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!

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!

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.

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.

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

Upcoming episode on November 30