In Articles

Homes for the Holidays – St. Andrews Church Christmas House Tour

November 20, 2017 No Comments

For many people, the popular St. Andrew’s Church Christmas House Tour is more than just a house tour. “What I always hear from people is that the tour gets them into the Christmas spirit,” says tour co-chair Frances Mantle. “It’s also a great way to reconnect with friends and many of the people we see get together just for the tour.”

This is the 19th house tour organized by St. Andrew’s Church, which started the tour in 1981. It’s held every other year and, for many people, it’s become a huge tradition. They’ve had visitors from London, Bowmanville and Guelph. “When we were selling the tickets last year, one person came up and said, ‘my daughter and I have done this since 1995,” Mantle says. Its popularity can be traced to the homes. This year’s tour has nine homes in beautiful southeast Oakville, including on Dunn Street, Maplegrove Drive, Morrison Heights and Chartwell.

Co-chair Sue Harason says a committee of around 15 church members started the work of finding the homes in January and this year came up with a mix of architecturally unique homes. Each home will be decorated by a local designer and dressed up in the finest Christmas attire. “It’s beautiful to see what ideas people come up with. They come up with these stunning looks,” says Mantle. It’s no surprise that the 2015 tour raised more than $90,000 from the sale of 1,600 tickets, sponsorships and advertising in the tour booklet. Even the booklet is beautiful and includes sketches of each home by Oakville artist Tanja Sassi.

Designer Brittaney Elgner, who lives on Morrison Heights and runs Olly and Em decorating company – named after her children – owns one of the homes on the tour. The theme for her decor will be feathery whites and green tones. This is her first year in the tour and she says, “We’re super excited about it. I have a lot of white in my house so I’m going to play off that with things like a frosted white tree that has green undertones and branches dusted in fake snow.” Her home is surrounded by trees and on a large lot so she decided to bring a little nature inside and decorate with white feather wreaths and natural greenery, such as olive leaves and boxwood wreaths. “I really wanted to play off the outside natural elements,” notes Elgner, who describes the vibe as “Christmassy but with more of an elegant look.” One room will have a whole wall of match houses made of little pieces of wood and little wooden mice figurines plus artificial trees.

The event is so popular that they have more than 200 volunteers during the Saturday tour. “You get the opportunity to look at these stunning homes and it’s also a great way to bring the community together. There’s a real sense of camaraderie,” says Harason. The tours will run on December 1st and 2nd this year. Friday night includes a special Candlelight House Tour and Reception. Tickets for Friday night are in high demand because there are no lineups.

There are two levels of tickets for Friday; $100 tickets that include a reception at the Oakville Golf Club and $75 tickets that are only for the tour. The Saturday tour also includes tea and cookies at the church. “We get them coming from far and wide,” says Harason. “It’s just a great day.” All proceeds go to St. Andrew’s Church, Kerr Street Mission, Community Living Oakville, and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Halton (Particular Council in support of the Halton Fresh Food Box Program).

Local Link

St. Andrews House Tour
standrewshousetour.ca

In Blog

Local Holiday Markets

November 4, 2017 No Comments

Take the stress out of holiday shopping and find something for everyone on your list. Shop local with the unique and artistic vendors at these local markets:

BURLINGTON

November 11
Handmade Holiday Market
10am – 4pm
2042 William Oconnell Blvd, Burlington, ON L7M 4G4, Canada
An an open-house style market with opportunities for you to purchase one-of-a-kind artisan gifts and to create your own items. Admission $5.00 cash at the door, with a non-perishable food item for donation. $3 soup lunch available for purchase.

November 18
Yuletide Bazaar
10am – 2pm
West Plains United Church, 549 Plains Road West, Burlington
An annual Yuletide Bazaar featuring: Silent Auction, Granny’s Attic, Bake Table, Deli, Crafts and Lunch Room.

November 18
Village of Tansley Woods Christmas Bazaar
10am – 3pm
The Village Of Tansley Woods, 4100 Upper Middle Rd, Burlington
All items sold are hand made by residents. Hunch in the tea room, get a picture with the jolly man himself or check out the variety of preserves, baked goods, wreaths, silent auctions items and much much more.

