Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Authentic Love, Linklater Administration, River of Yarn and Business Excellence Awards
/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…
Debra Gallo has launched a new business called Authentic Love, where she does life coaching and Reiki.
Private coaching is available at home or via Zoom and she offers guidance and support for personal growth, healing, and the development of tools within to achieve success and fulfillment. Reiki is available for home visits and promotes healing through energy to find balance. She works with people experiencing trauma, addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and both physical and mental illness. You can find her on Facebook or email 4.authentic.love@gmail.com.
Thamer Linklater has launched Linklater Administration where they partner with small businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to take on administrative tasks, helping business owners clear up their hours so they can focus on doing the things they love.
They can help manage appointments, communications, create and maintain filing systems, and assist with various tasks that bog owners down. Services are offered in a hybrid model, online, or at your location as needed. Find out more at linklateradmin.com.
Saturday is Local Yarn Shop Day and what better way to celebrate than to do some local yarn shopping.
River of Yarn in Keene is marking the occasion by holding a tent sale, fibre and yarn tasting, tool demonstrations, and light refreshments. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They offer a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, and acrylics. Drop by 353 Kent’s Bay Road on Saturday and find something that sparks your creativity.
Do you know a local business that goes above and beyond?
Nominate them for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards. The Excellence Awards are hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Oct.29 at Showplace, but now is time to nominate outstanding businesses in the region. The deadline for nominations is May 22. Additionally, nominate a local business by May 8 and you’re entered into a draw for a $100 gift card for a chamber member of your choice. With 22 awards, there are categories for businesses of every size and sector. Nominate an excellent local business at pkexcellence.ca.
Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Summit Helping Entrepreneurs and Leaders On May 2
/Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business Summit will be held on May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fleming College.
Screenshot.
This event is tailored for forward-thinking business owners and leaders. It promises to be an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights, forge connections and unlock strategies for leading into the future according to a press release.
The Summit will kick off with a keynote address from Unity Design Studio Principal Bill Lett, followed by a series of workshops:
Workshop Session 1
You should know more about your customers than they do – Heather Watson and Matthew Stimpson
Unleash the power of AI – Sofie Andreou
Unlocking Potential: Employment strategies for immigrants and diverse abilities – Andy Cragg and Agnes Wojewoda
Workshop Session 2
Leading through uncertainty – Nancy Wiskel, Anthony Evelyn, and Nicole Cooke
Copilot for Microsoft 365: Achieve more than ever with AI – Adam Bishop
Meeting the media: How to best share your business story – Jaye Makinson, Jordan Mercier, Jeannine Taylor, and Marcus Tully
Lunch will feature a panel discussion on Building Your Team featuring Heather Watson of acorn30, Scott Murison of Wild Rock Outfitters, Mike Stock of Unity Design Studio, and Jennifer Scates of Central Smith Ice Cream, moderated by Sarah Budd of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
“The Business Summit is an opportunity to learn from the experts, learn from your colleagues, and get inspired to unlock your business potential,” says Sarah Budd, President and CEO of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. "The world is changing quickly and events like the Business Summit help to strengthen our business community and better prepare us for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Tickets are available at the Chamber’s website.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Doors Open Peterborough, Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness, Pristine Plumbing PTBO and Vintage Inspired
/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…
Every year in September, buildings and sites not normally open to the public welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Peterborough.
It’s a great opportunity for community engagement and education about our built and cultural heritage. Doors Open began in France in 1984 and started in Peterborough in 2002.
This annual celebration of heritage and culture has allowed us to see inside everything from the Peterborough Lift Lock, to hydro generating stations, to Victorian mansions and modern architectural gems such as Trent University. Doors Open Peterborough is always looking for new places that tell Peterborough’s stories through the sites and voices of the community. If you would like your building, walking tour or site to be showcased on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., email heritage@peterborough.ca or contact the City of Peterborough. The deadline for submission is May 5.
It feels like spring finally and that means the return of Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga and Pilates with Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness.
This year’s program will be offered with four different instructors and three locations: Chemong Lake, Stoney Lake, and downtown Peterborough’s Little Lake. Summer Soul offers paddleboard rentals for those without one of their own. Go to summersoul.ca for more details.
Mallory and Dylan have launched a new business – Pristine Plumbing PTBO.
They provide high quality plumbing for Peterborough and the surrounding areas and strive to provide the best customer service to their clientele. They are fully licensed and insured and available for you when you need them most. Their services include faucet and toilet installation, drain blockages, water treatment systems, and more. Find out more at pristineplumbingpeterborough.ca
Vintage Inspired has opened at 2351 County Rd 45 in Norwood.
Officially open as of April 6, they combine the past and present to create unique style for your home and cottage. They offer an eclectic mix of new, vintage, antique and upcycled finds, as well as hand-made goods by local artisans. Drop by for a look or find them online at vintageinspired.ca.
Innovation Cluster Seeking New Board Members
/The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas individuals to their Board who can contribute to their mission of transforming Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes into a recognized Centre of Innovation.
Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.
Innovation Cluster are seeking individuals with:
A strong passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and startup culture.
A strong passion and knowledge of the latest technological trends
Experience in accounting(CPA)/finance
Experience with successful exits (IPO, M&A)
Expertise in specialized fields such as agtech, healthcare, finance, or business leadership.
