PETERBOROUGH, ON – June 24, 2024 –

Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will now be able to access funding and advisory services all in one place as Community Futures Peterborough announced it will begin delivery of services provided by the Business Advisory Centre (BAC).

“We couldn’t be more excited to offer a continuation of expert advisory services, as well as delivering Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) programs from the Community Futures Peterborough office,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “We are thrilled entrepreneurs and business owners can access these additional services through our office door in Venture North.”

The BAC, a part of the Small Business Enterprise Centre program, funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, was previously operated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).

“The Province of Ontario is thrilled to announce the continuation of the SBEC program serving our community for decades,” says Dave Smith, Peterborough – Kawartha MPP. “We are fortunate CFP and PKED are both committed partners to ensure this smooth transition and are grateful they are committed to continue this program, allowing entrepreneurs the tools they need to start and grow their businesses,” MPP Smith added.

PKED and CFP have worked for years side by side to ensure entrepreneurs had access to the BAC programming including the development of business plans, market research, startup validation, and business expansion support. Many entrepreneurs would then come across the hall to Community Futures Peterborough to apply for a business loan. 40% of CFP’s current loan portfolio has worked with PKED through the BAC.

PKED has been working tirelessly to proactively identify solutions for the continuation of a regional SBEC, through consultation with the Province of Ontario and recognizes the value of CFP as a long-time partner and supporter of entrepreneurs. Today’s announcement aims to complement the years of work to ensure business owners receive expert advice with a seamless experience in the economic development ecosystem.

“As the region undergoes substantial changes to the way economic development services will be offered, it is our top priority to ensure that the needs of business are at the forefront,” said Rhonda Keenan, President & CEO of PKED.  “Community Futures Peterborough is well-equipped to take on this important work, as we have always worked well together, sharing a substantial number of clients and an integrative referral system. We are proud to have had the opportunity to help so many businesses start and grow, and we remain committed to ensuring the continuity of the services we offer as the region’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and will continue to collaborate as CFP takes on this responsibility moving forward,” added Keenan.

CFP and PKED are both pleased to confirm the City and County of Peterborough have agreed to continue their financial commitment to support the operation of this valuable resource.

“The City of Peterborough is pleased to continue to partner with Peterborough County to support the Small Business Enterprise Centre as it transitions to Community Futures Peterborough,” says Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. “I’m thrilled that the team at Community Futures Peterborough will ensure that local small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to benefit from the essential supports that the SBEC provides.”

“Peterborough County is committed to ensuring a smooth transition of the Small Business Enterprise Centre in Peterborough,” says Warden Bonnie Clark. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and the SBEC provides essential support services to them and to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to set up in Peterborough County. We have full confidence in the team at Community Futures Peterborough and they have our full support as they take on this new responsibility.”

Entrepreneurs can leverage the resources available at the Business Advisory Centre to help start or grow their businesses.  Guidance on how to register your business, write a business plan, or hire your first employee is available, along with expert business advisors to provide business counseling services and expansion support.  In addition, advisory programs with a grant component including Starter Company Plus and Summer Company will be offered.

Community Futures Peterborough’s BAC will open applications for Starter Company Plus this fall and assume delivery of advisory services immediately, working closely with the team at PKED.

The announcement was made at today’s annual general meeting (AGM) of Community Futures Peterborough, which highlighted the organization’s success over the past year, notably the launch of ScaleUP, the Community Advancement Program, and the Climate Change and Environment Fund. The AGM also reported on the distribution of business loans totaling nearly $1.4 million; creating or maintaining almost 200 jobs locally. Additionally, Community Futures Peterborough delivered 43 workshops, conducted more than 132 in-depth interviews, and assisted another 121 non-loan client businesses.

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 4,300 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.

Media Contact:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca

PETERBOROUGH, ON – June 24, 2024

Entrepreneurship in the City and County of Peterborough has continued to show signs of resilience over the past year, as indicated by the year-end results released today by Community Futures Peterborough.

“Our small business community continues to believe Peterborough is a great place to both start and grow a business,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The year-end results demonstrate this through the investment dollars to grow area businesses.”

