Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough DBIA Announce Information For Event Support Grant and Application Deadlines
/The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has released details for its 2025 Community Event Support Grant and application deadlines.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
This funding opportunity was developed to help financially support organizers who choose to host their community-minded events in the downtown core, which in turn helps create a lively, vibrant and active urban centre.
The DBIA states that this initiative aims to help foster an inclusive and thriving downtown community by encouraging diverse events that drive economic prosperity and increased foot traffic to the downtown core and also nurture the health of Peterborough’s social fabric by fostering an increase in community engagement.
The Peterborough DBIA will provide financial and in-kind support to selected events that align with their core strategic priorities. The number and extent of grants awarded will be determined by the availability of designated funds and the number of applications that fit the criteria.
The DBIA event priorities are as follows:
Reaching priority and diverse audiences
Engaging the DBIA member businesses including restaurants, shops and services
Bringing economic prosperity to the region, specifically within the BIA district
Encouraging tourism, downtown exploration and increased foot traffic to BIA member businesses
Building community connection to and within the downtown area
Celebrating the unique cultures and identities of downtown Peterborough
The goal of the DBIA event states that its support grant is to empower event organizers to create and host events that encourage repeat visitation and year-round animation in the core by helping to offset costs such as advertising, administrative fees, supply costs, permit and rental fees, for example.
"Our goal is to provide support for event organizers who work to create memorable experiences in our downtown that not only bring economic benefits by increasing foot traffic to the businesses, but also strengthen our overall sense of community and connection,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We look forward to collaborating with and supporting the visionaries and event planners who also work to create spaces where people feel connected. Together, we can showcase how special and important downtown Peterborough is for the social fabric and health of our community, and also for visitors who will want to choose this region as their destination of choice for enjoying a diverse set of unique and seasonal experiences.”
Applicants who successfully meet the DBIA funding priorities can expect to receive support funds within two weeks of their scheduled event date. If the event requires in-kind support, organizers are asked to coordinate these requests with the DBIA at least two weeks before the event date.
The event support grants will have two deadlines throughout the calendar year for application submissions:
March 1: For events hosted from April 1 to Sept. 30
Sept. 1: For events hosted from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2026
After a submission, the DBIA board will review all applications for the March 1 or Sept. 1 deadlines and decide on funding allocations in the board meeting that directly follows the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. All applications must provide the DBIA with a detailed budget outline for their event to be considered.
The event application form can be found at ptbodbia.ca or online.
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Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Advisory Suite For Local Entrepreneur Support
/The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) and Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) have officially launched their Advisory Suite to support local entrepreneurs, announced on Monday.
Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.
The suite is located on the renovated basement level of the Venture North building. It has a fully furnished space equipped with a 360-degree camera device for meetings and virtual workshops, a collaborative workspace and a dedicated confidential advisory area.
“The new Advisory Suite at the Business Advisory Centre will be more than just a meeting space; it’s a haven for creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving,” says Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Here, we are dedicated to walking alongside entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey—whether starting, growing, or scaling their businesses. This unique expansion of our offices at Venture North are designed to inspire and motivate. It will act as a resource hub with the support needed to turn visions into reality.”
The expansion alleviates the space constraints and enhances CFP’s capacity to deliver tailored support and resources to a rapidly growing number of entrepreneur clients, according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.
“The Suite reflects our mission to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing them with the advisory services, business programs, and environment they need to succeed,” she said. “It enhances our ability to offer one-on-one guidance and creates a dedicated workshop space allowing for increased collaboration among local business owners.”
Lindsey Irwin, BAC cusiness advisor says the Suite is strategically designed to foster connectivity and accessibility, offering an ideal venue for small workshops, meetings and mentoring sessions.
“We’ve been inundated with business owners, each with unique ideas, hopes, and dreams for their businesses,” she explained. “This space gives them the chance to speak freely and confidentially, fostering genuine conversations and meaningful support.”
