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Kawartha Lakes wins Best Redesign Award for Small Business Centre Rebrand

SBC award

SBC awardKawartha Lakes – The City of Kawartha Lakes is pleased to announce that the rebranding of the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre (KLSBEC) to the Small Business Centre (SBC) has been recognized with the 2024 Best Redesign Award from APEX Publishing. This prestigious award celebrates the collaborative efforts of Kirsten Meehan, Communications, Advertising and Marketing Officer as project lead, Katie Kelly Designs as graphic designer, and the Economic Development team as internal partner. The rebranding was lauded for its modern aesthetics, clear messaging, and strategic alignment with the City’s vision to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community.

The SBC plays a critical role in supporting local entrepreneurs through initiatives like Starter Company, which helps new and growing businesses gain access to essential training and mentorship, and Summer Company PLUS, which provides students with invaluable experience in starting and running their own businesses. These programs, paired with advisory services and a range of free tools to help businesses, speak to the City’s dedication to nurturing small business growth and innovation.

This award comes at a particularly meaningful time as Diane Steven, long-time manager of the SBC, prepares to retire this month. Diane’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in establishing the SBC as a trusted resource for entrepreneurs, and the rebrand represents a forward-thinking legacy of her impactful career.

“This recognition is a testament to the collaboration and innovation across City departments,” said Cheri Davidson, Manager of Communications, Advertising and Marketing. “We’re thrilled to see the rebrand resonate strongly with the community and those served by SBC.”

The City extends its congratulations to the project team and looks forward to continuing to support entrepreneurs as the SBC enters an exciting new chapter. For more information on SBC, visit our website.

SBC brand in action at the IPM booth

SBC award winning announcement posterImages: SBC Brand before and after, SBC Brand in action at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo – Starter Company PLUS graduate Jeremy Stuart of SCC Builds and Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development

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