Community Futures Peterborough announced it had distributed nearly $1.4 million in business loans to 26 area entrepreneurs, creating or maintaining almost 200 local jobs.

“Indicators we see suggest resiliency from our business community and the renewed desire to grow entrepreneurship in our area,” adds Girard. “We look forward to supporting the growth of small business in Peterborough City and County.”

Community Futures Peterborough worked closely with ‘TeamPTBO’ partners; namely Peterborough Kawartha Economic Development, the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the Innovation Cluster, and Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to deliver programming and advisory services to support area businesses and start-ups.

Year-end results were shared at today’s annual general meeting (AGM) of Community Futures, which highlighted the success of the organization over the past year, notably the launch of ScaleUP, the Community Advancement Program, and the Climate Change and Environment Fund.

“In the City and County of Peterborough, community entrepreneurial spirit is strong,” said Michelle Ferreri, MP Peterborough – Kawartha.  “I’m committed to fostering an environment where local businesses thrive, including the invaluable work of Community Futures 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 4,300 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 the summer of 2024, Community Futures Peterborough began delivery of the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, funded by the Province of Ontario.

About FedDev Ontario

For 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 impacts 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.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Mobile: 705-957-3641

Edward Hutchinson, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

PETERBOROUGH, ON – April 22, 2024 – A new loan fund to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint is being launched in our community. Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) unveiled its Climate Change and Environment Fund at an Earth Day event this morning.

“Like many organizations and leaders in the community, we want to be a part of helping fight climate change and encourage green investment in the Peterborough area,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “Launching this new lending program is one way we can play a role in supporting existing businesses while also trying to attract new green companies to the region.”

The Climate Change and Environment Fund will be open to any business or attracted business in the City or County of Peterborough to finance a project that would reduce carbon emissions or waste. Considerations of these projects could be energy-efficient upgrades (including capital upgrades) to reduce energy bills, renewable energy improvements, or considerations of circular economies including localizing supply chains or buying reusable bins. Under this fund, CFP will lend money at prime rate, up to $100,000 per project.

“The new Climate Change and Environment Fund will support businesses in the Peterborough area as they adopt more environmentally-friendly practices and build a greener Canada. Our Government is pleased to support the Community Futures Development Corporations, like Community Futures Peterborough, as they help pave the way for economic growth and green solutions in southern Ontario’s rural communities,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The launch of the Climate Change and Environment Fund was held at Charlotte Products, a Peterborough-based company that has been investing in environmentally friendly cleaning products since 1994. The company also significantly reduced carbon emissions by investing in the creation of its local manufacturing facilities instead of sourcing from the United States and globally.

“On behalf of the Charlotte Products team, we are honoured to host this exciting launch of the Climate Change and Environment Fund by Community Futures Peterborough”, says Matt Strano, CEO of Charlotte Products. “Sustainability is a primary concern for numerous businesses in our community, and initiatives like this fund will further bolster and reinforce their ongoing efforts.”

“The climate crisis is bringing a variety of increased financial pressures to our businesses including supply chain disruption, and the rising costs of both shipping and natural gas,” says Tegan Moss, Executive Director of GreenUP.  “The Climate Change and Environment Fund is an opportunity for businesses to invest now in solutions that can help their businesses manage these costs while being a part of the solution. Imagine the possibilities: energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, circular economy initiatives – all aimed at reducing emissions, lowering costs, and enhancing the brand image of our businesses.”

In addition to supporting green upgrades to existing businesses, the Climate Change and Environment Fund will support efforts to attract new investment to our area. “Every community is looking for ways to increase their competitive edge to attract companies and industry to the region,” says Rhonda Keenan, President and CEO of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.  “CFP’s Climate Change and Environment Fund will provide one more competitive advantage for doing business in the Greater Peterborough Area.  Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development looks forward to promoting this tool to industry and businesses that we are trying to attract to this region.”

On hand for today’s announcement were local dignitaries including City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, both of whom showcased their support for this new program.

