Author: Devon Girard

Community Futures Peterborough Releases New Lending Guide to Help Entrepreneurs Explore Funding Options

 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 Province 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

 

Community Futures Peterborough Expands Entrepreneurship 101 Series for Spring 2026 in Partnership with Scotiabank

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.cfpeterborough.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 by the Province 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

Community Futures Peterborough Opens Applications For The 2026 Summer Company Program

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 Province 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 by the Province 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

 

Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Guide to Help Entrepreneurs Hire Their First Employee with Confidence During Small Business Week

Community Futures Peterborough Brings Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop Series In-Person to Peterborough County

Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Strategic Plan and Announces Two New Board Directors

Community Futures Peterborough Announces Expanded Entrepreneurship 101 Series This Fall

Peterborough, ON – September 3, 2025 – The Business Advisory Centre and Community Futures Peterborough are excited to announce the return of the increasingly popular Entrepreneurship 101workshop series this fall, with the addition of three new and exciting free workshops. This seven-part program is designed to give business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the skills, tools, and confidence to transform their ideas into thriving business ventures.

The series will guide participants through the essentials of starting and growing a business, from developing and validating ideas to building strong brands, securing funding, managing finances, protecting intellectual property, and making smart hiring decisions.

“We are so fortunate to have Community Futures Peterborough and The Business Advisory Centre supporting entrepreneurship in our community. Small businesses are crucial to our local economy, and getting them off the ground isn’t easy,” said Emma Harrison, MP for the Riding of Peterborough. “The Entrepreneurship 101 series is an excellent way for entrepreneurs to gain the experience they need to be successful. Best of luck to the next generation of business owners.”

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is designed for anyone with an interest in starting or growing a business. Each workshop combines expert-led instruction with hands-on learning, ensuring participants leave with practical strategies and valuable insights they can apply immediately, whether they’re still exploring ideas, refining an early concept, or already running a business.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in driving innovation and creating jobs all over Peterborough-Kawartha,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Every small business is backed by an entrepreneur who embodies vision, passion, and purpose, showcasing the best of the Ontario spirit. It’s fantastic to see Community Futures Peterborough providing the essential tools and support to help these entrepreneurs succeed.”

The workshops also showcase entrepreneurship as an exciting and realistic career path. Business services delivered by Community Futures Peterborough show a growing and strong demand for advisory services and lending options to start or grow a business locally. In the past four months, staff at the Business Advisory Centre have already held more than 200 one-on-one, in-depth business consultations with entrepreneurs or those exploring entrepreneurship in our region. Initiatives like the Entrepreneurship 101 series support the work of Community Futures Peterborough by providing front-line, tailored advisory services and practical workshops for every stage of the business journey.

“We’re excited to bring back this popular series with fresh content and new workshops for entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow,” said Allison Adam, Entrepreneurship Officer at Community Futures Peterborough. “It’s about giving people the right knowledge and tools at the right time so they can move forward with confidence and clarity in their business journey.”

The Entrepreneurship 101 Series will run throughout the fall on the following dates at the Venture North Building in Peterborough:

  • Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas with Allison Adam: September 24
  • Launch Pad – Business Planning with Rose Terry: October 8
  • Funding Fuel – Explore Funding and Financing with Braden Clark: October 22
  • Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses with Marcelo Sarkis: October 29
  • Brand Lab – Marketing and Branding with Rose Terry: November 5
  • Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting with Braden Clark: November 19
  • Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee with Abigail Keenan: December 3

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.cfpeterborough.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 loan dollars supporting 1,300+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City and the 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 by the Province of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough. The Business Advisory Centre provides a full suite of wrap-around business advisory services from launch to exit and currently advises hundreds of local businesses annually.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Cell: 705-957-3641

Peterborough Region Celebrates the Future of Business at the 2025 Summer Company Student Entrepreneur Showcase

PETERBOROUGH, ON – On August 13, 2025, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) brought together community partners, mentors, and local leaders to celebrate the drive, creativity, and achievements of six aspiring young entrepreneurs. These students have spent their summer launching and running their businesses as part of the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program.

