Graeme Barrie
Owner, Netmechanics
Dara Bergeron
Co-owner, Kindred Coffee Bar
The City of Kawartha Lakes offers an ideal environment for small businesses to grow and thrive.
Kawartha Lakes is home to over 6,800 businesses, and the municipality boasts a strong, supportive business community. Many entrepreneurs today face rising costs, talent shortages, and the pressures of scaling in competitive markets, along with the dilemma of staying close to the GTA for clients, suppliers, and talent while balancing affordability and work-life balance. Kawartha Lakes offers the best of both worlds.
Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Kawartha Lakes is also home to around 80,000 year-round residents (a number projected to grow to 117,000 by 2051) and 30,000 seasonal residents. Each year, the city welcomes over 1.6 million domestic tourists, who flock to the area for its stunning natural environment, outdoor and waterfront recreation, cottage-country lifestyle, cultural attractions, and local food.
Building a thriving, diverse local economy
Kawartha Lakes provides resources and supports to attract new businesses and support growth. Whether business owners are looking to launch a startup or to scale up, expand, and grow, they benefit from the city’s booming business community and robust support system.
“Moving my business to Kawartha Lakes has been a game-changer for business growth and work-life balance,” says Graeme Barrie, owner of Netmechanics. “The local business network is incredibly supportive. There’s always someone willing to connect you with the right resource or opportunity.”
“When I co-opened my first coffee shop, the local support and strong business network helped us blossom and even open a second location within just two years,” says Dara Bergeron, co-owner of Kindred Coffee Bar.
Visit kawarthalakes.ca/movemybusiness to learn more.
