COVID-19 Resources
WHAT WE ARE DOING
The Innovation Cluster has decided that as a coworking space, we are going to close both incubator locations in Peterborough and Lindsay until further notice. We know that as a business owner you are concerned about the future of your business and we want to be sure to support you in this uncertain time. The Innovation Cluster continues to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to COVID-19.
FOR OUR STARTUPS
We are committed to providing startups with support in this difficult time. Innovation Cluster startups have been sent emails with detailed information regarding their access to space and services. We will be available by phone, email and other virtual meeting options to support our clients at this time. We encourage all innovation and technology startups to connect with us for support and resources for their businesses.
Calling all innovators!
We’ve partnered with Ontario Centres of Excellence to launch the #COVID19 Collaboration Platform.
The platform is an online portal that allows experts, agencies and companies to engage with collaborators and accelerate their solution to market.
Are you looking for collaborators to innovate? Do you have a solution? Let us know!
The Innovation Cluster helps start-ups find their best path to market by linking together talented people, ideas, resources and know how.
Our services are designed to be responsive to the changing needs of today’s fast-growing, knowledge intensive, technology-led companies. We have an excellent track record of helping startups become successful. The Cube contributes to the growth of a competitive economy and to the wealth and prosperity of our community.
WE OFFER
- Incubation, so much more than just open-concept office space
- High-speed internet/WIFI
- Critical resources + support services provided by our advisors and Innovation Partner network
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Coaching/training/networking
- Workshops to increase your skills and take your business to the next level
- We have the most up-to-date knowledge about funding opportunities for our clients
- A strong relationship with the Peterborough Region Angel Network gives our clients direct access to investment
- Credibility of an incubation program
ONLINE WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
The Innovation Cluster is working closely with its Innovation Partners to both deliver and source workshops that can support your business. The workshops are based on the needs of our clients and the business community. Demand is high, please be sure to register for workshops to ensure your spot.
Essential Resources
- ***Local PPE Availability***
- HKPRD Health Unit hkpr.on.ca/featured_posts/novel-coronavirus
- Government of Canada – COVID-19 Outbreak update(s)
- Government of Canada – Fact Sheets, including printable infographic
- World Health Organization – Getting Your Workplace Ready
- Public Health Ontario – Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings
- World Health Organization – COVID-19 Situation Report
- Government of Ontario – The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) includes taking self-assessment & information in other languages
- Centre for Systems Science & Engineering – Map of COVID-19 Infections
- Peterborough Public Health
- Getting Your Workplace Ready by World Health Organization
- Business Pandemic Preparedness Checklist from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
- Business Continuity Guide from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Pandemic Planning for Business from The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings from Public Health Ontario
- Award Winning Preparedness Toolkit by Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Government of Ontario
- Government of Canada
- Resources for Canadian Businesses COVID-19
- Measures to support the economy and the financial sector
- Employment Insurance Benefits and Leave
- Canada Business App
- Economic Response Plan
- Government of Ontario declares State of Emergency
- Community Futures Peterborough offers financial support for Business Clients
- Business Resources from Government of Canada
- BDC & Federal Government Relief Measures
- BDC – Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by covid-19
- Employment and Social Development Canada-Employment Insurance and Labour and Occupational Health and Safety
- Government of Canada, Department of Finance-Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Province of Ontario-Employment Standards Amendment Act, Job protection for workers during COVID-19 situation
- Hydro One – Pandemic Relief Fund For Customers
- Canadian Survey on Business Conditions
- Where to start for Covid-19 support flowchart
- Apply for the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP)
- Find wage subsidies to hire post-secondary students
- Bring Your Business Online – Currently open for application
- The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
- STDC: The Seed Fund
- Export Development Canada – Support Canadian Exports Impacted by COVID-19
- Export Development Canada – Coronavirus (COVID-19): Managing the impact on global supply chains webinar
- BDC – Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – COVID-19 Business Resilience
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness for Business
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Fiscal Countermeasures for COVID-19
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce –Crisis Communications Planning Guide (Template)
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Business Continuity & Recovery Plan (Template)
- Net Mechanics – Working remotely and cyber security tips for working from home
- Insurance Bureau of Canada – Business Insurance and Emergency Preparedness
- Employment and Social Development Canada – Work-Sharing Program – Temporary special measures for the downturn in business due to COVID-19 and for the forestry and steel and aluminum sector
- Global HR Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions
- Canadian Labour and Employment Law – COVID-19 Checklist for Canadian Employers
- Ontario Human Rights Commission – Ontario Human Rights policy statement on COVID – 19
- Small Business Response Plan & Communications (Template)
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) – Keeping You and Your Employees Safe
- NRC IRAP Innovation Assistance Program (IAP)
- Funding up to 50% of wages when hiring talented students
- Bring Your Business Online – Currently open for application
- The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
Additional Resources
SPARK and the Government of Ontario are connecting volunteers with community response efforts to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ontario Public Health officials have issued strict guidelines to stay safe. We ask all organizations and volunteers to follow those guidelines and maintain social distance. LEARN MORE.
- CFIB Business Helpline: 1-888-234-2232
- BDC Financing and Advice: 1-877-232-2269
The City of Kawartha Lakes is committed to supporting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kawartha Lakes Economic Development including the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC) is available to support our business community. Even though City of Kawartha Lakes facilities are closed, Economic Development and KLSBEC services are still available by phone and electronically.
We are working closely with our community business support organization and agencies to understand how local businesses are being impacted and how we can all support them.
Contact CKL Economic Development
Email: ecdev@kawarthalakes.ca
Phone: 705-324-9411 extension 1232
Other Contacts
Carolyn Puterbough
Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor
Covering Durham, York, Halton & Peel Regions, City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Peterborough
Business Development Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Cell: 705-928-0471
Blog: http://onregionalecdev.com/
#TeamKawarthaLakes
The Innovation Cluster is part of Team Kawartha Lakes which includes Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, Kawartha Lakes SBEC, Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, Lindsay Downtown BIA, Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce, Impact 32, the Innovation Cluster, Kawartha Lakes CFDC, VCCS Employment Services and OMAFRA Regional Staff.
A full contact list is available on the City’s COVID-19 Business Resource page: https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/living-here/business-resources.aspx
Federal Government – May 25 2020 UPDATE
Small Business Relief Fund announced by Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
A grant opportunity for small business with the Small Business Relief Fund. Applications open June 1st.
Learn more
Applications now open for Commercial Rent Assistance Program
Ontario landlords are being asked to start applying tomorrow.
Apply Now
Ontario Government – May 22 2020 UPDATE
Community Futures Peterborough Now Accepting Applications for Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.
Has COVID-19 negatively impacted your business? Borrow up to $40,000 – interest-free – to help cover your fixed operating costs until you can get back on your feet.
Apply Now
Brought to you by #TeamPTBO

- Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
- Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development
- Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area
- Community Futures Peterborough
- Innovation Cluster – Peterborough & the Kawarthas