Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Community Futures Peterborough, Fastsigns and Kawartha Local Food Wholesale
/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…
Summer Company Program is Open
A sure sign that the seasons are changing is that applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures Peterborough.
Students aged 15 to 29 in Peterborough and the county are encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 in grants, plus training and mentorship, to start their own summer business. Funded by the Province of Ontario, it builds hands-on experience for young entrepreneurs returning to school in the fall. Deadline is April 30, so head over to www.communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/summercompany to find out more…
New Ownership For Fastsigns
FASTSIGNS, a Peterborough Signage provider is being acquired by a group of franchise specialists, bringing in new investment and leadership to support growth and expand capacity for commercial clients across the region.
The centre has been purchased by a consortium led by industry expert Paul Watson and print-industry veteran Bill Goss, who will also serve as general manager. Operating in Peterborough since 2005, FASTSIGNS delivers bespoke signage and visual communications for local government, construction, retail, and large-scale brand rollouts. You can learn more about FASTSIGNS by going to www.fastsigns.com/Peterborough-ON
Kawartha Local Food Wholesale
Peterborough County is boosting its farm economy by promoting the Kawartha Local Food Wholesale program.
This initiative, funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, connects over 800 local farms across 180,000 acres with buyers like restaurants, retailers, food services, tourist spots and golf courses in Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes. There is nothing like local Farm to Table meals and you can learn more about them by checking out www.grazeandgatherfood.ca or www.Kawarthachoice.com
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.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Quickmill, City of Peterborough and K9 Health In Motion
/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…
Quickmill is Headed on a Trade Mission
Local company Quickmill has been selected to join one of the largest government-led trade missions Canada has ever sent to Mexico between Feb. 15 to 20. Quickmill, based right here in Peterborough for over 40 years, is a world leader in building large-scale CNC machining centers — which are powerful machines that cut and shape metal parts for industries like aerospace, oil and gas, mining and defense.
This comes as Quickmill uses a smart diversified growth plan to stay strong amid trade challenges. Only a select group of top export-ready firms were chosen. To learn more about this read their recent blog post on www.quickmill.com/blog
New Plough Map for the City of Peterborough
We have had a winter, and the City of Peterborough has launched a new interactive snowplow map to help residents and businesses track winter maintenance in real time.
Introduced in early February, the online tool uses GPS technology to show where plows are and how recently roads have been serviced, with updates every five minutes and colour-coded routes across the city.
It highlights priority areas like arterial roads, transit routes, and neighbourhood streets, giving a clearer picture of snow-clearing operations. To see the map in action visit www.Peterborough.ca/snow
Canine Rehabilitation is Coming to the County
A new canine rehabilitation and wellness centre is opening in Norwood. K9 in Motion Wellness Rehab officially opens its doors March first, offering services to support dogs recovering from injury, managing mobility issues, or simply aging comfortably. The facility will provide therapeutic massage, red light therapy, mobility aids, pet first-aid courses, and educational sessions for owners.
Operating since 2016, this new location is designed to give dogs individualized care in a calm, supportive environment while helping pet owners stay informed. Visit their website k9inmotionwellness.ca to learn more about their services and stay tuned for their grand opening.
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.
Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Luminary Awards Nominees for Women in Business
/The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Luminary Awards for Women in Business, celebrating women whose leadership, innovation and generosity are strengthening the region’s economy and community.
Photo by Felicia Massey.
Established to shine a light on women whose contributions are often overlooked, the Luminary Awards recognize leadership across entrepreneurship, employment, community service and long-term impact. The awards honour women who lead visibly and behind the scenes in business, non-profit and community settings, and who create opportunities for others through their work.
The inaugural Luminary Awards sold out in 2025, drawing more than 200 attendees and recognizing five outstanding recipients: Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari and Jeannine Taylor. Taylor received the first-ever Legacy Award, which recognizes a lifetime of excellence, generosity and community impact.
“The Legacy Award reflects the heart of what the Luminary Awards stand for,” said Chair of the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Board Susan Dunkley. “It honours women whose careers have not only achieved success but have changed lives and strengthened our community over time.”
@ptbo_canada @PtboChamber ♬ original sound PTBOCanada
The following five categories introduced in the inaugural year return for 2026:
Legacy
Honouring a woman whose career is defined by excellence, generosity and community impact. Her vision and success have created opportunities for others through employment, mentorship, philanthropy or long-term influence; leaving an enduring mark.
Nominees:
Judy Byrne
Monika Carmichael
Dr. Kristy Hiltz
Vanessa Oake Hogan
Dr. Jenny Ingram
Jenni Johnston
Cathy Olley
Anne Ryan
Susan Tung
Wendy Kelly
Betty Halman-Plumley
Trailblazer (Entrepreneur)
Celebrating a business owner whose leadership, ingenuity and boldness have sparked success and inspired others.
