The K9 Clipper Wanting to Build Strong Community Connection

The K9 Clipper is a developing, West end Peterborough dog grooming business set to open this spring (2021). Initially, it will be offering bathing, skin care, clipping, styling and general grooming services for your pet. The business will eventually be offering dog walking services, and pet related retail sales. As animal advocates, we have devoted thousands of volunteer hours toward supporting rescued dogs, cats, and horses. The K9 Clipper will also help support animal rescue and welfare organizations through various fundraising drives and programs.

1. What was the Starter Company Plus experience like for you?
   The Starter Company Plus experience was a great way to learn about starting a small business – so much information that we did not know about, and so many speakers to help us along. Creating the business plan was a lot of work, but well worth the time; a good confidence builder for new entrepreneurs! 
   
2. Where did the idea for The K9 Clipper come from?  
   We have always wanted to run our own business. We have enjoyed caring for our many pets for years. We are also animal advocates who have logged thousands of combined volunteer hours with animal rescues, so this was a natural path for us to take.
   
3. What are your hopes for the business in the next 3 years? 
   We want to build a strong connection with our community providing a high-quality service for pet owners. We also hope to continue to contribute to dog rescue organizations, both locally and abroad using The K9 Clipper’s resources. In time, we hope to promote local artisans by selling select pet-related products, and we hope to partner with other local pet-related businesses – we are stronger together.   
   
4. Has it been difficult launching a new business during the pandemic?  
   Our official opening has been held back because of the COVID lock-down. We hope to open when the lock-down is lifted, but this pause is giving us the opportunity to network and reach out to prospective customers.
   
5. What has the response in the community been since you launched? 
   We have had a great response from the community. We’ve reached out to the public at local dog parks, dog wellness centres, rescue shelters, humane societies, and every dog owner we’ve encountered. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many comments about how great a demand there is for dog grooming in Peterborough right now, and we are preparing for an influx of appointments for when we open. 
   
6. What is your favourite thing about living and working in Peterborough & the Kawarthas? 
   It’s difficult to pick only one thing. Peterborough is a vibrant city with an appreciation for its own history, which is great, and we’ve really enjoyed meeting so many amazing people in the 14 years we’ve lived here. 

This article is a series highlighting the graduating businesses from the Business Advisory Centre’s Starter Company Plus program. This program has been a key stepping-stone for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow in the region and since 2017 has resulted in the creation of 74 startups and supported 47 business expansions. The program has also seen the opening of 22 brick-and-mortar locations in the region, and has created 141 jobs in the local community.