Board Member Expectations:
Active participation in strategic discussions, events, and meetings.
Contribution of unique insights and expertise to support the leadership team.
Advocacy for the Innovation Cluster's mission and vision within the community and beyond.
Applications are due by April 19. Once completed, they can be emailedto board@innovationcluster.ca.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Central Smith Creamery, Savage Arms, PKED and Peterborough Chamber
/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…
Central Smith Creamery is kicking off its first venture into the retail space with Central Smith Ice Cream Bars.
They’re launching it with two new flavours. The first is Monster Cookie with vibrant blue cookie dough flavoured ice cream with cookie crumb pieces covered in a chocolatey coating. The other is French Vanilla ice cream bars with rich French vanilla flavoured ice cream with crushed vanilla bean covered in chocolatey coating with pieces of almonds.
Order online for pickup at the factory or find them locally at One Fine Food, The Market in Lakefield, Lakefield Foodland, Sobeys on Lansdowne, John’s Independent in Bridgenorth or Lift Lock Foodland.
Savage Arms in Lakefield is expanding.
The local firearms manufacturer recently announced they received some funding from the Province to help with a big expansion. This includes the production of a new lever-action rimfire rifle and investments that will set them up for future centrefire hunting rifle production. The expansion is expected to create 49 new jobs in the community.
There’s a new destination guide courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development that shines a spotlight on the region’s experiences for outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, families and lovers of arts and culture.
The official Destination Guide is designed to inspire fun and encourage readers to get interactive in their vacation planning experiences by checking visits to iconic area attractions off their list and hearing from local travel experts on the must-do experiences. Pick up the Destination Guide at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre as well as locations throughout the region.
Looking for inspiration and professional development?
The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Business Summit on May 2 at Fleming College. The theme this year is Leading for the Future, from how to recruit the right team members to supporting and fostering growth with your team. There’s a keynote address from Bill Lett, six workshops, and a panel discussion on Building Your Team. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.
Voice of Business: Majority of Businesses Are Not Prepared For Leadership Change
/There is a topic that is often not discussed or planned for until late in the process – succession.
Here at the Chamber of Commerce we often have conversations with businesses who are thinking about selling their business. It’s something that has hit them fairly recently. They’re tired. The last few years have been a lot. They want to look after their mental and physical health. They’re getting older and want to spend time traveling and hanging out with the grandkids. It’s all understandable and frankly, they’ve earned it after years of long hours, high stress, and financial risks.
The problem is they’re tired right now. They’re hoping to get out some time in the next 12 months or so.
There’s a new report on this subject from the Northern Policy Institute in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Société Économique de l’Ontario called Taking Care of Business: The State of Business Succession and Planning in Ontario.
The report’s survey found that 73 per cent of business owners do not have a succession plan in place, even though the leaders of many organizations plan to sell or retire soon. Most business owners report planning to sell or retire in the next 15 years.
From Taking Care of Business: The State of Business Succession and Planning in Ontario:
Business Owners’ Responses to “Do you have a succession plan in place?”
I don’t know/prefer not to answer: 9 per cent
No, we do not have a succession plan in place nor have one in the process of being created: 44 per cent
No, but it is in the process of being created: 29 per cent
Yes, one is completed: 18 per cent
The transition of business ownership represents both opportunity and risk. Established businesses provide a strong platform for someone to continue to grow. But poorly planned succession can be a mess.
The report notes that one-third of business owners who plan to sell or retire in the next five years do not have a succession plan in place or are in the process of creating one. Organizations who are not anticipating a change of leadership are far less prepared. Smaller businesses are typically less prepared, despite being more likely to undergo leadership change.
There is a cost to putting off planning for change, as stated in the report:
“Poorly managed succession can lead to worse organizational performance and lost business value. This can result in reduced economic growth, job losses for employees, and reduced options for consumers. Therefore, increasing the number of businesses that adequately plan for succession will be crucial to ensuring that Ontario’s successful existing businesses continue to provide employment opportunities, goods and services, and economic growth even as their current leadership departs.”
While we typically talk about succession planning as it relates to retirement, which is a big component of it, businesses change hands for multiple reasons. Some move on for a change of
scenery, but there are also unexpected and unforeseen changes due to health issues, death, family needs, financial issues, business partnership breakdowns, etc. Having a plan on the books will go a long way to making that transition process go more smoothly.
Good planning will help preserve local businesses and create a stronger local economy. If you or your organization are interested in planning for changes in leadership and ownership, your local Chamber of Commerce can help make some recommendations on local businesses with succession expertise. The best time to plan for the future is now.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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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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Savage Arms Creating 49 New Jobs With $500,000 From Government of Ontario; Part of $3.3 Million Investment For Production of Two Rifles
/As part of a $3,364,206 investment, the Ontario Government is funding $504,361 to Savage Arms for the development of 49 jobs through two product lines, announced in Lakefield on Tuesday afternoon.
(left to right) Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Terry McCullough, Savage Arms Canada vice-president and general manage, David Myles, Director of Manufacturing and Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor, put on display the prototypes of the new lever action rimfire rifles as part of the $3.3 million investment. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.