Nominees:
Winter Barringer
Kinjal Shukla Clement
Lisa Couture
Leanne Crump
Marsha Gaulton
Richa Grover
Catherine Hanrahan
Tracy Minnema
Ashley Flynn
Danielle Turpin
Rebecca O'Rourke
Emerging Entrepreneur
Celebrating a rising business owner who has launched a fresh, innovative venture that is already making its mark and shows exciting potential for the future.
Nominees:
Kara Ainsworth
Chasley Keepfer
Karen Kerr
Erin Shannon
Elena Thomas
Ashley Woollacott
Ashley Flynn
Marsha Gaulton
One to Watch (Employee)
Recognizing an emerging leader whose innovative ideas, meaningful contributions and proven success show outstanding potential for the future. Nominees may hold entry to mid-level management roles.
Nominees:
Allison Adam
Bethan Bates
Amanda Bedford
Lindsey Brodie
Michelle Nguyen
Rosalea Terry
“It still continues to be a big deal for women to be recognized and I think the Chamber’s doing an amazing thing with this,” said The Ten Spot’s Lindsey Brodie. “When you are being validated by other women it is so much more impactful.”
Barrier Buster
Celebrating a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field by breaking through barriers. She has faced challenges, whether gender-based, systemic, cultural, language, disability-related, or otherwise; and risen above them with skill, creativity and perseverance.
Nominees:
Ashley Flynn
Bridget McCluckie
Jane Bischoff
Jordan Lyall
Kayley Duggan
Nour Mazloum
Stephanie Wilson
Tori Silvera
Marsha Gaulton
New for 2026, the Chamber has expanded the awards to include two additional categories:
Building Belonging
Celebrating a woman whose inclusive leadership and equity-driven innovation has reshaped how business is done, demonstrating that building for belonging is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic advantage. Nominees may focus on workplace culture, employee experience and/or customer-facing innovation.
Nominees:
Mackenzie Annis
Akshana Katoch
Jennifer Lawson
Peggy Shaughnessy
Danielle Turpin
Patricia Wilson
Marsha Gaulton
Community Catalyst
Celebrating a woman whose leadership, collaboration and vision have sparked positive change in the community. A Community Catalyst brings people together, builds partnerships and drives meaningful progress on local priorities. Nominees can be paid staff or volunteers of a not-for-profit organization, or be an employee or owner of a business or enterprise.
Nominees:
Ashley Woollacott
Abby Zotz
Ashley Collins
Betty Halman-Plumley
Chelsey Carberry
Dana Hetherton
Emma Featherstone
Michelle Ferreri
Sheridan Graham
Tonya Kraan
Kat McCartie
Amy Muir
Marcia Steeves
Meryn Steeves
Rosalea Terry
Lois Tuffin
Susan Zambonin
Rebecca O'Rourke
Nour Mazloum
“I’m a female-owned business in the boxing industry, which isn’t the norm,” said Marsha Gaulton of Eastside Boxing and Wellness, who was nominated for four Luminary Awards this year. “This is a huge honour for me to be recognized for what I’m doing. Just to be seen like this in the community, it feels like my heart is exploding.”
The 2026 Luminary Award Ceremony will take place on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Great Hall, Trent University (1600 West Bank Dr.).
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.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Uride, HERmanas Boutique and MicroAge PW
/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…
Uride Launches $20,000 Student Support Fund
Ride-sharing service Uride has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting students facing financial challenges. The company has committed $20,000 to its Student Support Fund, which will award $5,000 to one deserving student each week throughout February. These funds can be applied toward tuition fees or other school-related expenses.
The program is open to students residing in communities where Uride operates. By providing this direct financial assistance, Uride hopes to help ease some of the economic pressures that many students experience during the academic year. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, interested students should download the Uride app.
HERmanas Boutique and Bikinis by Bridget Nominated for National Awards
Apsley-based HERmanas Boutique and its swimwear brand, Bikinis by Bridget, have earned dual nominations in the 2025 Canadian SME National Business Awards. The boutique, owned and operated by sisters Bridget and Victoria, has been shortlisted for Small Business of the Year.
The business is celebrated for its original, sustainably produced swimwear made with innovative Truelife® ECO fabrics, as well as its carefully curated selection of global fashion pieces. In addition to the business recognition, founder Bridget has received an individual nomination for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to explore their latest swimwear collections and seasonal styles. Visit their website at shophermanas.ca to browse the full range.
MicroAge PW Expands to Become MicroAge PWK Through Kingston Acquisition
MicroAge PW, serving Peterborough and Whitby, has reached a significant milestone by acquiring MicroAge Kingston and rebranding as MicroAge PWK. This strategic expansion brings together three locations with a shared commitment to supporting local businesses.
