About Community Futures
Peterborough
Your Partner in Business
Growth
Supporting local entrepreneurs with financing, training, and advisory services to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.
At Community Futures Peterborough, we’re more than a lender, we’re a long-term partner for your business. Our mission is to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, support, and confidence they need to grow their business and shape a stronger future for our community.
Devon Girard, Executive Director
At Community Futures Peterborough, our long-term vision is clear: to be recognized by local businesses, current and future, as the trusted partner that helps them achieve their business goals. Whether through flexible financing, hands-on advisory services, or collaborative support, we are committed to walking alongside entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. As we look ahead, everything we do is guided by this purpose, to strengthen our community by empowering the people building its future.
Our History
Community Futures Peterborough is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the Community Futures Program.
For four decades, Community Futures Peterborough has been a trusted partner to the local business community. With our funding and business advice, we’ve been able to create more than four thousand jobs and assist thousands of companies from our region to start, grow, and expand their business.
In 2024, Community Futures Peterborough began delivery of the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, funded by the Province of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. Our Business Advisory Centre provides you with free business advisory sessions tailored to your individual business needs.
More information on these services can be found here.
In addition to our advisory services, two grant programs are also delivered through our Business Advisory Centre: Starter Company Plus and Summer Company.
As we celebrate 40 years of impact and look ahead to the future, we are proud to share our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, providing a roadmap that will guide our continued role in shaping a strong, resilient local economy.
Click here to download our 2025-2028 Strategic PlanCelebrating 40 Years
2025 marks 40 years of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in our community. Since our founding in 1985 with $1 million in Government of Canada funding, we’ve invested over $42 million into more than 1,300 businesses, creating or maintaining over 4,600 local jobs. Here’s to 40 years of impact and the future still to come.
Our Culture
Our Mission
To strengthen our community by helping local businesses grow and thrive through accessible financing, expert advice, and collaborative partnerships that build a stronger, more inclusive local economy.
Our Vision
A thriving local economy where every entrepreneur feels supported, every business has room to grow, and the community prospers together.
Our Values
Community First
We are rooted in our local community and committed to its long-term prosperity.
Inclusivity
We believe every entrepreneur deserves access to the tools, support, and capital needed to succeed.
Integrity
We build trust through transparency, accountability, and doing what’s right, every single time.
Sustainability
We aim for long-term growth, supporting businesses in building resilient and future-ready operations.
Collaboration
We work in partnership with businesses, organizations, and community leaders to create lasting impact.
Human-Centred Support
We lead with empathy, always providing advice and service that reflects the unique needs of the people we serve.
WHAT WE DO
At Community Futures Peterborough, we’re more than a lender—we’re a long-term partner for your business. We have lent over $42 million, served over 1,300 businesses, and created or maintained more than 4,600 jobs in the Peterborough region.
Get in Touch
Are you an entrepreneur or small business in the Peterborough area seeking business support?
Reach out to us today and discover how we can help you.
Contact Information
Community Futures Peterborough
