Former Trent Student Founds Website Incentivizing People to Shop Locally

In an innovative and creative way to incentivize people to shop local while promoting small businesses, former Trent student Nick Mitchell founded a new community engagement project called “Take a Challenge, Make a Change" (TACMAC).

Mitchell has been a lifeguard instructor in Kenya and a chef in British Columbia. Photo Courtesy of TACMAC.

Launching this Thursday, the website encourages participants — primarily post-secondary students — to engage in fun challenges to earn discounts or rewards and support charity while supporting small businesses.

Challenges are complete by posting a picture of themselves at the establishments on Instagram with the hashtag #TACMACJACKPOT. Anyone who enters will be registered for a weekly jackpot for a chance to donate $100 —money supplied by TACMAC — to a charity of the winner’s choice.

The charitable idea stemmed from Mitchell’s time working at One Roof Community Centre. It inspired him to create a business dedicated to giving back to the community. The inspiration for creating TACMAC came from his time at Trent where his friends and classmates knew of very few places to spend time and shop in town and go to the same place repeatedly.

"I’ve come across so many of my fellow peers who time after time say there's nothing to do in Peterborough," said Mitchell. "The response was that they didn't know this (certain places) even existed."

Some examples include having a home cook-off with a friend based on one ingredient from The Food Shop or purchasing crickets from the House of Scales and make a meal from them.

TACMAC creates an outlet for students to experience Peterborough outside of the ‘campus bubble” according to Mitchell.

Photo Courtesy of TACMAC.

Businesses can register themselves through TACMAC’s website for a small fee to allow customers to take part in their challenges. The incentive is another way for entrepreneurs to promote and advertise their businesses.

Mitchell says the timing of TACMAC could not be any better since some people are unsure of what is open or closed during the current stages of the pandemic.

"It just gives people a clear-cut path to activities in Peterborough," said Mitchell. "There's probably going to be a lot of confusion to what's okay. When they see it on the website, it kind of reduces a bit of the anxiety."

Over 20 businesses have registered for TACMAC.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Peterborough of Commerce, Rapid Screening Kits, Art Gallery of Peterborough and Electric City Special Needs Hockey Club

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition… 

A significant announcement last week as the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce announced plans to pursue consolidation of the two organizations.

Unanimous votes to proceed from both Boards sets the stage for an approval vote of the respective members this fall. The consolidated Chamber will result in over 1100 members with nine full-time staff, in two offices as well as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing office in Lakefield.

Speaking of the Chamber, local businesses can now access Rapid Screening Kits that allow businesses to test for antigens and provide an early warning sign that an employee might have been exposed to COVID-19.

The program is being promoted by local Chambers, with the logistics, pick up and drop off location and staffing being provided by MPP Dave Smith. The program is another pandemic tool that helps keep staff and customers safe, and businesses open. For details and to register and order testing kits, visit peterboroughchamber.ca.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough and this year’s participating artists are gearing up for the 37th Annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour on September 25-26.

One of the longest-running studio tours in Ontario, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour offers the public a unique chance to view art in the working spaces of artists.

This year’s self-driving tour features 43 artists and makers at 36 studio locations across the City and County of Peterborough, where you can enjoy painting, jewelry, glass art, woodworking, pottery, textiles and more. Details at agp.on.ca

The Electric City Special Needs Hockey Club is reminding everyone of their important annual fundraiser – the Electric City Candle Company. Each year the players and coaches get together for a pouring party, making as many soy-based candles as they can, in a variety of amazing scents. The candle sales are an important part of the funding, allowing the club to provide opportunities for any child or adult with physical or developmental special needs. For details visit electriccityspecialneedshockey.com

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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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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Well, Sullivan Law, The Venue and MPP David Smith

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition… 

Lisa Marie Hughes opened her business, just in time to have it shut down by the pandemic.

The Well offers Healing Massage, Hot Stone and Reiki treatments. The Well is located in a very cool space at 25 Reid Street in Lakefield just behind The Stuff Store and the Post Office. The building is also home to a number of other businesses such as Jenny Barr’s The Studio. The Reid Street Boutique, an artisan market and more. Find them at thewell-studio.com or on Instagram.