The Kingston team brings decades of experience helping regional organizations with their IT needs. The newly combined group has emphasized that it will maintain the strong local focus that has defined each location while benefiting from greater resources, broader expertise, and fresh momentum. By uniting strengths across Peterborough, Whitby, and Kingston, MicroAge PWK aims to provide even higher levels of IT leadership, service quality, and innovation to clients throughout the area.
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.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Armour Heights Pharmacy, Senior Showcase and Trent University
/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…
Faster Care Closer to Home: Armour Heights Pharmacy Joins Ontario's Access to Care Program
Armour Heights Pharmacy in East City has partnered with a new program called Access to Care, expanding the scope of pharmacist-led clinical services. Through the program, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for select acute conditions, including strep throat testing and treatment, shingles management, epipens, and symptom management for fever and malaise.
The pharmacy has also introduced a Travel Health Clinic, offering individualized risk assessments, travel vaccinations administered on-site, and prescription therapy for traveler’s diarrhea. Preventative services include prescribing and administering vaccines such as shingles, pneumonia, RSV, and HPV. Pharmacists can also prescribe medical devices and supplies, including diabetic sensors, test strips, inhaler spacer, and more. Appointments and online assessments forms are available via https://www.bookmypharmacy.com/7057400080.
Prescriptions are subject to clinical assessment, which through the Access to Care program involve fees for service. Armour Heights Pharmacy looks forward to supporting the community through this expanded range of services.
Booth Sales Open for 10th Annual Living Well Senior Showcase.
Booth sales are now officially open for Peterborough’s Living Well Senior Showcase, a full-day event dedicated to active aging resources, services, products, and workshops for seniors, their families, and community members.
Organized by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce (PKCC) in partnership with Age-Friendly Peterborough and lead sponsor Living Well Home Medical Equipment, it caters specifically to those planning retirement or already enjoying their golden years.
The event takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.). It will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing everything from health and wellness solutions to financial planning, home care, recreation, technology for independent living, and future-planning services.
Last year, the event drew more than 1,000 visitors, highlighting Peterborough's vibrant senior community (over 27,000 residents aged 65+). With the region's aging population
growing rapidly, this showcase is a prime outreach opportunity for businesses and organizations serving aging adults.
Exhibitor booths are selling fast so book yours now at pkchamber.ca/seniors-showcase or email Liam at liam@pkchamber.ca for details.
Level Up Your Skills Fast with Careerspace’s Winter Micro-Credentials
Trent University's Careerspace is kicking off its winter lineup of micro-credentials: short, flexible online courses (6–30 hours) that build in-demand skills with a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn or resume.
Designed for professionals, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone ready to level up, these courses are taught by local industry experts and emphasize practical tools plus networking opportunities.
Upcoming highlights include:
Optimizing Fundraising Efforts – Starts Feb. 2, 2026
Digital Marketing for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 3, 2026
AI for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 5, 2026
Intercultural Communication for Public Leaders – Starts Feb. 7, 2026 (Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Traill College for in-person elements)
Project Management Basics – Starts Feb. 9, 2026
Grant Writing for Nonprofits – Starts March 2, 2026
Plus, mark your calendar for Feb. 25, 2026: The Impact Microgrant recipients will showcase how these micro-credentials fueled their community projects, turning ideas into action with inspiring real-world stories.
Ready to grow? Explore the full schedule and register at trentu.ca/careerspace/micro-credentials or follow @trentucareerspace on Instagram for updates.
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.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week: Hitting a High Note With the High-Speed Trains, Chocolate Creations and Community Swims
/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…
Peterborough Rides the Alto: High-Speed Train to Bring New Opportunities
Peterborough is set to become a stop on Alto, the high-speed train connecting millions of people along the Toronto–Québec City corridor. With speeds reaching 300 km/h over approximately 1,000 km of dedicated and mainly electrified tracks, Alto promises to transform travel and create new opportunities for business and growth.
To give the community an inside look at the project, the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and The County of Peterborough are hosting Alto’s CEO, Martin Imbleau, on Feb. 19. For more information and to register, visit pkchamber.ca/events.
Alto is also hosting an open house on Feb. 26 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.
Chocolate lovers unite! The Annual Chocolate Creations Festival is back.
From Jan. 30 to Feb. 17, the Lakefield Village Lions are hosting the sixth Annual Chocolate Creations Festival, showcasing 18 local businesses with unique chocolate creations.
Every treat enjoyed supports local organizations and families, making it a sweet adventure for the community. For a full list of participating businesses, voting information and event details, visit facebook.com/LakefieldVillageLionsClub.
Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Peterborough has kicked off its 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim, aiming to raise $1.5 million for Easter Seals, the YMCA’s Strong Kids Program and Rotary community initiatives.
This year’s swim will take place at 7 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the YMCA, with a fun 1980s theme. Anyone can participate or donate by visiting CarlOakeRotarySwim.com.
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.
Community Futures Peterborough Opens Applications For The 2026 Summer Company Program
/Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures, offering students in the City and County of Peterborough the opportunity to start and operate their own business while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience over the summer months.
photo courtesy of community futures peterborough.
Funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program, Summer Company provides eligible students with start-up funding, business training and one-on-one mentorship. The program supports young entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into viable summer businesses.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Summer Company Program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in Peterborough," said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. "By providing young entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and financial support, we are helping them turn their creative ideas into reality while building the vital skills they need for future success in Ontario’s economy."
Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in September 2026 are eligible to apply for Summer Company, which is delivered by Community Futures Peterborough through its Business Advisory Centre.
Those selected for the Summer Company Program receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with cohort training and one-on-one mentorship as they launch and run their business this summer. Past businesses have included services and products such as lawn care, window cleaning, farm help, dance and swimming lessons, clothing brands and more.
“Our community continues to show strong demand for entrepreneurship services, both lending and advisory,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The Summer Company Program is designed to spark the idea of entrepreneurship amongst our youth and introduce them to the supportive and strong ecosystem we have to advise them in their small business journey.”
In Peterborough, Summer Company students will participate in a blend of cohort and one-on-one training and learn skills such as developing a business plan, marketing strategies to launch and grow a viable business and how to develop an accurate budget and cash flow for their small business.
“The programming we have designed ensures our students gain transferable skills that they can use to pursue entrepreneurship or to contribute to future career success across all sectors,” said Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. “We can’t wait to see the business ideas we receive in this year’s applications that will become the next generation of leaders in our community.”
Summer Company is open to students with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Applicants do not need prior business experience or a fully developed business plan. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn and the potential of the business idea.
Applications can be submitted online.
The Cheesy Fromage Owner Tanya Bailey Recognized With Rural Entrepreneur 2026 Award
/The Cheesy Fromage owner Tanya Bailey was presented with the inaugural Rural Entrepreneur 2026 by Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs as part of the Rural Inspiration at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) event.
Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith poses with the cheesy fromage owner tanya bailey as she accepts the rural ENTREPRENEUR award. photo courtesy of the Office of M.P.P. Dave Smith.
“Tanya Bailey and the Cheesy Fromage embodies the spirit of rural Ontario,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson. “Rural small businesses like Cheesy Fromage are what keeps rural Ontario moving. It is rural small businesses in our rural communities that make Ontario the economic engine of Canada. That is why it is so important to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is found each and every day in rural Ontario.”
The Rural Entrepreneur 2026 goes to a business that has displayed great efforts in delivering sustainable, local and healthy homemade meal options to assist residents with meal planning and nutrition.
“Tanya’s leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society, steering the 180-year-old organization back from the brink of permanent closure in early 2025, to being a strong voice in the local recovery efforts after the October 2025 fire in downtown Lakefield,” said Greg Bartlett, Vice Chair of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “Tanya has proven that her dedication to the county’s agricultural community extends far beyond the walls of her Queen Street business.”
The Cheesy Fromage is Lakefield’s Original General Store. They promote local, sustainable, healthy meal options that support Lakefield and the surrounding rural communities.
“The success of our rural economy depends on local leaders like Tanya who bridge the gap between our farmers and our dinner tables,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith. “By revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society and championing sustainable food through The Cheesy Fromage, Tanya has created a blueprint for rural innovation.”
“I am very blessed to have a small business in a rural community which allows me to connect farming, and the production of Ontario cheeses with an amazing community like Lakefield in the heart of the Kawarthas,” said Bailey. “I hope that in some small way I can continue to raise awareness of the hard work of Ontario cheese makers and how they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best cheese producers in the world.”
Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Announces Class of 2026 Inductees Into The Business Hall of Fame
/The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled this year’s local business leaders being inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame class of 2026, announced at the Venture North Building Wednesday morning.
The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees. Photo by Felicia Massey.
This year’s nominees will be formally inducted at the 11th annual JA Business Hall of Fame event on May 28 at The Venue.
“The Hall of Fame has never just been about recognition; it has always been about possibility,” said John McNutt, President and CEO of JA-NEO. “Our Laureates show young people that big futures can begin in small places, and that entrepreneurship is more than business success, it is a form of community building.”
@ptbo_canada The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled the local business leaders in the class of 2026 for the JA Business Hall of Fame! #ptbocanada #JANEO ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio
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
