StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Hometown Holiday, Focus Fair, Basket Express and Inclusive Advisory

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…

Hometown Holiday is a marketing initiative from the four local Chambers of Commerce in Peterborough, Lakefield, Havelock and Millbrook.

It is a reminder of the importance of supporting local business, from retailers to restaurants, artisans to artists. As you go about your business, remember local businesses and the farmers and makers markets this holiday season. #HometownHoliday

You can make this a local, handmade holiday at the Focus Fair this Saturday and Sunday.

The fair features a wide variety of treasures, handcrafted by local artists, artisans, craftspeople and community members. Located at The Theatre on King, it runs Saturday (Dec. 11) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday (Dec. 12th) from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. You’ll find Focus Fair Artisan Sale on Facebook.

Reni Rausch recently moved her business, Basket Express, from George Street to her new location at 1135 Lansdowne St., Unit 6B.

The bright and shiny new space is open for walk-ins, phone or online orders. Basket Express does fruit, gourmet, and special occasion baskets, with lots of variety and customization. Stop in or visit basket-express.com or on social media.

Inclusive Advisory is excited to announce the launch of Inclusive HR Solutions. Their newest pillar of services, designed to complement their existing accounting, law, and wealth management services, offers consulting on employment standards, health and safety, strategic growth, and more. Inclusiveadvisory.ca

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Six Local Businesses Awarded $5,000 Each Through Peterborough and The Kawarthas Economic Development Starter Company Plus Program

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) awarded six local small businesses $5,000 each in funding to further support sustainable business growth, on Thursday.

The funding is made possible through the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program.

Sixteen entrepreneurs operating twelve small businesses successfully completed the five week online business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC). Based on the strength of their business plan and pitch, the following six businesses were each awarded a micro-grant:

• Angela McDonald: The Florest, Peterborough, ON – A local florist born out of a love for the outdoors and natural beauty offering fresh-cut flower bouquets with a selection of quality blooms.

• Brad Carson: Toureka!, Peterborough, ON – a mobile app and web-based platform that allows organizations of any size to offer their event-based tours in a brand-new way.

• Caitlin Smith: ReCreate Space, Peterborough, ON – a professional organizing company helping residents and small businesses of Peterborough & the Kawarthas get more organized.

• Dreda Blow and Bruno Merz: Showmakers Ptbo, Peterborough, ON - a musical theatre program for children all about making a SHOW!

• Lynda Todd: Vision Imports Ltd, Peterborough, ON – Manufacturer and distributor of keyboards and mice that can be disinfected and cleaned.

• Patrick and Deanna Leahy: Leahy Farm (final name TBD), Douro-Dummer, ON – A family farm that offers flavourful, top-grade, locally processed meat (beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey), as well as eggs from pasture-raised hens. Environmental sustainability and animal quality of life are priorities to The Leahy’s.

“We had a wide variety of businesses in the program this time around. From farm businesses to technology-based start-ups, the participants were able to learn from each other throughout the workshops.” said Entrepreneurship Officer Hillary Manion, who oversees the program for PKED. “In Peterborough & the Kawarthas, we are lucky to have thriving and growing small businesses. We have seen our communities rally around these entrepreneurs. The Starter Company Plus program is an opportunity for new start-ups and expanding businesses to access workshop training and one-on-one consultations with BAC Business Advisors and local guest speakers.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program through the BAC has assisted over 190 local entrepreneurs and over 150 small businesses. These small businesses have created over 190 jobs in our local economy.

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 (operating for five years or less). To stay up to date on programs and workshops offered by the BAC, visit www.peterboroughed.ca/BAC.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Krystalized Apothecary, Central Smith Creamery, Enniskillen General Store, Council for Disabilities and Bob Gauvreau

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…

Krystalized Apothecary is a small home-based family business located in Keene. Owner Krystal McNutt offers everything from ethically sourced crystals from all over the world, crystal skulls, jewelry and pendulums to incense, cauldrons, tapestries, cleansing supplies and more. 

Krystal runs live sales on Instagram every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. or you can shop in person by appointment only from Sat-t.-Tues. Just look for Krystalized Apothecary on Instagram.

Central Smith has a unique food drive scheduled for December. They are trying to “Fill a Truck” for the food bank, inviting local businesses and schools to partner with them to collect food until Dec. 17.

