Seven new businesses launched in county
Despite the impacts of COVID-19, seven new businesses were launched in Peterborough County during the last three months of 2020, according to a report to county council.
County council is expecting to receive a presentation from Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development when it meets virtually on Wednesday morning. The agency also reports it has signed an agreement to form a provincial small business enterprise network with the other small business enterprise centres from around the province.
In September, the Business Advisory Centre had 41 applicants apply online for the fall intake of its Starter Company Plus program. Fourteen business were accepted into the six-week entrepreneurship training program.
In December, seven businesses were awarded $36,000 in micro grants. The program was completed virtually, using video meetings for workshops and the participants submitted videos for their final pitch to judges.
Twelve applicants were accepted to the winter intake of Starter Company Plus. Six of them will be selected to receive grants of $5,000 each.
The new participants are: Christine Jaros of VeriminiX pest control in Peterborough; Daniel Etmaski of Daniel Etmanski’s Cannabis Consulting for growers in Peterborough; Dave Ross of Branded Heron Leatherworks in Peterborough; Fenna Renee Green of Daily Development in Peterborough; Hamayuwa Mwanangonze of Spores No More in Peterborough; Kelly Ward of FoodFabulous in Peterborough; Lia Gomez Lowe of Full Bloom Health in Peterborough; Mike Frampton of Tragically Dipped Donut in Peterborough; Ryan Vieira of Our Little Word Farm in Trent Lakes; Scott D. Bain and Sandy Spremo of The K9 Clipper in Peterborough; E. Tristan Pulham and Tyler O’Conner of Elemental Tree Care in Selwyn Township; and Tyson Newell of Creative Landscaping and Post Holes in Peterborough.
Since 2017, the program has resulted in the creation of 74 startups and supported 47 business expansions.
Also on Wednesday’s council agenda:
• 2021 budget presentation: County council is expected to hear from Trena DeBruijn, director of finance/treasurer, regarding the 2021 draft budget discussion and answers.
• Selwyn speed limit reduction: County council had directed staff to immediately change the existing 70 km/h posted speed limit on a stretch of County Road 20 (Selwyn Road) to 60 km/h.