Peterborough, ON – June 15, 2026 – In response to increased demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners, Community Futures Peterborough will deliver its most sought-after Entrepreneurship 101 workshops this summer in partnership with Scotiabank.

The summer 2026 series builds on the success of the spring workshops. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for summer workshops in the areas of business planning, funding and marketing.

“We are thrilled with the response to the spring workshops and extremely excited to partner on these additional offerings, through the Entrepreneurship 101 program, supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Peterborough area,” says Nolan Frazer, Team Lead, Business Banking at Scotiabank. “We are proud to help provide this type of value and advice and make it accessible to the local community.”

Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The summer series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as funding, business planning, marketing, and branding, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking in-depth advisory support in.

“Small businesses are the true engine of our local economy, and their momentum shouldn’t stall over the summer months. By expanding these vital Entrepreneurship 101 workshops, Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank are ensuring that local innovators have uninterrupted access to the essential guidance, tools, and resources required to build resilient enterprises right here in our community,” says Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha.

The expansion of Entrepreneurship 101 aligns with broader trends seen through the Business Advisory Centre. Since April 2025, Community Futures Peterborough has supported nearly 800 unique businesses through its workshops; and provided over 600 in-depth one-on-one consultations.

The summer 2026 Free Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough from 12:00-1:00 PM on the following dates:

• Funding Fuel: Exploring Funding and Financing, July 8, 2026
• Launch Pad: Business Planning, July 15, 2026
• Brand Lab: Marketing and Branding, July 22, 2026

“The overwhelming response to our recent programming has made it clear that local entrepreneurs are looking for more than standard advice,” says Manager, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, Rose Terry. “They are looking for a roadmap to start and grow their businesses. By adding these summer workshops, we are directly responding to that demand and ensuring each business has the tools and support they need. Whether it’s navigating the early stages of ideation or tackling the most common hurdles our advisors see daily, our goal is to provide accessible support that keeps our business community thriving.”

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration and additional workshop information are available on the Community Futures Peterborough website at www.communityfuturespeterborough.ca

About Community Futures Peterborough

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has a mission to support small businesses with flexible financing in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. It has invested more than $44 million in 1,900+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,900 jobs in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. CFP 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. The Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program is delivered locally by Community Futures Peterborough and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

About FedDev Ontario

Since 2009, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our impact stories, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard

Executive Director

Community Futures Peterborough

devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Mobile: 705-957-3641

 PETERBOROUGH, ON – Local entrepreneurs have a new tool to simplify the funding pathways available to them. Community Futures Peterborough has released a “Roadmap to Smart Funding” guide which blends both information and worksheets to help entrepreneurs and small businesses make more informed financial decisions.

The guide provides a clear overview of several types of financing that entrepreneurs can explore, including business loans, lines of credit, equity investment, and other capital options. Its goal is to help members of the local business community make informed decisions about how to finance their business ideas, expansions, and long-term growth.

“Many entrepreneurs know they need capital, but they aren’t always sure where to start or what type of financing is the right fit,” said Braden Clark, Loans Manager for Community Futures Peterborough. “This guide breaks down common funding options in plain language so business owners can better understand the tools available to them and choose the path that supports their goals.”

The guide explains key differences between funding types, including how they work, when they may be appropriate, and what business owners should consider before pursuing them. By outlining these options side-by-side, the guide aims to help entrepreneurs compare approaches and identify financing solutions that align with their business model and stage of growth.

While many entrepreneurs are familiar with traditional loans, the guide also introduces other financing strategies that may support business development, such as equity partnerships, flexible financing tools, and alternative capital sources.

“This toolkit is a great example of how Community Futures Peterborough is advancing local entrepreneurship by giving business owners the tools they need to strengthen their financial decision‑making,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The guide comes as a response to the uptake from both established and new entrepreneurs asking for more support with their budget, cashflow and overall financial literacy.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Peterborough-Kawartha, and our government is committed to ensuring they have the tools to succeed,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By providing expert advisory services and financial capital under one roof at Community Futures Peterborough, we are making it easier than ever for local entrepreneurs to get the support they need to grow, create jobs, and strengthen our community.”

The guide is released as Community Futures Peterborough completes its fiscal year at the end of March by issuing a historic number of loans this year – 54 new loans to businesses and entrepreneurs in our region.

“We continue to see significant and increased demand for our services – both on the business advisory and financial advisory services,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director for Community Futures Peterborough. “This guide is designed to help entrepreneurs feel confident navigating the financial side of building a business and help them feel empowered in strengthening their financial position.”

The Roadmap to Smart Funding guide can be downloaded online through the Community Futures Peterborough website at: https://communityfuturespeterborough.ca/resources/

Free hard copies are also available for pick-up at the Community Futures Peterborough office in downtown Peterborough.

About Community Futures Peterborough

Community Futures Peterborough has a mission to support small businesses with flexible financing in the City and County of Peterborough. It has invested more than $42 million in 1,300+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. CFP 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. The Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program is delivered locally by Community Futures Peterborough and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

About FedDev Ontario

Since 2009, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our impact stories, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard

Executive Director

Community Futures Peterborough

devon@cfpeterborough.ca 

Mobile: 705-957-3641

Sofia Ouslis

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca

Peterborough, ON – February 10, 2026 – Community Futures Peterborough will deliver its most extensive Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series to date this spring in partnership with Scotiabank, expanding the program in response to continued demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Spring 2026 series builds on the success of the fall workshops, which supported more than 120 unique entrepreneurs and small business owners across seven sessions. Launched as a four-part series, Entrepreneurship 101 has rapidly expanded as more businesses across the region turn to Community Futures Peterborough for advisory and lending support. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for additional, more specialized topics, leading to a partnership with Scotiabank to expand the series with two additional brand-new workshops.