“The Climate Change and Environment Fund will help local businesses reduce their carbon footprint, lower costs, and promote innovation and sustainability in the Peterborough region,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I want to thank Community Futures Peterborough for their environmental leadership and support for our local economy.”

“As we celebrate Earth Day, I am proud that Community Futures Peterborough is introducing its Climate Change and Environment Fund. Local businesses can join the movement to “go green” with new projects supported by this fund”, says Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County.  “Investing in sustainability is all about securing our future prosperity. By helping our businesses become more sustainable, we plant the seeds for a more resilient economy and environment. I am looking forward to seeing the innovation of our business community as they heed the call to build a greener Peterborough County and City! Thank you to Community Futures Peterborough and FedDev Ontario for this exciting initiative. Happy Earth Day!”

More information on the Climate Change and Environment Fund can be found on the Community Futures Peterborough website.

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 4,300 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.

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 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 impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Mobile: 705-957-3641

Edward Hutchinson, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

PETERBOROUGH, ON – March 11, 2024 – The transformative advisory program developing entrepreneurs in our community looking to scale is returning this spring. Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and Scotiabank are back with their partnership to present ScaleUP, a program designed to help local businesses grow.

“Business owners in the city and county continue to tell us they want access to tools and programs to support the growth of their operations,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome back Scotiabank as a partner to bring this program to entrepreneurs in our community.”

The ScaleUP program was first piloted by CFP in 2022 and successfully supported the scaling of six local women-led businesses. This past fall, Scotiabank joined Community Futures to present a redesigned ScaleUP program, attracting dozens of applicants. Thanks to the renewed partnership with Scotiabank, ScaleUP is now welcoming another cohort of entrepreneurs this spring for a revamped program focusing on building a business plan for sustainable growth.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Community Futures Peterborough to continue supporting ScaleUP, says Chris Skinner, District Vice President in Ontario Central East. “It’s a program that closely connects with our own values, supporting our community by empowering entrepreneurs to grow their business and reach their goals.”

The ScaleUP program was first piloted by CFP in 2022 and successfully supported the scaling of 6 local women-led businesses. This past fall, Scotiabank joined Community Futures to present a redesigned ScaleUP program – attracting dozens of applicants for the spaces. Thanks to the renewed partnership with Scotiabank, ScaleUP is now open to welcome another cohort of entrepreneurs this spring for a revamped program focussing on building a business plan for sustainable growth.

The 2024 cohort of entrepreneurs will once again be led by Diane Richard, a seasoned industry consultant, and a team of regional experts. They will learn in a mix of classroom sessions and, crucially, one-on-one strategic consultations tailored to their unique growth opportunities. The cohort will delve into crucial areas such as expansion planning, setting KPI’s and strategic goals, people management, personal leadership, and financial management. The program will finish with a tailor-made growth plan for sustainable expansion.

“Investing in programs, like ScaleUP, will provide the support and resources to entrepreneurs in rural communities that will support them as they scale-up, grow and thrive. Our Government’s commitment to the Community Futures Program has helped pave the way for economic growth in southern Ontario’s rural communities,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Applications for the 2024 ScaleUP program are open to businesses located within Peterborough City or County. Interested entrepreneurs can apply via the Community Futures Peterborough website today.

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 $41 million in 1,200+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,300 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.

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 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 impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: “for every future”, we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of over 90,000 employees and assets of over $1.3 trillion (as at April 30, 2023), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @Scotiabank.

Media Contact:

Devon Girard, Executive Director

devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Mobile: 705-957-3641

Edward Hutchinson, Press Secretary

Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

PETERBOROUGH, ON – January 16, 2024 –A new program aimed at boosting our local economy has been unveiled by Community Futures Peterborough today. The Community Advancement Program, known as CAP, will distribute $50,000 to projects driving economic stability, job growth, and job creation in our region this spring.

“The creation of this program demonstrates the commitment our organization has to advancing our local community forward,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The distribution of $50,000 in our economy should make a real difference to drive various economic development initiatives.”

