Peterborough Blogs
StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Treblecock Studios, Heather Bradley, New Canadians Centre and Shaun Milne Signs
/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…
When David Joyce started Treblecock Studios a couple of years ago, he thought he would be recording a few local solo artists.
Indeed, he has but his “little studio with the big strut” has not only expanded in size but dramatically expanded in services. Treblecock now offers music recording; mastering and distribution; podcast recording and distribution; voiceovers; audio recording and editing for film, instrument and songwriting lessons; artist development and a new interview-style marketing product called The Underground Advocate.
David and his new business partner Sarah Jayne Riley are also very generous with lending space to the local arts community. Located at 159 King St., check it out at Treblecock.ca
If you are a fan of collective nouns like a prickle of porcupines or a mischief of mice, you will love Heather Bradley’s new picture book When We All Get Together.
From A Sleuth of Black Bears to a colony of beavers, Heather builds her story until… Well, let us just say that it ends in a collective noun… You can buy “When We All Get Together” online at Friesenpress.com or at Kent Books in Lindsay.
Shaun Milne Signs in Ennismore recently announced the acquisition of Kawartha Embroidery.
Milne welcomes Holly to the business which adds custom embroidery and printed apparel for businesses, schools, teams, groups and individuals to his already busy business. Milne and his team offer illuminated signs, vehicle advertising, banners, decals, large scale laminating, digital prints and lots more. Located at 650 Young St., just across the Causeway in Ennismore, visit shaunmilnesigns.ca
With finding employees surfacing as one of the most difficult problems for local businesses, the New Canadians Centre has put together an information session designed to close your workplace gap with International Students.
Scheduled for Jan. 20, the one-hour online session promises to outline how you can hire international students, ensure successful immigrant integration and keep valuable talent in Peterborough. nccpeterborough.ca
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Local Businesses and Chamber of Commerce Join Forces To Encourage A Hometown Holiday
/The Hometown Holiday campaign, organized by four local chambers of commerce is underway, and encouraging Peterborough and the Kawarthas to support local this holiday season.
“Shopping local is one of these things that we look at as an investment in our communities,” said Joel Wiebe, Peterborough Chamber. “It goes back into all of the things we enjoy about our community.”
He also notes it is a different experience shopping at a local business.
“What we pride ourselves on within our local business community is the customer service. There’s places you can go in and get good quality recommendations, you don’t have to be there for hours, you get what you’re looking for.”
Bob’s Watch Repair has been located on Park Street N. for over 50 years and has seen the rise and fall of many small businesses in Peterborough.
“It’s the same as it always has been, small businesses keep money in town,” said Lauren Falls, Bob Watch Repair. “They keep people employed and they keep the town lively”
In addition to Bob’s Watch Repair, McKnights Fashion, Floral & Gifts has been a mainstay in Peterborough for many years.
What began as a grocery store over 100 years ago has morphed into a one stop shop for gifts, flowers and even clothing.
Christmas is a busy time of year for McKnight’s, according to owner Sam McKnight, but this year is turning out to present different struggles than other years.
“I’ve got Christmas stuff coming in in January that I’ve already paid for, but won’t be able to sell,” he said. “I’m sure I’m not alone in that.”
Because of supply chain issues stores like McKnight’s have been experiencing delays in delivery.
“After the lockdown we need the revenue, I don’t think there’s many small businesses that will be able to go on without it. This is a year that’s not about thriving, it’s about surviving.”
Also noticing supply chain issues is local business Basket Express.
Basket Express provides gourmet baskets with most goods curated from within a 100 km radius of Peterborough.
"Getting things from overseas is a struggle right now, so everything has to be local” said Reni Rausch, owner. “Customers really appreciate local goods, especially in the last couple of years. People are willing to pay a little extra because for local you have to, there’s so many more costs associated with a small business.”
Save Our Soles (S.O.S), an independently run women's boutique located at 384 George St N knows just how much local businesses contribute to the community.
“Shopping local is important for numerous reasons: local fills the store fronts; local supports youth sports and activity programs; and local employees, well, locals,” said Shelby Leonard-Watt, owner S.O.S. “We know that we can’t be all things to everyone. All we ask is that as a local downtown business we are your first thought, and stop, and then when you can’t find it locally, then go online. It shouldn’t be the other way around.”
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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
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
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
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.
