Business Advisory Centre Services Moving to Community Futures Peterborough

Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can access funding and advisory services in one place as Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) will begin delivering services provided by the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), announced on Monday morning.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) CHARLINA WESTBYE, CFP BOARD CHAIR; DEVON GIRARD, CFP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; BONNIE CLARK, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY WARDEN AND JEFF LEAL, PETERBOROUGH MAYOR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

“We couldn’t be more excited to offer a continuation of expert advisory services, as well as delivering Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) programs from the Community Futures Peterborough office,” says Devon Girard, CFP Executive Director. “We are thrilled entrepreneurs and business owners can access these additional services through our office door in Venture North.”

The BAC is a part of the Small Business Enterprise Centre program. It is funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, was previously operated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).

“The Province of Ontario is thrilled to announce the continuation of the SBEC program serving our community for decades,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough–Kawartha MPP. “We are fortunate CFP and PKED are both committed partners to ensure this smooth transition and are grateful they are committed to continuing this program, allowing entrepreneurs the tools they need to start and grow their businesses.”

PKED and CFP have worked for years to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the BAC programming, including developing business plans, market research, startup validation, and business expansion support, according to a press release. Several It continues to add that entrepreneurs would then come across the hall to Community Futures Peterborough to apply for a business loan. Forty per cent of CFP’s current loan portfolio has worked with PKED through the BAC.

“As the region undergoes substantial changes to the way economic development services will be offered, it is our top priority to ensure that the needs of business are at the forefront,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED President and CEO.  “Community Futures Peterborough is well-equipped to take on this important work, as we have always worked well together, sharing a substantial number of clients and an integrative referral system. We are proud to have had the opportunity to help so many businesses start and grow, and we remain committed to ensuring the continuity of the services we offer as the region’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and will continue to collaborate as CFP takes on this responsibility moving forward,” added Keenan.

CFP and PKED have confirmed that the City and County of Peterborough have agreed to the move between the two companies.

“The City of Peterborough is pleased to continue to partner with Peterborough County to support the Small Business Enterprise Centre as it transitions to Community Futures Peterborough,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. “I’m thrilled that the team at Community Futures Peterborough will ensure that local small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to benefit from the essential supports that the SBEC provides.”

“Peterborough County is committed to ensuring a smooth transition of the Small Business Enterprise Centre in Peterborough,” says Warden Bonnie Clark. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and the SBEC provides essential support services to them and to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to set up in Peterborough County. We have full confidence in the team at Community Futures Peterborough and they have our full support as they take on this new responsibility.”

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Peterborough's Eight-Goal Second Period Leads to 15-8 Bounce Back Win Over Owen Sound

The Peterborough Lakers exploded with an eight-goal second period and never looked back as they got back in the win column on the road against the Owen Sound North Stars at the Bayshore Arena on Saturday night.

Photo bcourtesy of Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

The first period saw both teams evenly matched, splitting goals with three apiece. Turner Evans and Holden Cattoni got Peterborough out to a 2-0 lead but Owen Sound rung off three straight to take the lead. Evans scored again in the dying six seconds of the period to make it 3-3 at the end of the first.

Peterborough exploded with three goals in less than three minutes to kick off the second thanks to Rob Hellyer, Austin Hasen and Dylan Hutchison. While Owen Sound responded with two goals, Peterborough reclaimed their three-goal lead thanks to back-to-back power-play goals from Hellyer and Thomas Hoggarth. Taite Cattoni tacked on another to try and keep the game out of reach for Owen Sound.

The North Stars kept battling and scored another two goals including a power-play score to make it 9-7. Peterborough went step-for-step, notching two goals of their own from Hellyer (to get the hat trick) and Taite, capping off the eight-goal period. Tyler Brown scored Owen Sound’s fifth score of the frame to make it 11-8 going into the third.

It was all Peterborough from here as they shut out Owen Sound while scoring four of their own. Hasen got a goal exactly halfway through the period while Hoggath and Mitch Ogilvie joined in the scoring fun. Hasen capped off his night with a hat trick with 4:03 left in regulation and that was the last goal of the night to give Peterborough the 15-8 victory.

“We knew they were going to come and really compete. They’re a young, athletic team, and they challenged us and pushed the pace. Exactly what we thought we’d see,” said Bobby Keast, Lakers’ defensive coach. “I thought our offence moved the ball extremely well which made it really hard for them to use their energy to their advantage. Defensively, I thought we made some adjustments and were able to equal their energy and build on it for the third and outwork them.”

Lakers goaltender Landon Kells got the win over Owen Sound’s Kaleb Martin between the pipes.

The Lakers have two home games this week with a rematch of the North Stars on Tuesday. The game will honour the 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup-champion Laker teams.

The Lakers will have a heavyweight bout against the defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on Thursday.

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Missing Python Since Friday Has Yet to Be Found

A 10-year-old non-venomous ball python missing since Friday has yet to be located according to the Peterborough Police, announced on Monday.

Northern Water Snake. Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

The snake is described as black and brown in colour, approximately 4' in length and was lost in the area of Millennium Park.

It was last seen swimming toward the train bridge.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Cheeks Ahoy, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, Canada's Dinosaur Park and Love You, Mean It

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…

Cheeks Ahoy is turning 10!

Founder and creator Leah Black started the business shortly after having her first child and wanted to reduce waste by going the reusable diaper route. She encountered a lack of options for reusable wipes and decided to make her own. She soon found that the reusable wipes had a lot more uses. 10 years later, Cheeks Ahoy has a wide range of offerings, including bathroom, beauty, baby, parent, and kitchen products. Her team produces the products locally and they ship across the country and beyond. Check them out and put in your order at cheeksahoy.com.

Wanderlight Alpaca Experience in Douro-Dummer is launching a new offering starting June 25.

Wanderlight Alpaca Quest is an escape room-style game with the nature-based wonder of an alpaca walk. Ancient alpaca guardians have travelled through time to save their beloved alpacas from relentless hunters. It’s up to you to solve the puzzles they left behind to find the alpacas' secret hiding place before it is too late. Book your experience at wanderlightalpaca.ca.

Canada's Dinosaur Park is officially open for the season including their new Dinosaur Museum.

The popular Norwood-area attraction features a dinosaur drive-thru park with animatronic dinosaurs, a croc-walk, reptile sanctuary with 200 reptiles from around the world, mini-golf, and a bone yard for kids to dig for dinosaur bones. All proceeds go toward caring for the rescued reptiles in the sanctuary. Drop by 2206 County Road 38 in Asphodel-Norwood and take a tour.

There’s a new bar and restaurant coming to downtown Peterborough – Love You, Mean It.

It’s a joint project between Sam Sayer and Owen Walsh. Sam is the hard-working entrepreneur behind Sam’s Place and Sam’s Place Wienery and Owen has worked his way up at the deli from line cook to manager. The new restaurant will be at 135 Hunter St. W. in the former Food Forest location and will bridge the gap between casual and fine dining.

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Fourth Annual Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament Returns To Support Peterborough Grassroots Lacrosse Programs

Over 90 golfers got their clubs out at the Keystone Links Golf & Country Club for the fourth annual Peterborough Lakers Alumni golf tournament held on Friday.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis taking the ceremonial tee-off before the event began. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The tournament was sidelined last year but returned this year, seeing more golfers than ever.

“It just shows that the community still likes to get out and have fun together,” said Dean Porter, Alumni president.

The event honoured the 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champion Lakers. Several alumni, such as Paul Evans and Johnny ‘Shooter’ Davis, were in attendance and performed the ceremonial tee-off at the first hole.

“Lacrosse brings together a group of guys that were together in 84',” said Porter. “We got a good turnout here; they all came back; most of these guys still see each other and they all come to the alumni box during the games throughout the season.”

All proceeds go towards the Peterborough Lakers Alumni who support the Peterborough area's sustainability and grassroots lacrosse programs.

“Lacrosse is huge in Peterborough,” said Porter.

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CMHA's 'Change the Cycle' Surpasses Goal Raising $25,500 For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s second-annual ‘Change the Cycle’ fundraiser saw the wheels turning positively as they raised $25,500 at Nicholls Oval last Saturday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

The funds raised go towards supporting Family and Youth Mental Health initiatives. The money raised barely surpassed the $25,000 goal set on April 9.

“This demonstrates the growing community support and dedication towards addressing mental health challenges among young people and families,” according to a press release statement.

This year’s edition saw 74 riders, doubling the number from the previous year.

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Trent Athletics Raise $78,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships In 18th Annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament

Drives, chips and putts were all there at Trent University’s 18th annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament as they raised $78,000 for student-athletes at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday.

(from left to right) (back row) Kevin Anness, student-athlete (men's rugby); Bob McCullough, President, Ameresco Canada (Title sponsor of event), Dr. Scott Henderson, Dean & Head of Trent Durham; Neil Caldwell, Vice-President , Canadian Operations, Ameresco Canada Inc. ; Tariq Al-idrissi, Vice President, Finance & Administration, Trent University; Lucy Hunyh, Vice-President, Finance, Ameresco Canada Inc.; Debra Cooper Burger, Board Chair, Trent Board of Governors; Dr. Michael Burger; Isabelle Pellerine, student-athlete (women's volleyball). (front row) Julie Davis, Vice- President, External Relations & Development, Trent University; Dr. Michael Kahn, Provost & Vice-President Academic, Trent University; Nathan McFadden, Director Athletics & Recreation. Photo courtesy of Trent University

“We are so appreciative of the unwavering support of our donors,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics & Recreation director. “Their generosity ensures the continued success of the Green and White Scholarship Fund, which allows us to recruit and reward our student-athletes for their achievements both academically and athletically. This vital support assists in removing financial barriers for our student-athletes, setting them up for success in their sport and their studies.”

The Green and White Scholarship is offered to student-athletes who have achieved an average of 70 per cent and have been recruited for their athletics skills and abilities. Returning student-athletes must maintain that average to be considered for a multi-year scholarship.

“The green and white scholarship has relieved some of the financial hardships that student-athletes struggle with,” said Natalie Fournier, Trent student-athlete and tournament keynote speaker. “Not only do these scholarships help financially but they symbolize the unique community surrounding Trent Athletics.”

Of the 20 foursomes that participated this year, the winning team was Weirfoulds LLP.

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Thomas Hoggath's Five-Goal Game Unable to Lift Lakers Past Oakville In 9-8 Overtime Loss

Thomas Hoggarth had five goals for the Lakers but they could not finish the job in overtime as they lost to the Oakville Rock 9-8 on Pride Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

The Rock now hold a 2-0 record over the Lakers. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The scoring did not start until just over 8:30 into the game as Andrew Kew struck first for Oakville to finally break the ice. Matt Gilrawy answered back less than a minute later to tie the game.

Hoggarth tacked on a power-play goal with his first of five for a 2-1 lead. Alex Kew tied the game up in a hurry with less than eight minutes left in the period. Hoggarth capped off the period with his second with 1:26 left to make it 3-2 for the Lakers at the end of one.

After letting in an early Oakville goal, Hoggath once again scored and got the hat trick not halfway through the game. Joe Resetaris chipped in with a power-play goal for a 5-3 lead.

However, it was short-lived as the Rock scored four consecutive goals to take a 7-5 lead including two goals from Andrew for the hat trick.

The third saw the fewest goals scored between both teams with four but it fell in Peterborough’s favour. Joe Hiltz opened the scoring less than two minutes in to cut the deficit to one for the Lakers. Ryan Lanchberry answered back with a goal for Oakville to restore the two-goal lead.

With less than five minutes left in regulation, Hoggarth rung off two back-to-back goals to tie the game and send the game to overtime.

The night belonged to Oakville as Sam English scored his second of the night unassisted to put the Rock over the Lakers and own a 2-0 record over Peterborough.

“With all the success we had in the past, I think it’s good for us to go through it right now, get it over with at the start of the year so we can find our way during the playoffs,” said Hoggarth.

Doug Buchan made 46 saves, while NLL Goaltender of the Year Nick Rose made 58 saves to get the win for Oakville.

“I think we had our shots and Rosey played well,” said Hoggarth. “He played unreal. He’s one of the top goalies in the league and he proved it tonight. Next time those’ll drop for us.”

The Lakers hit Owen Sound to take on the North Stars for their first meeting on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Limited edition Pride-themed jerseys for the game are available for auction or through the DASH Auctions app until Friday night at 9 p.m.

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Peterborough Police Warn Public Of Taxi Scam Involving Stolen Cards

The Peterborough Police Service is a public warning after multiple reports of a scam involving a fake taxi.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The scam involves a person asking the victim to help them pay for their taxi fare.  When the good Samaritan helps out and enters their PIN into the card reader, they are distracted and the victim’s card is swapped out for a fake card. The suspects then leave the area with the original card and the PIN number.

Police say the incidents are occuring outside of businesses.   

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Over 3,500 Graduates Ready to Hit the Workforce After Fleming College's 2024 Convocation

More than 3,500 students from Fleming’s three campuses celebrated graduation for Fleming College’s 2024 Convocation held in six separate ceremonies at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 11 and June 12.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Students came from the School of Health and Community Services, School of Trades and Technology, School of Business and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, School of General Arts and Sciences and the Haliburton School of Art + Design.

Matthew Wilson was named valedictorian and studied School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. He quit his day job in shipping to return to school because, he explained, he wanted to help make the world a better place.

“The path ahead will present challenges, it is in these moments that your true strength and commitment will shine,” said Wilson. “Embrace the opportunities to innovate, educate, and inspire. Let the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems fuel your determination to make a difference.”

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