Peterborough Blogs
Community Futures Peterborough Launches Workshop Series for Summer 2026
/In response to increased demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is launching its Entrepreneurship 101 workshops this summer in partnership with Scotiabank.
Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.
The summer 2026 series builds on the success of the spring workshops. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for summer workshops in business planning, funding, and marketing.
“We are thrilled with the response to the spring workshops and extremely excited to partner on these additional offerings, through the Entrepreneurship 101 program, supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Peterborough area,” says Nolan Frazer, Team Lead, Business Banking at Scotiabank. “We are proud to help provide this type of value and advice and make it accessible to the local community.”
According to CFP, Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The summer series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as funding, business planning, marketing, and branding, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking in-depth advisory support in.
“Small businesses are the true engine of our local economy, and their momentum shouldn't stall over the summer months. By expanding these vital Entrepreneurship 101 workshops, Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank are ensuring that local innovators have uninterrupted access to the essential guidance, tools, and resources required to build resilient enterprises right here in our community,” says Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
The summer 2026 Free Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:
Funding Fuel: Exploring Funding and Financing, July 8, 2026
Launch Pad: Business Planning, July 15, 2026
Brand Lab: Marketing and Branding, July 22, 2026
“The overwhelming response to our recent programming has made it clear that local entrepreneurs are looking for more than standard advice,” says Manager, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, Rose Terry. “They are looking for a roadmap to start and grow their businesses. By adding these summer workshops, we are directly responding to that demand and ensuring each business has the tools and support they need. Whether it’s navigating the early stages of ideation or tackling the most common hurdles our advisors see daily, our goal is to provide accessible support that keeps our business community thriving.”
The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set.
Registration and additional workshop information are available online at www.cfpeterborough.ca
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The Mount Community Centre Appoints New Executive Director
/Effective immediately, the Mount Community Centre (TMCC) Board of Directors has appointed Rhonda Gilchrist as Executive Director.
Rhonda Gilchrist was previously the United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation before accepting the role with the Mount Community Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
“We are confident that Rhonda Gilchrist possesses the combination of experience and specialized skills in non-profit housing, government funding, knowledge of the community and vision that will help our organization reach new heights,” said Stephen Kylie, TMCC Board Chair . “Rhonda has built a reputation as an innovator and change-maker in the non-profit sector, with key community relationships and a proven track record of success in fundraising. She is a highly capable leader, and the Board has the utmost confidence that she will advance the mandate of this organization for the benefit of our community. TMCC Board members are looking forward to working alongside her in the years to come.”
According to TMCC, with help from firm Crawford Connect, nearly 100 potential candidates applied for the job, resulting in six candidates being considered for the position. Crawford Connect narrowed the search down to four candidates to be interviewed and of these four, two were interviewed for a second time before deciding that Gilchrist was the best fit. A recommendation to hire Rhonda was unanimously approved by the Board on April 27.
Gilchrist has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including 8 years in a senior management role, advancing organizational performance and leading fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. Rhonda was Senior Director of Operations and Revenue Generation for the United Way of Peterborough and District prior to joining TMCC. Gilchrist has also been actively involved in volunteer activities with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes. According to a press release, she was responsible for all financial operations, annual and monthly financial statements, monitoring project milestones, and leading the successful roll-out and maintenance of the organizational database.
Rhonda graduated with Honours in Business Administration from Durham College and with a degree in Computer Programming from DeVry Institute of Technology, Toronto.
“Rhonda joins the organization at an exciting time,” said Kylie. “We have ambitious mission and fundraising goals and she will be responsible for advancing TMCC’s mandate and to operationalize the core functions and achieve the overall objectives of our organization to bring it to the next level.”
“It is an incredible honour that the board has selected me,” said Rhonda Gilchrist. “The opportunity at TMCC is a very rare opportunity and their mission to reduce poverty and develop community, aligns with my hopes for our community. With the recent purchase of the Village on Argyle property and the proposed new build on Monaghan Road, I look forward to the exciting responsibility of expanding services to help make lasting positive changes in the lives of our low income community members and the impact it will make in our community.”
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Margot Van Sluytman, LAWS Doggie Dash and Showplace Performance Centre
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
A story of love, creativity, and adventure is coming with the launch of local author Margot Van Sluytman's newest book, The New Adventure of Ms. Maggie.
The book launch will take place on Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Needle Happy Tattoos and will feature a book signing and community gathering with the author. This event is also dedicated to helping support newcomers settling in Canada, and proceeds from book sales will benefit the New Canadians Centre. Those interested in purchasing a copy can contact Margot at margot.vansluytman@yahoo.com
Animal lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to take part in the 2026 LAWS Doggie Dash on Sunday at Isabel Morris Park in Selwyn.