The Community Advancement Program will provide each successful applicant with non-repayable funding of up to $5,000 for their project. CAP is open to all businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals in the City and County of Peterborough who successfully apply for programs that boost business attraction, investment, retention, and employment in our community. Applications are currently being accepted until March 8, 2024.

“CAP is working to help entrepreneurs and businesses scale up, grow, and create economic development in rural communities like Peterborough,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario is funding the Community Futures Program to ensure small businesses have what they need to grow and thrive.”

Additional Quotes:

“The Community Advancement Program will boost economic development in our region by helping businesses, non-profits, and individuals in the City and County of Peterborough to invest in their community. I want to thank Community Futures Peterborough and FedDev Ontario for supporting our local economy.” – Jeff Leal, Mayor, City of Peterborough.

“Community Futures Peterborough, with the support of FedDev Ontario, continues to help our business community reach its full potential. The CAP program will help businesses to adapt, innovate, and grow to serve our communities including those in rural Peterborough County.” – Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County.

“A $5,000 contribution can be a complete game-changer for a startup or small business.  The establishment of the CAP program provides businesses the opportunity for continued success, which is not only a win for our local economy, but our community as a whole.” – Michelle Ferreri, Member of Parliament, Peterborough – Kawartha.

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 $41 million in more than 1,100 small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,100 jobs in the City and the 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 (CFP).

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 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 impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard, Executive Director

Community Futures Peterborough

devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Mobile: 705-957-3641

Edward Hutchinson, Press Secretary

Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Backgrounder

What is the Community Advancement Program?

CAP, an initiative of Community Futures Peterborough (CFP), aims to boost business attraction, investment, retention and employment in the City and County of Peterborough by supporting projects that:

• Create community economic stability, growth and job creation;.
• Develop and diversify competitive local rural economies; and
• Foster economically sustainable communities.

What kinds of projects does CAP support?

• CAP seeks projects in areas like local tourism, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities that:
  • Create jobs, spark innovation and foster inclusiveness for specific client groups (e.g., women, youth, Indigenous people, etc.) as they start, grow or diversify their businesses;
  • Help small businesses adapt to changing economies and technologies;
  • Create partnerships with local governments, Indigenous groups, educational institutions and community organizations;
  • Boost economic impact by strengthening and expanding tourism markets; and
  • Support organizations promoting regional economic development.

Who can apply?

• Individuals
• Businesses
• Not-for-profit organizations

Funding

• Maximum funding request: $5,000

PETERBOROUGH, ON – November 15, 2023 – Peterborough’s history of being the ‘Electric City’ has been ignited once again as Community Futures Peterborough introduced its new client, ARC Motor Company, to the community and national media today.

“The passion, drive, and commitment to sustainably innovative technologies are all demonstrated through the leadership team at ARC,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “We are so excited to reveal this company and its commitment to sustainability to the world.”

Based in Peterborough, Ontario, ARC is a green-tech start-up that transforms and upcycles iconic classic cars into modern and powerful electric vehicles. ARC is dedicated to producing electric vehicles with the latest technology to drive better performance and contribute to a future with net-zero emissions. Headed by CEO Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to establish such a start-up, ARC is redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness. Community Futures Peterborough helped launch ARC with a sizable business loan.

“Not only are we grateful to the team at Community Futures Peterborough for providing us with a critical loan, but also for their invaluable expert advice and guidance,” says Sloane Paul, Founder and CEO of ARC. “Their mentorship has been instrumental in steering us—as a start-up—along the right path.”

ARC Chief Operating Officer, Tom Chep adds, “With the support of Community Futures Peterborough, we are poised to make a meaningful impact on our community’s future.”

Raised in the south end of Peterborough, Chep and Paul, the brother-sister team of ARC, have been eager to create jobs and invest in their hometown.  Chep successfully engineered the restoration of the company’s first car, a 1974 Ford Bronco, into a fully electric vehicle using upcycled lithium-ion batteries.

“Rebuilding classic cars with clean technology is a new and exciting way to drive the future of net-zero transportation,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Supporting entrepreneurs like Sloane and Tom so they can bring their incredible ideas to Canadians is exactly how our government will grow the economy and fight climate change.”