On that day, they will drive their truck to your business and pick up the food you have collected and deliver it to the food bank. They might even have Mr. Clause and one of his elves there to help! If you are interested in participating just email jenn@centralsmith.ca

Enniskillen General Store continues to grow, with a new location just opened last week in Peterborough.

The original store has been operating in the village of Enniskillen since 1840 and has already expanded into Port Perry, Bowmanville and Oshawa. The Peterborough location is in the Marsdale Plaza which is across from Beavermead Park on Ashburnham Road. Enniskillengeneralstore.com

The Council for Persons with Disabilities is hosting another Passport Clinic on December 3 from 9 - Noon in the Venture North Building. The Passport Clinic is designed to assist those within the disability community to gain access to their Enhanced Vaccine Passport with a QR Code. For details and to register visit pcpd.ca

Congratulations to Bob Gauvreau on recently joining the Forbes Coaches Council. The Forbes Council is an invitation-only organization where top executives and entrepreneurs build professional skills and gain connections and visibility on Forbes.com. For details visit gauvreaucpa.ca

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Apsley Couple Find TikTok Fame With Their Sweet Shop Tastely Box

James and Polly Laneville opened Tastely Box, a candy shop that offers curated boxes of sweets from around the world, in April. What started as a small online shop has burst into a brick and mortar store and over 300k TikTok followers.

James and Polly with their curated boxes. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Polly used to make ‘date night’ boxes for her and her husband with treats she could find from around the world.

“He was like hey this is a really good idea, I think people would like this,” she said. “We always knew we wanted to go into business together we just weren’t entirely sure with what.”

Polly says their idea kept getting pushed back, but when the pandemic hit they found themselves with more time on their hands.

“We were busy with kids, parents, normal work life - but when the pandemic hit it just gave us a second to step back and look at the whole big picture,” said Polly Laneville. “We decided let’s just dive in and see what happens.”

What started as a side hustle has quickly become a full time job for the pair.

Now the store curates themed boxes of candy from all around the world. Themed boxes include Japanese, Mexican, British, U.S.A and Canadian. They also offer themes like ‘Peanut Butter Lover’, ‘Pucker Up Sour’ and ‘Chocoholic’.

“We had some videos going viral, but they weren’t enough to really grab peoples attention,” said Laneville.

After posting a 25 second video introducing their brand to Canada they ‘blew up’ in the TikTok world.

“It slowed down before we went to sleep, but when we woke up the next morning our phones wouldn’t stop ‘cha-chinging’. We had sale after sale after sale - we had 200 sales come in within a 24 hour period. That’s when we realized this wasn’t slowing down.”

Now Tastely Box has already outgrown their brick-and-mortar storefront and hired three employees.

The Laneville’s have plans to put a warehouse somewhere nearby and expand their current location to better serve their in-person customers.

“As soon as we get boxes made they go right out the door.”

Polly says they have big plans for the new year, though she doesn’t want to give away any of their surprises.

Boxes can be ordered through their online shop, and bought at their store located at 10020 ON-28, Apsley.

If planning on ordering for Christmas the cutoff for delivery is Dec. 3.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring La Mesita, Comfort Keepers, Plan A Peterborough and Showplace

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. We at PTBOCanada would like to congratulate Stu Harrison as this is his 1000th edition of StoosNews. Here is this week’s edition…

La Mesita Restaurante closed its Hunter Street location last week and is busy getting set up in their new location at 247 George St. located just north of Sherbrooke.

Owner Martin Carbajal says the new location offers double the space with seating for 16 instead of six. They are shooting for a Dec. 1st opening but you can find La Mesita at the Farmers Market in the meantime. Watch their social media channels for updates or visit lamesita.ca.

Comfort Keepers Peterborough recently introduced a new program called “Mindful Movement Chair Yoga.”

Owner Alyssa Rowe says they have started at Sherbrooke Heights Retirement Residence and are looking for others who might be interested either in a group setting or individually in your home.

Comfort Keepers provides a wide variety of services in-home care to seniors and other clients who need help with the activities of daily living. comfortkeepers.ca/peterborough

Plan A Peterborough is a Long-Term Care Staffing and Recruitment agency, and they’ve just launched their Adopt-a-Senior campaign. Already a success with other Plan A locations in Canada, the program pairs you with a local senior and their Christmas list. It is an opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer with simple gifts like some warm socks or a puzzle.

Everything is non-contact so if you are interested in finding out more, just email peterborough@jointheAteam.com or call 705-243-3659.

Two of Peterborough’s most cherished concert venues, The Market Hall and Showplace are taking their first tentative steps out of the pandemic.

The Market Hall has announced ticket sales for Sarah Harmer on Feb. 23 and 24 and Showplace. They are sporting new flooring, lighting, paint, brand-new seats and have several shows in December including The Veranda Society.

Megan Murphy and Kate Suhr welcome Irish Millie for two shows on Dec. 11 and 12. Gift certificates from either location would make great gifts, as they both try to find their feet after nearly two years in the dark. markethall.org and showplace.org

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Peterborough is About to Get a Whole Lot Sweeter With New Kawartha Butter Tart Factory Location

The Kawartha Butter Tart Factory will be opening a new location on Lansdowne Street in January 2022.

Smith hard at work at the Douro location. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The Butter Tart Factory prides itself on making everything that leaves their doors from scratch.

“We don’t use pails of filling or bags of mixes that are pre-mixed. Everything’s flour, sugar, baking powder - we are making everything from scratch and I think that you can really tell that,” said Cathy Smith, owner. “We get a lot of compliments on our pies that they’re so fresh - that’s because we’re making that dough every morning, we don’t buy anything.”

Since 2015 Smith has been providing locals and cottagers with sweet treats from her bakery. What started in the restaurant attached to her home in Warsaw grew into The Butter Tart Factory now located at 17 Indacom Dr.

Now, almost two years after opening the new location, they are bursting at the seams with butter tarts.

“During the summer there’s just not enough room here to do all of the things we do, so we went looking for a new location,” said Smith.

Located just off Hwy. 28, during the summer months cottagers and locals line the outside of the Butter Tart Factory in hopes to get a sweet treat.

“The Peterborough location will be much bigger so hopefully that cuts down on the line-ups, they can be so daunting,” she said. “It might ease up on this location but that’s ok, there’s always lots to do. In the summer it was nuts trying to work side by side every day and it was just crazy all day, so it will be nice to ease up on the pressure.”

“It’s all thanks to a great team, it’s awesome to have a business like that. I’m really proud of everyone that’s worked here, even if it was just a stepping stone for them. If I didn’t have great people like that we wouldn’t have been able to keep growing.”

Smith is aiming to have the new location have the same ‘look and feel’ as the Douro location.

Renovations at the new location are currently underway and set to be complete in January.

For updates visit their Facebook and Instagram page.

As they gear up for this new venture The Butter Tart Factory will be hiring bakers for both locations. Experience is not necessary, though it is required that successful applicants are dependable, kind and respectful to co-workers.

To apply send a resume with references to thebuttertartfactory@gmail.com.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Green Economy Peterborough, Jason Wilkins, Kawartha Home Health Care, Junior Achievement and Cahill's

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

If you are interested in finding out how you can do more to reduce the environmental impact of your business, Green Economy Peterborough can help you measure then set and achieve reduction targets.

They are now recruiting businesses to join their next cohort that starts in January. There is an information session on Tuesday at 7 :00 p.m. or Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Just look for Green Economy Peterborough on Eventbrite or contact Natalie Stephenson at Peterborough Green Up for more information.

Congratulations to local artist Jason Wilkins on the opening of his new studio. Called The Jason Wilkins Factory, the space is located at 7-188 Hunter St. W. and he plans to expand his teaching, studio, podcast and gallery. Wilkins is offering art classes for children and adults and a new home for the Peterborough Arts Collective.

Jason does murals, illustrations, caricatures, animation and more. Look for wilkinsartandcreative.com or on Instagram @jwilkinsfactory.

Kawartha Home and Healthcare Services recently added a transportation service. You get a certified, licensed and insured PSW driver who can transport and accompany you to a wide variety of appointments and events. It could be to the grocery store, doctors’ appointment or anywhere else you need. 

Located at 320 Water St., Kawartha Home Healthcare offers facility staffing including RN’s, RPN’s, PSW’s and Health Care Assistants as well as foot care services. Kawarthahomehealthcare.com

Nominations are now open for next year’s Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Awards. The nomination deadline is November 26th. Visit this link for details.

Cahill’s will be collecting gently used winter coats for ladies, men and children and donating them to five local charities to help keep people warm this winter.

Last year, they collected over 500 winter coats and they would love to beat that mark this year. Just drop your coats off at Cahill’s at 134 Hunter St. W. anytime in November and receive a 15 per cent store gift certificate.

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Holiday Shopping Passports are Back to Support Local Christmas Shopping

Holiday Shopping Passports are back in Peterborough and are available at 150 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes in downtown Peterborough.

Jennie Moore won the Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw in 2020. Photo courtesy of The Boro.

Shoppers will earn a passport stamp for every $10 you spent locally in downtown Peterborough. Each completed Holiday Shopping Passport increases the chance to win up to $1,500 in Boro gift cards.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program rewards people for shopping, dining, and enjoying downtown. Last year’s program saw shoppers stamp more than $2.5 million worth of Holiday Shopping Passports.

For every $100 spent locally, up to $48 stays in the community, compared to just $14 when shopping at big box stores.

“Every year our Holiday Shopping Passport program brings an excitable shopping buzz into our downtown core,” said Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the DBIA. “In order to combat online and big box shopping trends we have to support programming that celebrates the physical shopping experience. We are so excited to have the Holiday Shopping Passports back and love rewarding our shoppers during the holiday season.”

Shoppers are welcome to collect free stamps at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Visitors Centre and The Boro Holiday Hub.

This years’ Passport will be sporting a new holiday graphic, and smaller purse-friendly design. Shoppers are encouraged to shop early to increase their chances of winning in one of the three early bird prizes for a $500 Boro gift card. Early bird draw dates will take place on December 1, 8, & 15.

The final grand prize draw will take place after the holiday season on January 8 where one lucky passport holder will win a $1,500 Boro card shopping spree.

The City of Peterborough will be providing free 2-hour parking in the downtown beginning Black Friday (Nov. 26) until the end of December courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers.

For more information on this year’s Holiday Shopping Passport program visit www.theboro.ca

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Delta Wye Weasel, Self to Soul, Mill Valley Funeral and Cremation Centre and Dave Adams

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

Danielle Richard took over David Wells Diesel Equipment back in 2017 and recently changed the name to reflect the business as it operates today.

Called Delta Wye Diesel, Richard is rightly proud of her all-female team in the skilled trades industry. She is a licensed electrician and generator technician.  Natalie Wood is an apprentice electrician and generator technician.

Delta Wye Diesel performs inspections, tests, maintenance and repairs of emergency generators for a variety of industries. They provide a mobile service based out of Bridgenorth but cover a wide area. 

Rev. Jeanne Logan is a Doctor of Metaphysical Science, a Metaphysical Practitioner, an ordained Minister and a Certified Rieki Practitioner.

Jeanne will be launching her business in January, offering facilitation of self-healing and one-to-one counselling. She is offering a one-day workshop entitled Self to Soul on Nov. 20 at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Self to Soul will help you connect with your higher self to help you navigate this increasingly complex world. Details are at thedivinegateway.com

The Little Lake Cemetery Company recently announced the acquisition of the former Fallis & Shields Funeral Home and expanded its operations into Millbrook.

The company has renamed the facility Mill Valley Funeral and Cremation Centre and will provide a full complement of funeral and cremation services to Millbrook and surrounding communities including towards the Lakeshore.

Little Lake Cemetery Company President and CEO, Mary McGee calls it a natural progression as they’ve been working with Fallis & Shields over the past five years.

Congratulations to Bill Shields and Gwen Hogg on the legacy company they’re leaving behind as they step down from the business. Watch for an Open House on Nov. 24 between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

A tribute to Dave Adams who recently passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. Stu Harrison knew Dave for every one of the 25 years he spent with the Five Counties Children Centre Foundation and on several occasions watched him tell a story about one of the centre’s clients in a way that had the entire room in tears including Dave himself.

Harrison said Adams was an outstanding guy, an articulate and passionate advocate for children and a true influencer who touch the lives of an untold number of people.

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