November 24
St. George’s Night Market
4 – 10pm
St. George’s Anglican Church, Burlington, 4691 Palladium Way, Burlington
Wine. Music. Upscale holiday shopping! In it’s second year, experience a night out with a curated selection of 100% handmade shopping, delicious food and wine, and live music. Full vendor list online. $2 entry for adults (children under 16 are free), $5 entry with a glass of wine or cider. All proceeds will go toward St. George’s community events, including their free community Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Tree Lighting event, and summer food truck series.

November 25
Holiday Marketplace
9am – 3pm
Orchard Park Public School, 5151 Dryden Ave., Burlington
Shop your local artisan market at orchard park public school. Local vendors bringing in fresh baked goods, gifts & crafts, specialty goods & so much more.

November 25
Maplehurst Very Merry Market 2017
10am – 2pm
Maplehurst Public School
Shop for unique and handmade gifts from 20+ favourite and new vendors, enjoy kids activities, great food and much more! All in support of Maplehurst Public School.

November 26
Annual Christmas Fair
Halton Waldorf School, 2193 Orchard Road, Burlington
Noon – 4pm
Our Christmas Fair is just over 3 weeks away! Come and join us on Sunday, November 26th from 12pm-4pm for crafts and activities for the children, delicious food and shopping for unique gifts from local vendors.

December 9
Christmas Open House
11am
Burlington Humane Society · Burlington
Christmas is coming and you can fill your wish list at our Christmas Open House. On Saturday, December 9 between 11 am – 2 pm, enjoy our open house, silent auction, Christmas craft sale, Pet Gift Baskets and bake sale.

December 9
Burlington MADE
10am – 4pm
1295 North Service Road, Burlington
Burlington’s largest juried handmade shopping event, featuring more than 60 of the most talented artisans from Toronto to Niagara. Meet the makers and enjoy gourmet coffee and food, a live band, and children’s art classes. One dollar from each ticket sold will benefit Halton Women’s Place. Standard tickets are $5 for ages 16 and up, children are free.

OAKVILLE

November 25
Bronte Handmade Market
10am – 4pm
79 Jones St, Oakville
This is Bronte’s 2nd annual Homemade Market. Come out and support local crafters and purchase wonderful unique gifts for family and friends. Admission is FREE. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks for sale. Proceeds to The Bronte Legion.

November 25
Crafts R Us presents “Christmas Craft Market”
10am
707 Galaxy Club 475 North Service Rd E, Oakville
Browse and shop local Artisans in Halton. Items & products for the whole family including pets. Over 50 vendors | local handmade products and goods | free admission & parking | onsite washrooms. Also a chance for the kids to visit with Santa (free). Raffle tickets at the door, free giveaways, savory and sweet treats.

November 26
Silver Bells Christmas Market
10am – 4pm
St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 1280 Dundas St W, Oakville
Featuring unique giftware, handcrafted items by local artisans and delicious Ukrainian food available for lunch or take-out. Ample free parking and free Admission.

December 2
St. Joseph’s Christmas Marketplace
10am – 4pm
St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 300 River Oaks Blvd. E., Oakville
Come enjoy unique artistry, handcrafted items and gifts, homemade baked goods and hot Ukrainian food.

MILTON

November 25
The Mama “Christmas” Market
10am
Country Heritage Park · Milton
Finds from favourate local shops. Think “winter, rustic Chic”…hot cocoa, Christmas music, shopping & mingling in the most perfect location.

December 2, 9 & 16
Holiday Street Market
Downtown Milton (Commercial & Main St)
Gifts for every family member – from everyone’s favorite aunt/uncle, newborns, to your furry little friends.

December 3
Holiday Artisan Market
10am
Granite Ridge Golf Club · Milton
Exhibition and celebration of the holidays. Original Work by Contemporary Canadian Artists One of a Kind pieces created by local artisans. Come for free refreshments and pick up unique gifts created by local talent.

In Blog

Novemburger Launches in Burlington & Hamilton

November 1, 2017 No Comments

Novemburger will have you hankering for a hamburger! The ultimate burger festival is coming to Burlington and Hamilton on November 1st! Novemburger was first launched in 2014 in Hamilton, as a way to bring new business to the restaurants there and at the same time, raise funds for the United Way in the community. It was a hit in it’s first year, with 31 participating restaurants selling nearly 7,000 burgers in only 30 days!