Sullivan Law recently welcomed Seabourne Geale-Barker to the firm. Seabourne will continue her wills, estate administration and real estate practice at Sullivan Law, 195 Sherbrooke St., sullivanlawptbo.ca

Congratulations to Kevin and April Sendel, owners of Personal Touch Catering and Personal Touch Banquet Hall, on their purchase of The Venue in downtown Peterborough.

Kevin and April will be keeping The Venue name and are preparing to open on Sept. 1. They are also continuing to operate Personal Touch Catering and Banquet Hall. Kevin and April bring tremendous local experience with them and a team of over 30 employees. Congratulations to Mike and Catia Skinner on creating The Venue in the first place, and on a great run. For bookings call 705-876-0008. Venueptbo.com personaltouchcatering.ca personaltouchbanquethall.com

MPP Dave Smith, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism have launched a program to provide rapid testing kits for the Peterborough City and County businesses community.

The rapid antigen test kits are free and are designed to catch COVID-19, prevent outbreaks and keep our local businesses, service providers open and their employees and customers safe.

The test kits screen for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed. Businesses must register and order the kits through the online portal and once your kits are ordered they can be picked up at MPP Smith’s office at 1123 Water St. N. A link to the portal can be found at peterboroughchamber.ca. For details call MPP Smiths office (705)-742-3777.

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Rotospa Hot Tubs Burns To The Ground After Massive Fire

A major fire sparked overnight at Rotospa Hot Tubs in Lakefield has caused the building to burn to the ground.

Photo By PTBOCanada.

OPP has closed off 8th Line Smith and Centre Line and Buckhorn Road as firefighters are battling the fires Friday morning.

Detours are set in place a road closure is in place for several hours according to the OPP.

The 8th Line Smith is closed between Centre Line and Buckhorn Road. @SelwynTownship Fire Department is currently battling a fire at Rotospa. #PtboOPP has detours in place. The road closure will be in place for several hours. Updates to follow. @Ptbo_Canada @PtboCounty ^ja

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 16, 2021

PTBOCanada contacted owner Bill Prentice but was unwilling to comment about the situation at the time. The business focuses on selling, building and servicing hot tubs.

No injuries have been reported at this time and no employees were present when the fire had occurred.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

PTBOCanada will update this article as the story develops.

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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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New Matchmaking Service Sparking Love For Peterborough

While dating has been difficult during the pandemic, entrepreneur Waleed Dabbah founded a new matchmaking service in Peterborough and the Kawarthas called A Chance At Love announced Thursday.

Clients are set up on blind dates after meeting up with the company’s relationship expert. Photo Courtesy of A Chance at Love.

The matchmaking service goes old-fashioned with traditional dating methods to develop a true love connection according to Dabbah. He started A Chance At Love to bring love and happiness for singles after the quarantine made dating difficult. He believed people are ready to find love more than ever as the world begins to open up.

“Our goal is to bring people together after this tough pandemic and reignite love and connections the old way,” Said Dabbah. “No computers and no apps. Our matchmaking is done manually and is human-based. We aim to help individuals find their "one" and start relationships the right way.”

Photographers can be hired for the first blind date as a special service the company provides. Photo Courtesy of A Chance At Love.

Clients are interviewed while filling out questionnaires with a relationship expert before being paired based on compatibility.

“We vet everyone to the best of our abilities to ensure they are who they say they are,” said Dabbah. “We also make sure they are in this for the right reason and that is to find love.”

Candidates are set up on blind dates and the company follows up on their clients after five days. The company offers a unique service of a photographer for taking pictures of the first date.

A second blind date will be arranged for free if the prior one was not a success to the client.

Dabbah immigrated to Canada from Dubai in 2004. Photo Courtesy of Waleed Dabbah.

Dabbah owns the award-winning financial services firm, Dabbah Corp. since it was founded in 2017. He started Trent University as an undergraduate in 2006 and earned his financial certificates in 2012. He pursued his Master’s Degree from the United Kingdom in Wealth Management in 2015.

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Peterborough Petes to Install State-of-the-Art Video Board

The Peterborough Petes will build and install a state-of-the-art video board at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this summer announced in a press release on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy Of the Peterborough Petes.

The sign is in partnership with Signarama and Fully Promoted Peterorough where both companies are working on designing videos and other content for the new board.

The fully-digital video board will be installed in time for the 2021-22 home opener on Thursday, Oct. 14. It will feature the highest resolution screens and futuristic front -and back- end software and hardware to provide a revolutionized fan experience according to the press release.

“We’re thrilled to see this project come to life as the Petes continue to work toward providing our fans, and the entire community of Peterborough, with a league-leading experience.” said Dave Pogue, Petes President. “Fans are already showing their eagerness to return to the rink this fall, and this project represents a strategic investment that will elevate game night at the PMC to new heights.”

The new centre-hung video board will consist of four large, widescreen digital displays with the league’s best resolution. Below the main screens will be a fully digital dynamic LED ring to further enhance the in-game experience. The existing video board’s digital screens and traditional score clocks will be repurposed over the coming years.

“In my 12 years of working in hockey, I’ve never seen a corporate partner step up the way Signarama/Fully Promoted did this past spring,” explained, Eric Ebenbauer, Petes Director of Sales. “This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort put in by Morgan, Marty, and the rest of the Signarama team.”

“This video board will be like nothing ever seen before in Peterborough,” added Morgan Smith, Signarama/Fully Promoted Peterborough CEO. “My staff and I attend every Petes game and when the opportunity to work on this project arose, we jumped at the chance to provide our services and give fans and partners at the PMC - like ourselves - the best and most advanced experience in the province.”

The project will be financed by the Petes. Much like with other building improvement initiatives paid for by the team in the past including the Family Zone seat upgrades, all PMC tenants will have the opportunity to use the video board.

“This is an exciting announcement for anyone who uses the PMC,” noted Jeremy Giles, PMC Facility Manager. “All of our tenants, user groups and fans now have one more reason to get excited about returning to Peterborough’s premier sport and entertainment facility. This board is a real win-win situation and I’d like to thank the Peterborough Petes for being the driving force behind making it happen.”

The Petes will welcome the Sudbury Wolves and first-overall draft pick Quentin Musty for their home opener on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m.

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New Brewery Ready To Break Through the Pandemic With Quality Brews

As the province is opening up for more businesses to operate, Haven Brewing Company is serving up traditional European-style beers for the city of Peterborough.

Brothers Andrew Anker (left) and Nathan Anker (right) favourite beers of their company are the Schwarzbier and All Natural Belgian Blonde Ale respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The duo official took over former Smithhavens Brewing Company back Apr. 9 last year but bought the company in October 2019.

The brewery had to face challenges after taking over the company during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but has high expectations for themselves as Ontario is gradually opening back up.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunities right now and while it’s been a difficult year and we’re a small local company,” said Nathan Anker, Haven Brewing Company, President and CEO. “We are going to do anything we can to help other businesses out there and I’m sure that will be reciprocated too.”

Nathan Anker previously had eight years of business and brand development experience in automotive before owning Haven Brewing Company. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The brewery focuses on European-style beers that remain tried, test and true to the classics that have been appreciated over time. The company applies its own twists to their products to deliver a unique taste and style as an homage to the classic traditions.

Several of their ingredients are imported from Europe to retain that genuine flavour and style within their beer.

“They're all recipes that have existed for a really long time and there's a reason they've existed because it's really good beer,” said Nathan. “We've just taken it, refined the recipe a bit but we also try to keep as true as possible to the process.”

Some beers that were originated from Smithworks has been incorporated into Haven with slight adjustments to make it more true to the traditional European style such as the Hefeweizen according to Nathan.

Brewmaster Andrew Anker graduated from Niagara College in 2012 their inaugural brewing program beginning in 2010. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

The idea of the brothers owning their own brewery felt like a match made in heaven. Andrew had worked with several breweries for the past decade while Nathan wanted to become an entrepreneur as a change from working in the automotive business the last eight years.

“The intention that he would open his own (brewery) then I came in as the business mind and I always intended to open my own company but I never really knew what I wanted to do,” explained Nathan. “We just put the two together, he makes great beer, I’m going to do the business side of things and it was kind of a no-brainer.”

Haven Brewing Company has over 20 different Peterborough restaurants that serve their beer such as Apollo Grill, Nateure’s Plate and Shoeless Joe’s.

When permitted, the brewery plans to host indoor seating with pub snacks and events such as bingo night. During Step 2, the business has outdoor tables for patrons to enjoy their craft beers.

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