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Treblecock Studio, JA-NEO, Forbidden Pleasures and Power Hour
/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…
Treblecock Studio is moving above ground to 157 King Street in downtown Peterborough.
Treblecock offers music, video, and film production. There’s a full podcast studio for those looking for a quiet space with top-notch recording equipment. Podcasts continue to grow in popularity due to the rich, focused content on a small business budget. There’s also the option to do it live on video. It’s not just an ideal studio space, owner David Joyce brings 35 years of experience in media production and works with a talented team of successful industry experts. Drop by Feb. 7 for their grand re-opening.
Some of Peterborough’s most distinguished businesses are being recognized in the 10th annual induction to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
New inductees include:
Darrell Junkin, Craftworks at the Barn
Toni and Kelli Grady, Grady Feet Essentials
Grant Seabrooke, Machine Dynamics Ltd.
Matt Holmes and Michael Riseley, Holmes Riseley LLP
Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy, Natalie Donnell Entertainment
Margo and Paul Hudson, Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods
Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing
Martin and Kelly Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante
Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre
Diane Richard, Diatom Consulting
Raj Patel, Ennismore Foodland
Peter, Rita, Michael, Eric and Graeme Eatson, Peterborough Volkswagen
Tickets are available at ja-neo.org for the May 29 awards night at The Venue.
Forbidden Pleasures is closing its doors after Valentine’s Day following 35 years of business here in our community.
They have already closed their Market Square and Oshawa locations, but deals can still be had at the Brookdale Plaza store. Forbidden Pleasures was a groundbreaking venture as city’s first boutique-style adult store.
Power Hour, one of the Chamber’s signature events, is coming up on Feb. 21.
It’s your chance to hear from Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal, County Warden Bonnie Clark, MPP Dave Smith, and MP Michelle Ferreri as they take questions on local business issues. This lunch hour event is at The StoneHouse Hall with doors opening at 11 a.m. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.
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 joel@pkchamber.ca.
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.
JA-NEO Unveils Class of 2025 Business Hall of Fame Inductees
/Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s exceptional business leaders into the class of 2025 10th Annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.
Toni and Kelli Grady; Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy and Margo and Paul Hudson were absent from the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The nominees are being inducted at an event at The Venue on May 29. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.
“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 10th annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame as we mark our 10th induction ceremony this May,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. “As we celebrate 10 years of our Business Hall of Fame, we are thrilled to welcome our biggest class yet who are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting their own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honored today.”
The 2025 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees for Peterborough are:
Darrell Junkin, Craftworks at the Barn
Toni and Kelli Grady, Grady Feet Essentials
Grant Seabrooke, Machine Dynamics Ltd.
Matt Holmes and Michael Riseley, Holmes Riseley LLP
Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy, Natalie Donnell Entertainment
Margo and Paul Hudson, Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods
Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing
Martin and Kelly Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante
Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre
Diane Richard, Diatom Consulting
Raj Patel, Ennismore Foodland
Peter, Rita, Michael, Eric and Graeme Eatson, Peterborough Volkswagen
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Innovation Cluster Announce Record-Breaking Year In 2024
/The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas have declared 2024 as its best-performing year on its twentieth anniversary, announced on Wednesday.
The organization serves over 125 early-stage companies in 23 countries and regional and provincial Ontario Canadian clients. File photo.
According to Innovation Cluster, in 2024, international and regional demand for technology-based incubator and accelerator programming drove a 19 per cent increase in active clients.
“Working with the Innovation Cluster was an incredible experience,” said Kinen Ocitti, CEO & Founder of Kuwota. “We received valuable guidance from the program's experts-in-residence, who helped us understand our platform's value to individuals and mental health professionals, explore different customer acquisition strategies and build partnerships with mental health organizations.”