This community fundraising walk supports the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society's efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Participants can choose between 1.5 km and 2.5 km routes and are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 to support the cause. Registration opens at noon, with the walk beginning at 1:00 p.m. The event will also feature live music, games, food vendors, and local exhibitors, making it a fun day out for the whole family and their pets. For more information, please visit lakefieldanimalwelfare.org
Country music fans won't want to miss an evening with Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Hess, who will bring Songs That Wrote Country Music to Showplace Performance Centre on June 17.
Throughout his career, Hess has shared the stage with legendary artists including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. Tickets and additional event information are available at showplace.org
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
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Century 21 United Realty Expands With Grand Opening of a New Office In Apsley
/Century 21 United Realty can service those in Apsley, as it hosted the grand opening of a new office on Saturday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Century 21 United Realty.
Located at 125A Burleigh St., the Apsley branch reflects growing momentum in the local real estate market and a commitment to serving buyers and sellers in the Highlands East area, according to Vanessa Oae Hogan, Century 21 owner.
“We’re excited to be back in Apsley and to continue serving the North Kawartha community. This is a remarkable region, known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and exceptional quality of life,” she said. “Many of our realtors have deep roots in the area and bring extensive local knowledge and connections that help clients make informed real estate decisions. Re-establishing our presence in Apsley reflects our commitment to North Kawartha and our belief in the long-term strength of this region.”
The public was invited to the grand opening to enjoy refreshments, meet the realtors and learn about their services.
“As a locally owned brokerage, we’re proud to continue expanding our presence in the communities we serve and look forward to helping residents, property owners, and newcomers navigate the local real estate market with confidence,” said Oake Hogan.
Office hours are 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Inducts Class of 2026 Into Business Hall of Fame
/Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has officially inducted eight names into the 11th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Venue on Thursday night.
File Photo.
The evening honoured outstanding Laureates whose professional achievements, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community have helped shape the Peterborough region and inspire future generations of leaders and changemakers, according to JA-NEO.
The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees include:
Brenda Ibey, Avant Garden Shop
Chuck White, Rapid Lift Inc.
Dave Bucholtz & Jim Bailey, Cambium Inc.
Jason & Niki Pulchinski, At the Lake Distributing Inc.
Martha Sullivan, Sullivan Law PTBO
Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance
Vance Robbins, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre
The evening also included a special tribute recognizing the extraordinary contributions of John McNutt and Sheryl Hopkins to both the Peterborough community and Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario.
McNutt had passed away in late April and served as JA-NEO’s CEO and president.
“This event has always been about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO Interim President and CEO. “It is about showing young people what is possible when passion, integrity, and community come together. Every inductee honoured this evening represents a different path to success, and those stories matter deeply to the next generation. JA-NEO extends its sincere gratitude to the event investors, volunteers, supporters, and attendees whose continued commitment helps make youth programming possible across the region.”
Funds raised through the Business Hall of Fame directly support hands-on learning opportunities in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness for young people in Peterborough and the surrounding area.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Classy Chassis and Cycles, Passageway Law LLP, Kawartha Apparel and Business Summit
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Classy Chassis and Cycles, the family-run motorcycle dealership in Lakefield, has been keeping it classy for 20 years.
They just celebrated their 20th Anniversary in business! Congratulations! If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you can visit their showroom at 1399 8th Line Smith in Lakefield or visit their website www.usedhd.ca.
Passageway Law LLP has just welcomed a new associate, Gabrielle Slater-Blair, who was called to the Bar in 2025.
Prior to entering the legal profession, she built her career in the human services sector, working both internationally and domestically on human rights initiatives. Gabrielle works in Family law and is currently taking on new clients. To get in touch with Gabrielle and Passageway Law, you can call their office at (705) 741-5337 or check them out online at www.passagewaylaw.ca.
A dream collab has come to fruition - Kawartha Apparel is now available for sale at Great Outdoors Landing in Bridgenorth!
Kawartha Apparel, owned by Erin Shannon, is a local clothing company that specializes in Lake-inspired apparel and custom clothing, all designed and printed locally on Chemong Lake. It’s very exciting to see two Chemong Lake businesses teaming up to support one another. Kawartha Apparel will also be launching its new website on June 7th – until then, follow them on Instagram at Kawartha_apparel.
The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Peterborough Economic Development are hosting a Business Summit on June 22 at Ashburnham Funeral Home.
A great day of learning, connecting and understanding how important it is to keep the most important part of the economy, the people who run it as a focus. Visit www.pkchamber.ca/events for more details and to register.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Gourmet Cookies Hit Peterborough As Crumbl Hosts Grand Opening Friday Morning
/Popular gourmet cookie franchise Crumbl has planted its flag in Peterborough and is hosting its grand opening at 8 a.m. this Friday.
Hamed Faizi, Crumbl Peterborough owner (right) and his wife Asma Faizi (right) during the media and content creator sneak peek day. Faizi plays to open locations in Barrie and Sudbury. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located at 1154 Chemong Rd., the small dessert franchise has nearly 30 locations across the country and several more in the United States. Owner Hamed Faizi said his product is unlike any other cookie that people have had.
“It is very tasty. It's gooey inside, that's what people like,” he said. “There's a lot of work that goes into that one cookie. It’s very unique in flavour.”
The first 100 customers at the grand opening receive a free T-shirt. Anyone who comes on Friday can enter a ballot to win a free cookie every week for a year. Faizi said he has received massive support since he announced he was opening a location in Peterborough.
“I love this brand. I know people are very excited,” he explained. “I get a lot of messages, I get lot of responses and I think it's really going to do great here.”
Crumbl has several regular menu cookies such as chocolate chip, pink sugar, brownie batter and s’mores. The bakery features weekly rotating flavours that change every Monday. Showcased flavours this week include oatmeal raisin, lemon poppy seed, peanut butter cup brownie (with Reese’s), s’mores cookie thins, strawberry cheesecake and Biscoff cheesecake.
Featured cookies at the sneak peek were the Cookies & Cream Krispy Bar, peanut butter cup brownie (with Reese’s), chocolate chip cookie and strawberry cheesecake. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Despite not being from Peterborough and planning to open other locations in Barrie and Sudbury, Faizi highlighted the importance of hiring locally for his business, as a vast majority of his staff are students from Peterborough.
“I have other businesses too so when I open in a town, I only hire from that community,” he explained. “The whole staff is from Peterborough.”
@ptbo_canada @Crumbl has just hit Peterborough and its grand opening is on May 29, 2026 at 8 a.m.! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #crumbl ♬ COOKIES - Tokyo Machine
Cookies are available in either mini or large size. They can be purchased as singles, a mini three-pack, four-pack, six-pack, party box or Graduation Bundls. Crumbl also sells dirty soda which consists of pop mixed with cream, flavoured syrups and/or fruit juices. They are customizable with over 40 flavours.
The following are Crumbl’s store and delivery hours:
Mon. to Thur.: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri. and Sat.: 8 a.m. to midnight
Sunday: Closed
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Ontario Government Extends Restaurant and Bar Alcohol Sales to 4 a.m. For FIFA World Cup™
/The Ontario government has permitted licensed restaurants and bars to extend alcohol sales and service across the province until 4 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ from June 11 to July 19.
Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt in 2023. Photo by David Tuan Bu
“Fans can enjoy the games no matter what time they're happening,” said Doug Ford, Ontario Premier. “So make sure to gather, watch and celebrate one of the greatest sporting events in the world and let's all cheer Team Canada.”
“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport,” said Doug Downey, Attorney General. “Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.”
This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making it the largest FIFA World Cup 2026™ in history.
“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”
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Six Young Entrepreneurs Selected For Summer Company Program After Record-Breaking Applicants
/Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has accepted six students into the Summer Company Program for training, mentorship and grant dollars to help them launch their new businesses this summer.
Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.
“The Summer Company program was designed to bridge the gap between a great idea and a viable business for our next generation of leaders,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By providing students with both the financial capital and the professional mentorship they need, we are ensuring that young entrepreneurs don't just dream about starting a business—they actually do it. It is inspiring to see such a record-breaking number of applicants this year, and we are proud to support their journey.”
The Summer Company program provides those aged 15 to 29 with the opportunity to receive tools, guidance and grant dollars of up to $3,000 to start and launch their businesses.
Funded by the Government of Ontario, through the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, Summer Company is designed to support the entrepreneurial ambitions of youth in communities across the province.
Participants receive in-person training in key areas such as business planning, marketing, and financial management, along with one-on-one mentorship tailored to their individual needs.
Community Futures Peterborough received 40 applications for this year’s program and the following students have been selected:
Aiden Budd, Dock to Driveway Detailing, Peterborough
Zander Bromley, Clearview, Peterborough
Caleb Galbraith, Joy Collectibles 3D, Lakefield
Emma George-Peters, Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care, Peterborough
Rutger Huntley, Peak Beach Volleyball, Millbrook; and
Rielle MacDougall, Lake Safe Swim Lessons, Peterborough.
