Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough DBIA’s Golden Goose Chase Winner Catches $1,500 in Boro Gift Cards
/The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) congratulates winner Susan Donald who took home $1,500 in Boro gift cards from the Golden Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt.
Donald, the winner, photographed at Bhojan Grocery - a new Indian grocery store located on George Street. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.
This spring, the DBIA led a brand new downtown retail incentive program which took locals on a “wild goose chase” in search of golden eggs for a chance to win a $1,500 Boro gift card shopping spree.
The focus of this initiative was on bringing the magic and excitement back into in-person shopping experiences. 200 participants joined the hunt with over 100 active scavenger hunters.
“I love supporting small businesses and shopping locally because you’re supporting families above all else. You get to know the people who you’re buying from, which is so much more meaningful than buying from large corporations,” says Donald.
Many participating businesses noticed an increase of foot traffic to the downtown retail shops as locals explored the downtown in search of golden eggs.
“We had one group of friends come into our store, a couple of whom had just moved here from Toronto. They had learned about the scavenger hunt and told us they were visiting about six different stores looking for the golden eggs, making purchases along the way as they discovered businesses,” says Andrew Damiany, owner of Gentry Apparel.
Throughout the program, golden eggs were strategically hidden inside a variety of downtown retail locations on a rotating schedule. This whimsical downtown scavenger hunt utilized a mobile app called Goosechase, where participating players would take an image of each individual egg they found to increase their number of entries into the draw. All 20 eggs were hand-painted by local artists with each egg showcasing their own unique style.
“It’s been really nice to see people getting excited for the summer and also getting out to explore small businesses and local retailers while having fun in the process,” says Bhojan co-owner Aniket Khera.
Voice of Business: Investing In Mental Health Builds Stronger Businesses
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The workforce crunch has many employers looking at whatever opportunities they can to do more with less, from automation and technology to retraining and upskilling.
One area we can invest is in the mental health of our teams. The last few years have left a lot of people in a situation where they aren’t at their best. The workplace has come a long way in terms of how we talk about mental health and support workers through their journey, but there’s more progress to be made.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Medavie recently announced a new research project aimed at accelerating health and economic solutions to tackle the surge in mental health challenges since the onset of COVID-19, known as the mental health “echo pandemic.” The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the OCC, and many other business-focused organizations across the province are committed to supporting investment in the health and well-being of Ontarians, adding to the overall resilience of the economy.
As per the OCC:
With mental health challenges and illnesses increasingly impacting individuals and communities, the OCC recognizes the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Through this policy project, the OCC will delve into the socioeconomic impacts of the mental health crisis, from rising health care costs to lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism. The goal is to generate actionable insights and policy recommendations that can guide policymakers, businesses, and the health sector in addressing Ontario’s mental health challenges.
“Mental health is a critical component of overall health, with significant implications for individuals, businesses, and the economy,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “By conducting research and collaborating with experts, we aim to identify effective strategies that support mental health, promote health system resilience, and drive economic prosperity in Ontario.”
Building on our previous work to tackle the mental health action gap, the OCC is proud to have the support of Medavie, a leading health solutions partner, in this vital project. Over the next several months, the OCC will lead a series of consultations with members and mental health stakeholders to identify specific obstacles, initiatives, and policy recommendations to address mental health and addictions challenges. A policy brief will be published in Fall 2023 as part of our Policy Primer Series, with key takeaways and recommendations for government and industry.
“We’ve seen the lasting impacts the pandemic has had on the mental health of individuals and communities,” said Matthew Crossman, Vice President, Operations, Medavie Health Services. “As part of our mission to improve the wellbeing of Canadians, we focus on increasing awareness of mental health and addictions supports and services while aiming to ensure people have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.” We are proud to partner with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on this initiative in support of the people, businesses and communities we serve.”
We are inviting businesses, organizations, and people passionate about mental health to support this new research project. We are looking to create change in the workplace and promote a supportive policy environment that prioritizes mental wellness. To learn more or get involved, contact Sara Beyer, Senior Policy Analyst with the OCC, at sarabeyer@occ.ca.
Outside of this OCC initiative, we have numerous resources in our community for people and businesses to work with to address our mental health challenges. People who are getting the support they need will be happier, more reliable, and more efficient. It’s better for our communities and families while helping local businesses thrive.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Inspire Beach Resort, Re/Max, Zhawenim Wellness and Dreams of Beans
/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…
Inspire Beach Resort is a unique adults-only themed resort on Shadow Lake in Coboconk. Owners Sarah Larbi, Harry James and Joe Ferrara have created a number of themed cabins with unique furnishings and decorations.
