ON) – Timothy Mills is a recent University of Guelph Mechanical Engineering grad returning to work on his Master of Applied Science. Leveraging his engineering knowledge and skills to launch a manufacturing start-up, he offers casting designs, prototypes and manufacturing of small plastic and aluminum parts through a combination of 3D printing and investment casting.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, operated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development has been the proud program provider for the City and County of Peterborough since 2001.

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Local Budding Entrepreneurs Pitch For Business Startup Grants In Summer Course

Twelve entrepreneurs were selected for the Summer 2021 Intake of Starter Company Plus offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC).

Photo Courtesy of the BAC.

The program provides a five-week course in business training from business experts across Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

It is funding by the Government of Ontario and has been running through the BAC since 2017. This program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs of all levels in Peterborough County who are launching a business or expanding an existing business (that has been operating for five years or less).

"I am excited to kick off this intake of Starter Company Plus. The group of entrepreneurs and small business owners joining us are varied in backgrounds, experience and have each created a unique business,” explains Hillary Manion, entrepreneurship officer.

Six of the participants will be awarded a grant of $5,000 based on the overall strength of their business plan and pitch.

“When we discussed why they were starting their businesses on the first day of the program, we heard stories of people new to Peterborough and people who are turning their hobbies into a full-time business,” said Manion. “COVID-19 has given people time to think about following their passions.”

All workshops and consultations will be done online with a focus on digital platforms, marketing and communication as well as financial acumen and mental well-being.

"These entrepreneurs are a testament to the strong business community in the City and County of Peterborough,” added Manion. “They are all confident and looking forward to joining their fellow small businesses owners in supporting the residents of Peterborough and the Kawarthas."

An overview of the 12 participants follows and full biographies for each business can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.

• April Roy: Shopkwe – a personal shopping business dedicated to helping busy people

• Barry Wiskel: Bearcat Games – developer of original card and board games for all ages

• Chris Carvalho: East City Knife Sharpening – knife sharpening for all types of knives with 24-hour turnaround service

• Emily Nigro: Dead End Lures – a family-owned eco-friendly fishing lure company

• Jeremy Pastic: The Karma Hammer – a natural builder, specializing in the use of healthy, sustainable building materials

• Kelsey Watts: Worthy Truth Wellness – mindful movement yoga classes offering a kind space of compassion and non-judgmental awareness

• Ken Seaboyer: Ask Transport – quality, reliable and on-time transportation service

• Lucas Graham: Countdown Creative – a full-service E-Commerce agency that helps small businesses start selling online

• Mike Mullin: Double M Contracting – a year-round property maintenance and management business

• Sam and Nate White: Nateure’s Plant Based Food Company – producing plant-based meat and cheese alternatives

• Suzanne Schmidt: Suzanne’s Hot Stuff – hand-crafted, small-batch gluten-free hot sauces, pepper jellies, jerk marinade, mango salsa and more

• Tuncay Alkan and Laura Wilson: MEZE – a vegan deli and café serving traditional Turkish food and drink

Anyone eligible is invited to apply when the program reopens in the fall. Eligibility criteria can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.

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