The following are Innovation Cluster’s 2024 highlights:
● 30 events across a broad spectrum of topics focused on skill-building and networking
● Launched the LevelUP accelerator program and conducted two over-subscribed cohorts with over 50 per cent of the applicants new to the Innovation Cluster
● Expanded the Expert-in-Residence (EXiR) program with additional expertise in funding, IP, operations, and service models and delivered over 130 expert advisory hours
● Continued to receive Government funding for new programming.
● Added a virtual component to all programming and moved to new offices in response to client needs
“I am excited to bring my experience in deep tech, venture capital, and innovation strategy to help scale startups and drive transformative change,” said Moien Giashi of GreenSky Ventures Inc. “As an ExIR, my priority is to empower founders to overcome complex challenges, fast-track their journey to market, and contribute to the ongoing success of the Innovation Cluster's dynamic and impactful ecosystem.”
“The rapid growth we experienced last year, coupled with our ability to maintain consistently high customer satisfaction, validates our vision and the quality of our programming,” said Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “2024 was a year of change in the industries and communities we serve and our organization. We left 2024 well positioned for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.”
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring IG Wealth, Community Futures Peterborough, Habitat For Humanity and MNP
/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…
IG Wealth just officially opened their newly renovated office at 1743 Lansdowne St. W. in Peterborough.
The company says this investment in the local office underscores their unwavering commitment to Peterborough. It offers a modernized, professional environment with state-of-the-art technology. The office includes enhanced sustainability measures and dynamic collaboration spaces. It’s all designed to meet the diverse financial planning needs of clients. Drop by to see the new space and see what IG Wealth has to offer.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Community Futures Peterborough is doubling the funding available through its Community Advancement Program.
That means there will be $100,000 available for local not-for-profits, charities, municipalities, and First Nations communities. Funded by the Government of Canada, the Community Advancement Program aims to create economic stability, growth, and job creation. It is designed to develop and diversify competitive local rural economies and foster economically sustainable communities. Find out more at communityfuturespeterborough.ca.
It’s a new year and that means it’s a good time to declutter your home and office.
Habitat for Humanity offers free donation pick-up for individuals and local businesses. It’s a win-win. You get rid of those things that are still in good condition but have been sitting around taking up space and Habitat is able to sell them to help pay for building affordable housing in our community. You can drop off donations and do some shopping at the ReStore locations at 300 Milroy Drive in Peterborough, 3001 Lakefield Rd. in Selwyn, or 55 Angeline St. N. in Lindsay.
Peterborough’s BDO office is under new ownership.
MNP, one of Canada’ s leading professional services firms, has acquired 21 BDO offices, including Peterborough. MNP is committed to being national in scope and local in focus, offering access to national resources for whatever professional service clients may need. MNP is a Canadian company that started in 1958. The acquisition means they are up to 150 offices across the country in communities of all sizes.
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 joel@pkchamber.ca.
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.
Voice of Business: The Uncertain Future: A Look Into the Implications of U.S Tariffs and a Looming Election
/Recent months have seen a turbulent political climate in Canada and challenges in the relationship with the U.S.
This week's VOB explores the implications of proposed tariffs on Canadians and Canadian businesses, the historical context of similar situations and the potential economic fallout of this looming issue.
In November 2024, President-Elect Donald Trump announced his intent to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico unless both countries address issues related to drug and migrant flows across the border. In response, Canada pledged $1.3 billion in new spending for border security although legislative action on this plan is stalled due to Parliament’s prorogation until March 24, leaving key details in limbo.
The potential consequences of these tariffs are evident. Experts estimate that Canada’s GDP could decrease by more than 2.4 per cent, contributing to significant inflationary pressures and the loss of as many as 1.5 million jobs. The impact wouldn’t be isolated to Canada—the U.S. is also projected to see a 1 per cent reduction in its GDP if these measures proceed. These tariffs would affect manufacturers, employers, and consumers alike, creating widespread disruption and economic strain.