The resort is located on six acres of grounds with 400 feet of waterfront, amenities include private cabins with hot tub, fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, a corporate retreat, a micro wedding or a family reunion, check out inspirebeachresort.com.
RE/MAX Rouge River Realty recently celebrated its grand opening in Peterborough at 1135 Lansdowne St. W.
RE/MAX Rouge began as a small start-up in 1987 and is now a multi-branch brokerage, with eight offices and over 180 associates across the GTA, Kawarthas, Northumberland, and Peterborough. Covering Residential, Cottage, Recreational or Commercial, visit remaxrougeriver.com
Zhawenim Wellness is a registered massage therapy and holistic wellness studio, located inside the Be Well Centre at 459 George St. N. in Peterborough.
Registered Massage Therapist Stefanie Wood utilizes indigenous principles of health and medicine to inspire each of her services, which include deep tissue massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy and soul connection reiki.
Dreams of Beans Café on Hunter Street in downtown Peterborough has new owners.
Aurynn Jacobs Parkin and Andrew MacGregor have jumped right in with some creative changes to the business, creating a social enterprise, eliminating tipping, and pledging to pay their employees a living wage. Dreams of Beans offers fair trade organic coffees, locally roasted, loose-leaf teas, pastries and lots of lunch options. Stop into 138 Hunter St. between George and Water or dreamsofbeans.ca.
Innovation Cluster Announces Search for New Executive Director to Succeed Interim CEO
/The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas have announced their search for a new Executive Director to replace Interim CEO Nicole Stephenson, who will be stepping down later this year to return to her role as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
photo courtesy of innovation cluster.
“I am proud to have served the Innovation Cluster during this transitional period. We continue to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth, and I am excited to see fresh leadership continue our vital work,” said Stephenson.
She is said to have been a driving force in guiding the Innovation Cluster through its transitional phase following the departure of previous CEO Michael Skinner and President John Gillis. Her leadership during this time has been invaluable as she led the organization through a new strategic direction and mindset shift.
Now, the Innovation Cluster seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead its community of over 100 startups, entrepreneurs, investors and partners and support them in their journey. This pivotal role involves responsibilities including strategic planning, fiscal management, stakeholder relationships, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, ideally as a founder, innovator, or executive, with a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey and success factors. Other preferred qualifications include a post-secondary degree or diploma in business, management, entrepreneurship, public policy, engineering, or a related field and a proven track record in securing funding and managing complex organizations.
“The new Executive Director will play a key role in moving the strategic vision of the Innovation Cluster forward,” Stephenson added. “We are confident that the individual selected will continue to build upon the solid foundation established and drive the Cluster to new heights."
The Board of Directors is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director. Full job details and application instructions can be found in the job posting. The deadline for applications is Sunday, July 16.
Voice of Business: Systemic Barriers Are An Issue For LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC Business Owners
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When you think about starting a business, you likely consider many of the same factors as every other business owner; What are your goals, where should you locate, what will you offer, who will you hire? Most importantly though, you will think, how will I fund this?
It’s a question every business owner asks when planning their business. Many entrepreneurs don’t think twice about applying for grants, loans, and other sources of business funding to get started. For those who identify as LGBTQ2+ or BIPOC, however, things aren’t quite so clear. There is a problem in our business world that is systematically creating barriers for business owners that are visual minorities or openly queer; funding is just one of these barriers.
According to a study done by the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Deloitte, 20 per cent of the members of the LGBTQ2+ community face business scaling challenges with financing as one of the top items on their list of barriers. In the same survey, 62 per cent of respondents stated that they would not disclose their LGBTQ2+ identity in official materials or to stakeholders.
For those who are BIPOC, there is even less opportunity to hide your identity and therefore even more barriers to business. Another study conducted by The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce found that 35 per cent of respondents never take advantage of funding programs presented, with eligibility (36 per cent), lack of time/resources (16 per cent), and less than 10 staff members (14 per cent) listed as the main reasons they never apply.
Combined, the LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC communities account for roughly 25% of the Canadian population. Together, they are huge contributors to our economic, social, and cultural societies. Preventing LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC businesses from opening or operating at their full potential impacts the community as a whole. These individuals offer so many talents, perspectives, and experiences that are not shared or experienced due to business barriers. When these groups suffer, we all do.
In order to address systemic discrimination, there are many things that need to occur. Two main objectives could be:
Ensuring that start-up funding is accessible and equitable
Providing more mentorship opportunities to LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC communities
What can small business owners do?
