Home Based Business Incubator Program Supports Aspiring Newcomer Women Entrepreneurs

June 2021 Edition of Partnership News by the Peterborough Immigration Partnership


At the start of May, the New Canadians Centre launched the HOBBI (Home-Based Business Incubator) Program. The 10-week skills training program is for newcomer women who are aspiring entrepreneurs. We have a fantastic cohort of 13 women who are committed to acquiring new skills, planning out their home business ideas, and supporting each other through the process.

Participants have expanded and strengthened their network through HOBBI, building a strong rapport with program staff and meeting our wonderful guest speakers who have been sources of insight, knowledge, and expertise. Our sincere gratitude to Erin Ebenbauer from Watson & Lou, Susan Tung from Hanoi House, Hillary Manion and Michael Tamane from the Business Advisory Centre through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and Sofie Andreou from 123DigitalPower for their commitment and support! 

The women of HOBBI have participated in dynamic workshops on Business Ideation, The Target Market, Research & Development, Narrative Storytelling, Introduction to Business in Canada, Customer Service, Marketing & Communications, and Business Branding & Social Media. We can’t wait for the rest of our sessions and to hear more from our upcoming guest speakers.

HOBBI will wrap up on July 8, 2021. Upon successful completion of the training program, participants will have the opportunity to access seed funds to support them in the launch of their businesses. Program staff will also continue to meet with participants one-on-one for further support and will coordinate monthly gatherings for more knowledge sharing and connecting. Stay tuned for more information about HOBBI in the next newsletter!

This program is made possible with a grant from the Fund for Gender Equality, a collaboration between Community Foundations of CanadaCommunity Foundation of Greater Peterborough and the Equality Fund, with support from the Government of Canada.


Established in 2008, the Peterborough Immigration Partnership (PIP) is a community-based partnership of individuals & organisations (including the NCC) which envisions a community where the meaningful economic, social and cultural integration of newcomers ensures a prosperous and inclusive community for all.

Please contact us for more information and to become involved in this partnership.