This year it’s Burlington’s turn to take part in this great festival too. Organized by Make Media (formerly of Urbancity) the 4th annual edition of Novemburger has 23 #BurlON restaurants participating.

How do you participate? Easy! Get your appetite ready – the complete list of participating restaurants are listed below, and their featured burgers will be posted on the Novemburger site. All you have to do is visit participating restaurants and eat their Novemburger feature, then rate what you ate on the official website.

Participating Restaurants…

BURLINGTON

Boon Burger Cafe
Burro
Canyon Creek
Coop Wicked Chicken
Culaccino
Emma’s Back Porch
Ivy Bar + Kitchen
Lettuce Love Café
Martini House
Max Resto Lounge Inc.
Paradiso
Pepperwood Bistro
Pluckers
Royal Botanical Garden’s Greenhouse Café
SB Prime
Squires Public House
Table 34
The Dickens
The Queenshead
Turtle Jack’s (Mapleview mall & Appleby Line locations)
Uptown Tavern
Wendel Clarks
5 West Brew Pub and Kitchen

HAMILTON

Beaver & Bulldog
Berkeley North
Betula
Big Tobacco Kitchen & Whiskey
Breezy Corners
Cavallo Nero
Coach & Lantern
Collins Brewhouse
Coop Wicked Chicken
Curbside Grill
Don Cherry’s Sports Grill
East Meets West Bistro
Fishers Pier 4 Pub
Gown and Gavel
Green Bar
Hambrgr (Ottawa St. & King William locations)
Il Fiasco
Jack & Lois
King’s Landing
Lou Dawg’s
Southern BBQ
MERIT Brewing
Mezcal TNT
Nellie James Too
Nique Restaurant
One Duke Restaurant & Lounge
Pheasant Plucker
Pub Fiction
Radius
Rankin’s Grill
Salty
Sasso Pizza Market & Bar
Serve
Southcote 53
State & Main
Stonewalls
The Augusta House
The Brew Cafe and Bar
The Burnt Tongue [Locke]
The Fool and Flagon
The Harbour Diner
The Parm House
The Phoenix
The Powerhouse
Turtle Jack’s [Upper Centennial]
Turtle Jack’s [Upper James]
Turtle Jack’s [Waterdown]
Vicar’s Vice
Work Progress Kitchen
Zyla’s Music + Menu
West End House Pub

In Articles

The Perfect Sunday Dinner

November 1, 2017 No Comments

Hosting a large family meal or dinner party can be a daunting task. No one wants to serve up roast poultry, and have it coming out looking like something out of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. With the cooler weather and shorter evenings upon us, most of us start to think about roasting a meal indoors rather than grilling on the BBQ. We’re here to make sure you prepare a meal that family and guests will be raving about for months to come – until the next one, of course!

Whether you’re looking for a more traditional take on a Sunday roast, or something more modern, the first step to the perfect meal is always the source. Find a butcher that you know and trust, either at your favourite grocery store or at one of the many local butchers in town. Your butcher can help with meal suggestions you may not have thought of, will have great tips on how to cook or prepare your meat, and can assist you with creating the exact meal you had in mind.

The first thing Rick Suitor, owner of Ernie’s Meat Market in Burlington, suggests when creating a perfect Sunday meal is to make sure
you always use a meat thermometer, to ensure you’re getting that perfect result on anything you choose. For a more traditional dinner, Suitor suggests something like a boneless prime rib roast. At Ernie’s Meat Market, they use Triple AAA, Alberta Beef, so rest assured you’ll get some great flavour out of the meat no matter how it’s cooked. A boneless prime rib roast is less work when cooking (since there’s no weight or extra size from the bone) and it tends to be a safer bet. His cooking tip: always be sure to let the roast sit afterwards, and don’t cover beef or pork.

A more modern option that Suitor has seen selling at the Market recently has been their Stuffed Chicken. Though roast chicken is a classic, the stuffed chickens can have a wide range of flavours and options, such as their Cordon Bleu; stuffed with Havarti Cheese and Black Forest Ham, then breaded. Suitor sees the stuffed chicken as more of a plated option, and it’s all about the presentation. He suggests slicing the stuffed chicken and serving it in a pinwheel fashion, for the ultimate eye-catching impression on guests.

