[PETERBOROUGH] The Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPA EDC)’s Business Advisory Centre formally launched their EPIC Ventures Program at an event held with staff, media and local dignitaries. EPIC (Entrepreneurs Proudly Investing in our Community) Ventures is a program that has been designed to recognize the Peterborough region’s small business community’s contribution to economic growth, quality of life and creative business opportunities.
The winner of the EPIC Ventures prize pack for May is Shish Kabob Hut. They were chosen from the list of nominees for their on-going dedication to the Peterborough community through their tireless volunteer work on local boards and committees, environmental initiatives and sponsorships to ensure that Peterborough stays active, vibrant, cultural and sustainable.
“I was honoured to hear that I was chosen as the first EPIC Venture,” stated Don Vassiliadis, Owner/Operator of the Shish Kabob Hut, SKH Catering Company and Part Rentals. “We work so hard every day to serve our customers and the community to the best of our ability, it is really humbling when you are recognized in a way such as this. It’s nice to know that people are noticing our efforts.”
The Shish Kabob Hut will receive a promotional prize pack that includes a “My Peterborough” radio feature on the KRUZ FM, a profile on PTBOCanada.com, on-line recognition on the Peterborough This Week and Peterborough Examiner websites, downtown display space provided by DNS Real Estate Limited Brokerage, a profile in The Business Beat, a one hour marketing insight session with Lazer Graphics, a one hour social media consultation with Sofie Andreou and lunch with MPP Jeff Leal.
“The Business Advisory Centre is working diligently throughout the City and County of Peterborough to assist entrepreneurs who want to start or expand small businesses,” commented Jeff Leal, Peterborough MPP. “Now, in addition to those services, they are taking steps to help small businesses by encouraging excellence and offering incentives, through the EPIC Ventures Program, to those businesses that stand out and really contribute to the community. The Province of Ontario is pleased to support this program.”
“The EPIC Ventures Program provides an opportunity for organizations and individuals to nominate an entrepreneur who is making a difference in our community through investment and community betterment. We are aiming to highlight the innovation, creativity and economic resiliency of the small business community in the Greater Peterborough Area,” stated Laurianne Gruzas, Chair of the GPA EDC Board of Directors. “Our first winner, the Shish Kabob Hut, is a great example of a business that has supported the community through innovative thinking, community outreach and continued growth. We congratulate Don Vassiliadis and his team and wish them continued success.”
Each month the BAC will collect nominations from the City and County of Peterborough and a winner will be chosen to receive a promotional prize pack, donated from a number of program supporters in the region. Nominations for the EPIC Ventures program are due by the 20th of each month. Nomination forms can be found at www.BusinessAdvisoryCentre.ca
The Business Advisory Centre, a member of the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre network, is a one stop resource centre for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our professional consultants advise business owners in the City and County of Peterborough on key aspects of startup and maintaining successful businesses.