The Summer Company program provides an opportunity for students aged 15 to 29 years old to take a business idea and bring it to life, with the guidance, funding, and encouragement they need to succeed. In addition to receiving up to $3,000 in grant funding, they have also received expert training and ongoing mentorship from CFP staff to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Along the way, these young entrepreneurs gained skills in problem-solving, financial management, customer service, and resilience – skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

“The Summer Company Program is igniting fresh ideas and building tomorrow’s businesses right here in Peterborough,” says Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough–Kawartha. “With our government’s support and expert advice from the Community Futures Peterborough team, these young entrepreneurs get the funding, mentorship, and skills they need to hit the ground running—and their success fuels a stronger, more dynamic local economy.”

The 2025 Summer Company entrepreneurs are:

  • Spencer Toth, Farm Hands – Cavan-Monaghan
  • Neha Mervin, Sparks of Bollywood – Otonabee-South Monaghan
  • Haydon Meade, Scrub Window Cleaning – City of Peterborough
  • Bisma Razaque, Shirt Spark – City of Peterborough
  • Lauren Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy – City of Peterborough
  • Teaghan Hartnett, West End Property Care – City of Peterborough

Throughout the summer, these students have demonstrated not only determination but also creativity and adaptability – qualities that are at the heart of entrepreneurship. They have learned to manage budgets, attract customers, deliver high-quality products and services, and adapt to unexpected challenges. For many, this is the first time they have been solely responsible for the success of a business, and the experience has been transformative.

Today’s celebration recognized the dedication and progress the students made over the summer. Community leaders, including Community Futures Executive Director Devon Girard, Director of Economic Development for the City of Peterborough, Daryll Julott, Peterborough County’s General Manager of Economic Development, Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough County’s Manager of Community Development, Sarah Budd, Peterborough – Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Vice President Joel Wiebe, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s Executive Director, Nour Mazloum, all spoke to celebrate the program graduates on the value of youth entrepreneurship and celebrated their commitment to starting a business.

“Youth entrepreneurship matters because it builds the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators,” said Allison Adam, Entrepreneurship Officer at the BAC. “When young people are given the chance to start a business, they learn first-hand how to take initiative, adapt to challenges, and create value in their community. Those lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives, whether they choose to continue as entrepreneurs or bring their skills into other careers.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; for young entrepreneurs, it’s about building skills, resilience, and confidence that last a lifetime while giving them the awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path,” says manager of the Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, Rose Terry. “Through our first-ever Summer Company Program delivered by Community Futures Peterborough, we’ve watched each student grow in remarkable ways, turning their ideas into fully functioning businesses. We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and determination, and we’re grateful to our Entrepreneurship Officer, Allison, whose mentorship has been nothing short of inspiring.”

As the 2025 Summer Company program comes to a close, the BAC encourages other aspiring young entrepreneurs to consider applying for next year’s intake in winter 2026. Whether a student has a small business idea or a big vision for change, Summer Company provides a safe and supportive way to take that first step into the world of entrepreneurship.

For more information about the Summer Company program or to learn how to apply, visit cfpeterborough.ca or contact allison@cfpeterborough.ca

Media Contact:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Cell: 705-957-3641

 

Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre Launch Limited-Edition SOAR Series for Established Businesses Looking to Expand

Community Futures Peterborough Marks 40 Years of Fueling Local Business Success

June 26, 2025 – Peterborough, ON – Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) celebrated a major milestone today, 40 years of service and impact, during its Annual General Meeting held at its client, the scenic Farmhill Weddings in Keene. Surrounded by business leaders, elected officials, board members, entrepreneurs, and community partners, the organization celebrated four decades of empowering local businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

“Forty years of Community Futures Peterborough means 40 years of believing in entrepreneurs, fueling businesses, and strengthening our regional economy,” says Devon Girard, executive director of Community Futures Peterborough. “We’ve played a key role in helping thousands of local businesses start, grow, and thrive, and today, we are so proud to honour that legacy.”

During the event, Community Futures Peterborough announced it had received a record $4.6 million in loan applications in fiscal year 2024- 2025 and disbursed more than $1.38M to 26 local companies. Those new loans created or maintained more than 330 local jobs during their 2024-2025 fiscal year. Community Futures Peterborough is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“For four decades, Community Futures Peterborough has been a driving force behind rural business growth—supporting bold entrepreneurs, creating local jobs and strengthening the region’s economy. Through FedDev Ontario, the Government of Canada is proud to invest in this legacy of rural leadership and innovation. These results speak for themselves: when we back rural communities with the right tools, they build the future,” 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).

