Newcomer Entrepreneurs

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is a welcoming and collaborative community for New Canadians to do business. Newcomer entrepreneurs are finding the tools and support to be successful right here in our community. Newcomers are also at the heart of many successful businesses here.

My Peterborough Series

My Peterborough is a video series showcasing the many ways in which newcomers are thriving in Peterborough. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes!

Kim - Lucky Strike Bait Works

Family got Lucky Strike to where it is today as one of Canada's top fishing tackle manufacturers. But the word "family" isn't limited to bloodline - find out how this family has grown by welcoming newcomers as part of their team since the 80s.

Leah - Cheeks Ahoy

Leah Black started her business out of her own desire to have washable wipes for her newborn baby. Leah started sewing her first batch of reusable wipes out of some old flannel bed sheets and created a gentle wipe solution. Her partner Aaron saw the business potential in what Leah has created and Cheeks Ahoy was born! Learn about the wonderful multicultural team that supports the business!

Igor and Inna - A Taste of Russia

In May 2000, Igor and Inna Trotchine started a small business at the Farmers Market in downtown. On the same year, the New Canadians Centre invited them to participate in the Multicultural Food Festival on Canada Day, and that is when they became “A Taste of Russia”.

Today, besides their presence at the Peterborough, Lindsay and Millbrook Farmer's Markets, they also have a curbside pickup on Fridays in Peterborough.

Victoria - T-Elle by VSL

If variety is the spice of life, Victoria Wang's life is filled with flavour! She is a Trent University professor, an entrepreneur, AND a Zumba instructor. How
does she do it all in Peterborough?

Silvanna - Antoinette's Bridal

Meet Silvanna Hanxhari, the owner of Antoinette's Bridal Boutique! Silvanna moved to Canada in the early 90s from Albania. Although adapting to a new country was challenging, Silvanna had a lot of support from a Canadian family and is very grateful to them! This inspired Silvanna to do the same for newcomers to Peterborough.

Franzi - Franz's Butcher Shop

Franz Roessl came to Canada in 1973. Ten years later, he moved to Peterborough to start his own business and opened Franz’s Butcher Shop! 40 years later, Franz still loves being a butcher and having his own business. He is always trying to innovate and is proud to serve the community with high-quality prime cuts!

Faheem and Kostia - Pizza Villa

Kosta Bouzinelos moved from Greece to Peterborough in 1982. After gaining some experience at his brother Peter's restaurant (the Pizza Factory), Kosta purchased the Pizza Villa in Bridgenorth in 1986 to start his own business. In 2001, Farid Hashemi moved to Canada and started working at the Pizza Factory and Pizza Villa. Today, Pizza Villa is a successful business run by Kosta’s daughter, Eva Bouzinelos, and Farid. What a story!