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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.

Hear what newcomer entrepreneurs say about doing business in Peterborough.

My Peterborough Series

My Peterborough is a video series showcasing newcomers' stories of entrepreneurship in #Ptbo. Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes on the last Thursday of the month!

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.

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

Upcoming episode on September 28

Faheem and Kostia - Pizza Villa

Upcoming episode on October 26

Leah - Cheeks Ahoy

Upcoming episode on November 30

Newcomer Entrepreneurs

Peterborough has the highest percentage of Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Canada. This statistic about immigrant entrepreneurship in our community is a strong endorsement for both the business climate and quality of life in Peterborough.

At the Creative Cocktail, we asked local Newcomer Entrepreneurs a few questions.

What attracted you to Peterborough, Ontario?

How did you become successful in Peterborough, Ontario?

How receptive is Peterborough to Newcomer Entrepreneurs?

Would you recommend Peterborough, Ontario as a place to do business?

Thank you to the featured Newcomer Entrepreneurs who participated in this video:
Bruce Khabbazi -- CDC Inc.
Sandra Arciniega -- La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Carmela Valles -- Carmela Valles immigration Consulting
Beverly Lomosad -- Newcomer Bulletin
Kemi Akapo - New Canadians Centre Mbongeni Mtetwa
Javier Bravo - GiveLo