This is not Canada’s first experience with Trump-era tariffs. In 2018, he imposed a 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum products. Canada responded with its own $16 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods before both nations reached an agreement in 2019. A similar cycle repeated in 2020 with the introduction of additional 10 per cent tariffs by the U.S., countered by Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has signalled that Canada will implement countermeasures if the proposed January 2025 tariffs go into effect.
The automotive sector, which sources 20 per cent of its inputs from the U.S., is one of the industries most vulnerable to cost increases. Other affected sectors include energy, chemical and plastic manufacturing, forestry products, and machinery—all susceptible to supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Small and medium-sized businesses, which account for 40 per cent of Canada’s exports to the U.S., would face similar challenges, with tighter margins and declining sales potentially leading to widespread job losses. In Ontario alone, the potential toll could reach 500,000 jobs.
In preparation, the Canadian government is considering retaliatory tariffs, targeting products such as toilet paper and orange juice, although specific measures remain under development. This situation, experts suggest, is part of Trump’s broader negotiation strategy—a high-pressure tactic aimed at achieving stricter border security measures by leveraging extreme demands.
While the federal government’s response is on hold due to Parliament’s prorogation, several provinces have proactively bolstered border security resources. For businesses, preparing for the potential tariffs is vital. Andrea Schaffer, an expert in international trade, recommends business conduct a “thorough supply chain assessment to identify risks, planning for both 10 per cent and 25 per cent tariff scenarios, building six months of cash reserves, and renegotiating contracts to include tariff provisions and limit financial exposure.”
Though businesses can take steps to mitigate the potential impacts, support from all levels of government will be critical in navigating the challenges ahead. The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs underscores the importance of proactive planning and coordinated action to protect the economy and the workforce from their far-reaching effects.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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$100,000 Available For Projects Supporting Economic Growth Through Community Futures Peterborough's Advancement Program
/Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is doubling the funding to $100,000 through its Community Advancement Program (CAP) for projects supporting economic growth, announced at the Art Gallery of Peterborough on Tuesday morning.
Girard addresses the public on CFP’s 40th anniversary at the Art Gallery of Peterborough with several dignitaries in attendance. Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.
The money came from the federal government through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The CAP will distribute an astonishing $100,000 to our region's not-for-profits, charities, municipalities and First Nation communities, a doubling from when it was first launched last year.
“Our organization is committed to advancing our local economy forward and is thrilled to be able to distribute $100,000 back into our community this year,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “We fully understand and recognize the impact these dollars can make to create real change.”
The extra funding is part of CFP’s 40th anniversary where the City recognized the organization’s milestone.
“Building on a successful first year, the Community Advancement Program now offers even more support for businesses, non-profits and other eligible organizations to invest in the Peterborough region,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.
“Providing stability, building trust, and fostering a strong reputation in our region are all at the core of what we do at Community Futures Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, CPF board of directors chair. “It's about giving back and demonstrating unwavering commitment to our community.”
The Community Advancement Program will provide 10 chosen applicants with non-repayable funding of $10,000 for their project.
Applications for the CAP program and full program guidelines are available on the Community Futures Peterborough website. The deadline to apply is March 7. All applicants will be notified by April 1 of the result of their application.
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JA-NEO Announces Kawartha Lakes 2025 Business Hall of Fame Inductees
/Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has named its inductees for the Kawartha Lakers 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame at Launch Kawartha/Invest Kawartha.
Photo courtesy of Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce.
The inductees strengthen our economy and community through their exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business over a lifetime a,ccording to John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO.
“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 3rd annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame for the City of Kawartha Lakes,” he said. “These exceptional business leaders are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting your own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honored today.”
The inductees will be formally inducted at the third Annual JA Business Hall of Fame for the City of Kawartha Lakes on May 8 at Mackey Celebrations in downtown Lindsay.
The 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees are as follows:
Carly, Debbie and Jay Poole – Buckeye Marine
Tim Wisener – The Grove Theatre
Gord Ferguson – Northern Casket
The Torrey Family – Torrey Family Farm
Sherry Peel – Bigley Shoes and Clothing