Today’s AGM paid tribute to several previous Board Chairs, including founding Board Directors George Gillespie and Doug Armstrong. It also featured a heartfelt tribute to the organization’s late executive director, Judy Heffernan, who was remembered for her contributions with a special video during the proceedings.

The event also provided a snapshot of the results from Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre, which, during its first six months of delivering the Small Business Enterprise Centre Program, provided more than 200 in-depth consultations to small businesses in our community.

“It’s great to see Community Futures Peterborough mark 40 years of dedicated service to our local economy,” says Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough—Kawartha. “Their ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering small business growth has been instrumental in creating and maintaining thousands of jobs right here in our community. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and vision of everyone involved, past and present, at CFP.”

The AGM also featured an exciting pop-up market with local 2024 and 2025 Starter Company Plus clients, including the National Touring Museum, Groovy Little Smoothie, and The Doggery, and a lunch reception catered by Starter Company Plus Graduates, Electric City Catering, Pies by Zach, and On Point Custom Catering.

“Celebrating 40 years is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the dedication, resilience, and impact of Community Futures Peterborough,” says Wayne Harding, Board Chair. “We’ve helped countless entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality, and as we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to driving local economic growth and empowering the next generation of business leaders.”

Key Facts About Community Futures Peterborough:

  • Since its inception in 1985, Community Futures Peterborough has proudly invested over $42 million in loan dollars supporting 1,300+ small businesses and directly creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
  • The historical loan portfolio reflects the diverse makeup of the region’s local economy, with Manufacturing (20%), Other Services (16%), Retail (15%), and Accommodation & Food Services (14%) comprising the top sectors, representing 65% of Community Futures Peterborough’s total loan investments.
  • The organization has supported a growing number of women-owned businesses (43%) and other diverse entrepreneurs (11%), including Indigenous, youth, LGBTQ2S+, and social enterprise leaders.
  • With 40% of loans supporting startups, 32% fueling expansion, and 28% helping maintain businesses, Community Futures Peterborough has remained a reliable and stable partner at every stage of the business journey. And with 18% of loans coming from repeat customers, the long-term relationships continue to drive meaningful economic impact across the City of Peterborough (65%) and Peterborough County (35%).
  • In 2024, Community Futures Peterborough began delivering the Small Business Enterprise Centre program and continues to serve as a hub for small business success, offering personalized support through financing, expert advisory services, and strategic partnerships. It offers a fully comprehensive suite of free wraparound advisory services that support businesses from launch to exit.
  • During the first six months of operations for the Business Advisory Centre (September 2024 – March 2025), more than 200 in-depth consultations were held with local business owners with advisory services to help start or grow their business.
  • April and May 2025 saw the Business Advisory Centre provide over 100 in-depth advisory consultations already, signally a strong and growing entrepreneurial community in our region.

Additional Quotes:

“Congratulations to Community Futures Peterborough on four decades of success! The financing and support CFP offers to small businesses and entrepreneurs is essential to the growth of our local economy. The Government of Canada is proud to have funded CFP for the past 40 years. Happy 40th!” – Emma Harrison, MP, Peterborough

“Community Futures Peterborough has been a foundational asset to our local economy for four decades. Through their efforts, thousands of businesses have been able to expand and thrive, providing vital employment and services, and contributing to our community. Congratulations to Community Futures Peterborough on their 40th anniversary, and thanks for the work they do each and every day to support our local economy.” – City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal

“On behalf of Peterborough County, I congratulate Community Futures Peterborough on this incredible milestone 40th anniversary. Your organization, board, and staff have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering local economic growth and supporting countless businesses across all of our communities over the years. In recent years, we are especially proud of the work you have done taking on the region’s Business Advisory Centre and joining Peterborough County by providing services out of our Information Hub office in Lakefield. We look forward to continuing our productive partnership for years to come.” – Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark

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 loan dollars supporting 1,300+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City and the 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 by the Province of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough. The Business Advisory Centre provides a full suite of wrap-around business advisory services from launch to exit and currently advises hundreds of local businesses annually.

About Fed Dev Ontario:

For over 15 years, 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 investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

Media Contact:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Cell: 705-957-3641

Sara Kasum
Communications and Issues Advisor
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Sara.Kasum@feddevontario.gc.ca

 

 

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