When serving up a more traditional meal, Damian Goriup, Owner and Head Butcher at Florence Meats in Oakville, would also advise a cut like prime rib. Prime rib boasts tender, flavourful meat with good marbling, it’s fairly simple to prepare, and can serve a large crowd. Goriup advises you season your roast the night before with coarse salt and pepper, and allow it to reach room temperature prior to cooking.

For a more modern option, Goriup suggests a Beef Tenderloin Roast, because this cut is simple to prepare, does not take as long to cook as a prime rib, and it always comes out tender. One of the most important considerations to ensure you end up with a flavourful roast, according to Goriup, is to buy local Ontario dry aged beef. Season simply with coarse sea salt and ground pepper, allowing the true flavours of the beef to shine.

So now you’re ready to host your own Sunday dinner, and impress your family and guests with some cooking finesse and meat-knowledge. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but always remember to ask your butcher for their tips and tricks with specific cuts. It could make a big difference!

Local Links

Florence Meats
2136 Speers Road, Oakville
florencemeats.com

J & G Quality Meats
175 Plains Road East, Aldershot

Ernie’s Meat Market
1450 Headon Road, Burlington
erniesmeatmarket.ca

Aslan Market Butcher Shop
5237 Upper Middle Road # 1, Burlington

Cumbraes of Dundas
26 King Street West, Dundas
cumbraes.com

Dietrichs Meat Warehouse
1260 Speers Road, Oakville
dietrichs.ca

Just an Olde Fashioned Butchery
165 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

By Heather Peter

In Articles

Happier Trails – Elevate Your Mood Through Exercise

October 30, 2017 No Comments

Michael McDonald has always had a passion for getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of our many hiking trails. A certified hike leader in Ontario, he often used social media as a means of sharing his love of walking in the woods. He noticed, however, that his most popular posts, the ones most widely shared and discussed, always dealt with the positive effects of hiking on alleviating depression. As someone who has watched friends and family members grapple with its sometimes devastating effects, McDonald decided to tackle the painful subject head on by writing about it.

About a year ago he wrote “Walking Away from Depression: A Guide to Fighting Depression with the Gentle Exercise of Walks.” It’s a 29-page guide that offers simple suggestions to help motivate people to get up, go outside and walk, written especially for those who might find it difficult due to mental illness. “I feel great when I walk,” McDonald says. “When I’m down, I like to walk, and physiologically good things happen when you hike. I wanted to share that with other people, to let them know that walking really helps elevate your mood.”

His guide briefly discusses depression and its symptoms, and although he stresses he is not an expert in this field, he does have personal experience. “Hiking is affordable for everyone,” says McDonald. “You don’t need a lot of money or special equipment. Just get out there and have fun.” It’s also a great outdoor activity for families, who may desire to disconnect from the busy digital world that engulfs all of us these days. “Kids especially can benefit from hiking,” he says. “Social media causes a lot of anxiety and depression in people of all ages, and Nature Deficit Disorder affects kids who aren’t outside as much, who don’t play outside, and are missing out on so much that nature has to give.”

As for McDonald’s guide, numerous readers have connected with the author, stating they wished they’d found it earlier in life. “It’s so rewarding to know it’s helped people,” he says. “One in five people suffer from mental illness, and although talking openly about it is still a stigma, it’s a stigma that’s going away and it’s so important to talk about it without judgment.”

While the entire book is full of helpful tips and positive methods and useful resources, perhaps the most poignant line regarding mental illness and the importance of reaching out to help or be helped can be found in his foreword: “Always remember, you are loved, and things will get better.”

Michael’s Favourite Trails

The Bruce Trail — Stretching along 890 km through southern and central Ontario, from the Niagara River to Tobermory, this renowned and very popular hiking trail boasts numerous waterfalls and side trails and a wide range of plants and wildlife.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area — Located in Hamilton and part of a large glacial valley, this 1,200-hectare conservation area features Carolinian forests, amazing geological formations, cold-water streams, rare plants, birds and wildlife.

Rattlesnake Point — Situated atop the Niagara escarpment, there are lots of activities to keep you occupied here, from geocaching to rock climbing, viewing the glorious autumn colours or watching turkey vultures soar above the cliffs.

Crawford Lake — This unique Iroquoian village includes recreated longhouses and a “bottomless” meromictic lake bordered by a stunning boardwalk perfect for hikers of all ages, and their pets. Festivals take place on a regular basis, including the popular Sweet Water Season in the spring.

Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail — This 3.4 km multi-use trail stretches along the shore from Bayfront Park to Princess Point, through the Desjardins Canal, and connects to the Trans Canada Trail, the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail in Burlington and the Desjardins Canal bordering Cootes Paradise.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Bruce Trail Conservancy
brucetrail.org

Michael McDonald
michaelmcdonald.ca

In Articles

Trail Retreats – Hike, Boat, Bike and Vacation Along The Bruce Trail.

October 28, 2017 No Comments

When you’re traveling, one of the rewards at the end of a day is to head back to your hotel and talk about the day’s experiences over a relaxing meal. It’s no different on a hiking holiday, except you’ll want to unlace the hiking boots before dinner. There are many local options for a weekend getaway where you can stay overnight at a hotel or at a B&B right on the Bruce Trail. Some places also offer a bit of canoeing or kayaking thrown in for extra fun – all near the Bruce Trail and other established trails.

According to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, depending on your fitness level, you could complete the trail end-to-end in 30 days if you hiked eight hours a day – all 855 kms worth! What could you accomplish over two days? How about a two-day Bruce Trail waterfall walking tour? Grand Experiences offers a guided six-hour per day trip to experience some of the 120 waterfalls along the Hamilton/Halton/Iroquois section of the trail. Guides lead you on an adventure through some stunning scenery and waterfall views, and will also tell an historic tale or two of the area. They offer custom dates for groups of five people or more. The package includes two night’s accommodations in Brantford, a detailed itinerary, all meals at the area’s best restaurants, and transportation to and from the trailheads. Everything is in close proximity to the tour operator’s outfitting shop in pretty Paris.

Paris, you say? Another popular getaway is Grand Experiences’ Weekend in Paris Adventure. Spend two days and one night in one of Canada’s prettiest towns (cobblestone streets included). On this adventure, you’re not limited to your own two feet; you can grab a paddle to canoe down the Grand River or choose to go biking through this historic region that includes rare Carolinian forest. After some wildlife spotting and listening to your guides regale you with stories, the historic Arlington Hotel (circa 1851) awaits you. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll up and down main street Paris. All necessary equipment is supplied, as well as riverside lunches and breakfast, and dinner at your choice of four Paris restaurants, shuttle service, and the opportunity to be lead by experienced Paddle Canada Certified guides.

If a quiet B&B suits your trail tastes, the Bruce Manor in Niagara-on-the-Lake backs right onto the Niagara Region’s portion of the Bruce Trail. Go for a hike, head back to the manor and listen to the birds sing at dawn and watch the sun set against the backdrop of the trees. Each of the three suites have their own sitting area, a TV, bar fridge, coffee and tea service, ensuite bath to rest tired muscles, and a balcony made for reading a book or instituting happy hour. Of course, after you’ve explored the trail you might also want to make time for a wine tasting or two at the lengthy list of nearby wineries.

Speaking of Wineries – Vinifera, The Inn on Winery Row, could be the getaway that blends grapes into the mix. It’s approximately three kilometers from the Bruce Trail, and this astonishingly beautiful 1846 historic home features uniquely vintage-themed rooms and has been described as a “fun and fanciful” place by travellers. There are four distinctly different rooms: Rustic Tuscany, Vintage Garden, Allan Suite and the alluring Victorian Safari. Hosts Barb and Ron van Pelt will offer you a gourmet four-course breakfast to start your day.

This is just a small selection of the options available to you. So lace up those hiking boots and get out and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Bruce Trail this fall!

By Becky Dumais

Local Links

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Co.
grand-experiences.com

Arlington Hotel, Paris
arlingtonhotel.ca

Bruce Manor B&B, Niagara-on-the-lake
brucemanor.ca

Vinifera Inn, Grimsby
viniferainn.ca

In Articles

Meet the Restaurateurs – Piazza Bistro – Joanna and Frank

October 27, 2017 No Comments

Joanna and Frank are the owners of Piazza Bistro in Downtown Oakville.
We asked them a few questions about their restaurant, the holidays and what’s on the menu this season.

What was your inspiration for Piazza Bistro?