Promote diversity in your workplace
The next time you’re hiring, consider a candidate that falls into a marginalized group. Contact organizations like The New Canadian Centre, Trent Queer Collective, Curve Lake First Nations Employment Resource Centre, or the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre to connect to candidates searching for local employment.
Address your own (un)conscious biases
Take a moment to reflect internally and address any race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual identity and ability biases. Shift your perspective and look at things through their lens.
Practice mindfulness. Once you identify your biases, be more mindful in your decisions and thoughts.
Provide resources
Don’t just say you're inclusive; provide the resources to BE inclusive. Set a workplace discrimination policy that honours all races, religions, and identities and enforce it with your team. ○ Attend diversity training. We recommend EQU for DEI training and support.
June is Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Now is the perfect time to unite with members of the LGBTQ2+ or BIPOC groups and declare yourself an active ally. We encourage you to take the next few weeks to learn, grow, and install a plan in your business to become more inclusive.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring On Your Journey, Carrot Bacon, Peterborough County and GreenUP
/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…
After 40 years working as a Registered Nurse and caring for palliative and long-term care patients, Tracey Wilson is launching a new business, On Your Journey.
It offers end-of-life doula care services, advanced care planning and end-of-life education and workshops. Wilson is using her own personal experience with loss and grief combined with her professional experience to help people with the end-of-life journey to provide people with dignity and integrity and to ensure no one dies alone. Connect with Tracey through onyourjourney.ca.
Peterborough-based startup and Innovation Cluster client Carrot Bacon is shaking up the plant-based snack industry with two new products — Beet Jerky and Onion Cracklings.
Their investments into their line of crispy whole-plant jerky are attracting attention as they have begun making deliveries across the US and recently secured a $100,000 grant to fuel innovation and job creation. Check out the delicious Carrot Bacon products locally at Sobeys and Jo Anne’s Place or at carrotbacon.org.
Congratulations to Peterborough County on winning the prestigious Professional Development Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators for its ‘Prime for Lean’ initiative.
Peterborough County is recognized for developing a culture of continuous improvement. The program was established in partnership with the Ontario Municipal Leadership Institute and WSCS Consulting to develop a customized training program focused on core principles and methodologies of lean six sigma, change management, and project management.
Seeing a need in the community, the GreenUP Store & Resource Centre is expanding its offerings including a larger bulk refill station for household products for people looking to reduce their use of single-use plastics.
They also now carry Feather Friendly window tape to reduce bird collisions. GreenUp offers sustainable home goods, ecological cleaning supplies, rain barrels, composters and serves as a drop-off for hard-to-recycle items like disposable razors and coffee bags. Check them out at 378 Aylmer St. N. or at shop.greenup.on.ca.
Voice of Business: Untapped Staffing Resource
/The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Summit last month.
Organizations of all shapes and sizes came together to discuss ways they can grow and prosper in the future. Businesses in the community seem to be all facing one common problem: staffing. Businesses are finding it nearly impossible to attract and retain employees.
There may be an untapped resource that businesses may have overlooked: the New Canadians Centre (NCC).
Andy Cragg, Executive Director of the NCC, was a panellist at the Summit’s discussion on the workforce. Cragg pointed out that many new residents come to Canada willing and able to join the workforce.
On top of providing newcomers assistance to settle and integrate locally, the New Canadian Centre also offers employment support. This includes providing information about the local work environment, information on the accreditation and credential evaluation process, and a connection to other support programs and services.
“We have approximately 15 adult clients and 15 youth clients, but this number is always fluctuating as new people arrive in our community. Even if someone is not necessarily actively looking, if a good opportunity for them arises, our counsellors will still reach out to them; for newcomers especially, it can take some time to make the connections in Canada to secure work that is in line with their previous training and experience,” stated Michelle Nguyen, Peterborough Immigration Partnership (PIP) Officer of the New Canadians Centre.
Information on Labour and Immigration Statistics:
Employers and governments are increasingly relying on immigrants to fill labour shortages as more Canadians are reaching retirement age
Peterborough faces labour shortages in the healthcare industry, skilled trades, and business and finance sectors
Over 1.3 million new immigrants were admitted to Canada from 2016 to 2021, more than the last five-year period
Immigrants aged 25 to 54 account for 36.3 per cent of all core-aged employment in accommodation and food services; 37.8 per cent in transportation and warehousing, 34.1% in professional, scientific and technical services and 20.1 per cent in construction
The Workforce Development Board predicts that, between 2019 and 2026, 22.5 per cent of all new workers are expected to come from immigration Nguyen also stated the NCC helps newcomers navigate the process of training in the industries in Canada.