“Scotiabank is proud to partner with the amazing team at Community Futures Peterborough to support the expansion of this valuable program supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses getting the advice they need to grow in our local community,” said Nolan Frazer, Business Banking Team Lead at Scotiabank. “The success of local businesses and business owners is critical to the success of the community, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this to life.”

The new workshops added to the series are in direct response to clients asking for additional support in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Human Resources. Appear First – Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce, delivered by Brendan Quigley, will introduce participants to building an online presence, improving search visibility and online sales, and Employer Essentials – Understanding Your Obligations as an Employer, a session developed to help business owners better understand their responsibilities when hiring staff, delivered by the Office of the Employer Advisor and Service Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting entrepreneurs with access to programs that meet their needs,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Peterborough continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering practical support that helps businesses in the region grow and adapt in a changing economy.”

Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The spring series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as e-commerce, search engine optimization, and employer responsibilities, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking advisory support in.

“Investments in our local entrepreneurs help diversify and grow our economy, making success more inclusive across both the City and County,” said Dave Smith, MPP Peterborough – Kawartha. “By offering practical, expert-led workshops, Community Futures Peterborough is ensuring that every business owner has the confidence to take the next step. Our government is proud to see such dedicated local support for those who represent the best of the Ontario spirit.”

The expansion of Entrepreneurship 101 aligns with broader trends seen through the Business Advisory Centre. Since April, Community Futures Peterborough has supported more than 340 unique businesses through over 440 in-depth, one-on-one consultations. The workshop series complements this work by offering accessible, hands-on learning opportunities that help entrepreneurs build confidence and make informed decisions.

“Entrepreneurs across the riding of Peterborough have been clear that they need practical support to help their businesses grow. This expanded Entrepreneurship 101 series is a direct and thoughtful response to that,” said Emma Harrison, MP, Peterborough. “The strong turnout last fall showed just how committed and resilient our local business community is, and it makes me incredibly proud to see local organizations stepping up to deliver the tools and training that entrepreneurs need to succeed in a changing economy.”

The Spring 2026 Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough on the following dates:

• Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas: March 4
• Launch Pad – Business Planning: March 11
• Brand Lab – Marketing and Branding: March 25
• Funding Fuel – Explore Funding and Financing: April 1
• (new for Spring 2026) Appear First – Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce: April 8
• Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee: April 15
• (new for Spring 2026) Employer Essentials – Understand Your Obligations as an Employer: April 22
• Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting: April 29
• Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses: May 6

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration and additional workshop information are available on the Community Futures Peterborough website at www.communityfuturespeterborough.ca

About Community Futures Peterborough

Community Futures Peterborough has a mission to support small businesses with flexible financing in the City and County of Peterborough. It has invested more than $42 million in 1,300+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. CFP 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. In 2024, Community Futures Peterborough began delivery of the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

About FedDev Ontario

Since 2009, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our impact stories, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard

Executive Director

Community Futures Peterborough

devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Mobile: 705-957-3641

Sofia Ouslis

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca

PETERBOROUGH, ON January 21, 2026 – Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program, offering students in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County the opportunity to start and operate their own business while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience over the summer months.

Funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program, Summer Company provides eligible students with start-up funding, business training, and one-on-one mentorship. The program supports young entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into viable summer businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Summer Company Program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By providing young entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and financial support, we are helping them turn their creative ideas into reality while building the vital skills they need for future success in Ontario’s economy.”

Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in September 2026 are eligible to apply for Summer Company, which is delivered by Community Futures Peterborough through its Business Advisory Centre.

“Summer Company is designed to give students a chance to explore entrepreneurship in a supportive, low-risk environment,” said Allison Adam, Entrepreneurship Officer at Community Futures Peterborough. “Many students don’t come in with a fully formed business idea, and that’s okay. What matters most is curiosity and a willingness to try. The program is about showing students that entrepreneurship is a real career path and helping them build the confidence and skills to explore it.”

Those selected for the Summer Company Program receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with cohort training and one-on-one mentorship as they launch and run their business this summer. Past businesses have included services and products such as lawn care, window cleaning, farm help, dance and swimming lessons, clothing brands, and more.

“Our community continues to show strong demand for entrepreneurship services, both lending and advisory,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The Summer Company Program is designed to spark the idea of entrepreneurship amongst our youth and introduce them to the supportive and strong ecosystem we have to advise them in their small business journey.”

In Peterborough, Summer Company students will participate in a blend of cohort and one-on-one training and learn skills such as developing a business plan, marketing strategies to launch and grow a viable business, and how to develop an accurate budget and cash flow for their small business.

“The programming we have designed ensures our students gain transferable skills that they can use to pursue entrepreneurship or to contribute to future career success across all sectors,” said Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. “We can’t wait to see the business ideas we receive in this year’s applications that will become the next generation of leaders in our community.”

Summer Company is open to students with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Applicants do not need prior business experience or a fully developed business plan. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn, and the potential of the business idea.

Applications can be submitted online at https://www.communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/summercompany.  The program is competitive, with limited spaces available. Applications are encouraged as early as possible.

About Summer Company

Summer Company is a Government of Ontario initiative that supports young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 in starting and running their own summer businesses. The program provides business training, mentorship from local professionals, and grants of up to $3,000 to assist with start-up costs. Participants operate their businesses full-time over the summer, retain any profits earned, and gain practical, real-world business experience.

About Community Futures Peterborough

Community Futures Peterborough has a mission to support small businesses with flexible financing in the City and County of Peterborough. It has invested more than $42 million in 1,300+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. 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. In 2024, Community Futures Peterborough began delivery of the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.  The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

Media Contact:
Devon Girard
Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough
devon@cfpeterborough.ca

705-957-3641