Piazza Bistro’s inspiration comes from the restaurant name itself, Piazza. In Italy a Piazza is an open public space found in the heart of a town that is used for community gatherings. That is what Piazza Bistro is, a place to spend time and celebrate with great food, friends and family.

What are you excited for this holiday season?

We’re excited to host holiday parties in our private dining room. It means a lot to us that our customers choose to spend time with their friends, families and co-workers at our restaurant – especially during the busy Christmas season.

The design of the private dining room is incredible.
Where did you source this stuff?

Most came from our personal collection, and every item has a story. The room is an eclectic
bohemian extension of the minimalistic décor in the downstairs dining room. The décor allows our guests to feel comfortable and at home while spending time with us.

Where do you source your ingredients?

We’re passionate about using fresh local ingredients. There are several key items on the menu that we have become known for, but it is with our daily chef’s features where local ingredients are utilized to create authentic wholesome Italian meals.

Egg nog or apple cider?

Neither, we prefer Mulled Wine during the holidays. After all, it did originate in Rome. Stop by for a glass!

Visit Piazza Bistro

94 George St, Oakville
905-618-0255
piazzabistro.ca

In Articles

Futurpreneur – Local help for young business start-ups

October 26, 2017 No Comments

When Rachel Baker decided to open a small business, she chose an area where she had a lot of expertise – healthy eating. She’d been following the Paleo diet for years and was a loyal believer, having reaped the rewards in weight loss and a higher energy level. The diet is based on the principle that people during the Paleolithic time thrived on a high protein, low carb diet of meat, nuts, vegetables and fruit.

Foods such as dairy products, grains, sugar, salt, alcohol and coffee are avoided and people with food allergies to dairy and wheat have found it beneficial. Rachel had been buying food specific to the Paleo diet from a Milton store and liked the food so much that she asked the owner about the possibility of opening another store in Burlington. The owner was receptive; however, while Rachel knew all about the diet, she knew little about running a business. She reached out to the Halton Small Business Centre who connected her with Futurpreneurs, a national, non-proﬁt organization that provides ﬁnancing, mentoring and resources to aspiring business owners who are between the ages of 18 and 39.

Since 2011, Futurpreneurs Canada has funded over 5,000 start-ups and 26 through partnerships with the Halton Small Business Centre. Stephanie Mazhari, the Centre’s manager of entrepreneur services, says the financing from the program provides up to $45,000 (as a low interest loan) per business as well as other resources. But for most, it’s the industry-leading entrepreneurs who provide the most value. “The mentoring piece will help sustain your business and make it successful from the get go,” she says.

Baker received a $15,000 loan, which she used to set up shop in a Mountain Grove plaza in north Burlington. Her mentor was Elaine Slatter, owner of XL Consulting Group, who helped her develop a business and marketing program. Baker says she was especially helpful in providing tips for media coverage, including her idea to invite the Mayor to the grand opening in March 2015. Baker, who is 37, was pleased that Elaine invested so much of her time and energy into their relationship. “I learned a lot and it wasn’t just about getting the proper finances. It was about all those real life lessons that aren’t necessarily taught in the schools,” she says.

Baker’s business, Primal Cravings, has been growing in leaps and bounds. She transitioned from serving meals to selling pre-packaged food in the store and online. Sandie Kay, who ran the Milton store, closed almost two years ago and now works with Rachel as they decided the kitchen was too small and everything could be done out of Burlington. Their customer base is still growing and they have people traveling to the store from as far away as Windsor, Orangeville and Barrie. It’s their menu that’s attracted the large customer base, especially among those who are gluten intolerant, as they guarantee the absence of soy, dairy, grains, legumes and refined sugar.

Many of their baked goods, like their chocolate cakes, are made with coconut. Their dinner menu includes beef zucchini lasagna with cauliflower mushroom risotto and coconut breaded chicken with sweet potato fries. “It’s very rewarding. I’m still learning, but the Futurpreneurs really helped point me in the right direction,” says Baker.

Halton also has a summer company program for youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 who want help setting up a small business. Participants in the program have started businesses in mobile peer-tutoring for students, selling skin care lotion, and pet sitting. Like Futurpreneur, the program provides hands-on business training and mentoring along with up to $1,500 to help with business start-up costs and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

If you or someone you know has a business idea germinating, the future looks pretty entrepreneurial.