As a start-up company, qualifying for lending from traditional banks became challenging, until Community Futures Peterborough could step in and provide lending options.

“Small town businesses create very big ideas,” says Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “ARC Motor Company is an example of how great ideas get off the ground with the right supports. Our government works with businesses and the organizations like Community Futures Peterborough that support them, as they find new and innovative ways to contribute to a strong economic future for Ontario and all of Canada.”

In February 2023 the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, announced an investment of nearly $40 million over the next three years for southern Ontario’s trusted network of CFDCs to continue on their path of growth in the rural communities they serve.

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 $41 million in more than 1,100 small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,100 jobs in the City and the 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 (CFP).

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 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 impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard, Executive Director
Community Futures Peterborough
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Mobile: 705-957-3641

Edward Hutchinson, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Sloane Paul, Founder and CEO
ARC Motor Co
Sloane@arcmotors.com
Mobile: 416-797-0528

PETERBOROUGH, ON – October 26, 2023 – Today marks the graduation of nine area entrepreneurs who successfully completed the transformative ScaleUP program presented by Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank.

“For the past eight weeks, these ambitious business owners have participated in extensive one-on-one coaching alongside intensive classroom sessions to better equip them with the knowledge and tools to accelerate their business to the next level,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “Today, each graduate is walking away with a customized roadmap to help guide them through the next phase of sustainable growth for their business.”

The 2023 ScaleUP program was specifically designed to educate area entrepreneurs with the tools needed to make key decisions about how to grow and expand their businesses in our community. The program was presented in partnership with Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank, with a shared commitment to serve area business owners looking to scale their operations.

“Scotiabank offers our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the ScaleUP program. The support this program offers to participants is aligned to the tailored advice we deliver to our clients as they look to grow and expand their business,” says Chris Skinner, District Vice President of Ontario Central East. “We are proud to have partnered with Community Futures Peterborough in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in the community.”

Graduates of the fall cohort of the program include:

• Robyn Jenkins, Charlea’s Riverside Gardens
• Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts
• Angela Jones, Lakeshore Designs
• RJ Kayser, Flowspa
• Robyn Ivory, Indigenously Infused
• Brett Pritchard, The 3D Shoppe
• Kollene Drummond, Well Grounded
• Matt Anderson, Chemong City Greens
• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Service

“The insights I learned through the ScaleUP program have sparked exciting new developments for my business,” says Robyn Ivory, Founder and Creator of Indigenously Infused. “Aligning our goals with tangible practices doesn’t feel so daunting when guided by Diane and the ScaleUP program. Working and learning alongside a powerhouse of entrepreneurs has inspired me, to say the least.”

“Through the ScaleUP program, I am now better equipped for the leadership roles and business processes I’ll need to build upon to successfully grow and scale my business,” says Matt Anderson, owner, of Chemong City Greens.  “This program has provided me with the confidence and know-how to apply the tools and best practices needed to anticipate the many challenges entrepreneurs face. Having the opportunity to learn from Diane and her years of leadership experience plus being in the room and learning from other Peterborough business owners has been very rewarding.”

The 2023 program was led by Diane Richard, a seasoned industry consultant, and a team of regional experts including Savino Human Resource Partners, Holmes-Riseley CPA’s and Tax Advisors and featured a supply chain consultant.  The program featured extensive education into crucial areas such as financial management, supply chain optimization, people management, crisis control, organizational structuring, and creating effective policies.

“I want to congratulate the graduates of the ScaleUP program—your hard work and dedication are a testament of your commitment to your business and your community,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Our government knows the value of rural economies and that is why earlier this year we invested a further $40 million into the 36 CFDCs so they can provide valuable programs, tools and resources to help rural businesses thrive.”

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 $41 million in 1,100+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,100 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.

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 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 impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: “for every future”, we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of over 90,000 employees and assets of over $1.3 trillion (as at April 30, 2023), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @Scotiabank

Media Contacts:

Devon Girard, Executive Director

devon@cfpeterborough.ca

Mobile: 705-957-3641

Edward Hutchinson

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca