Community Futures Launches Business Advisory Centre with Top Entrepreneurship Experts at the Helm
Community Futures Launches Business Advisory Centre with Top Entrepreneurship Experts at the Helm
Peterborough, ON
September 9, 2024 – Community Futures Peterborough launches the newly revamped Business Advisory Centre, poised to become a leading resource for entrepreneurs in the region. Under the guidance of two highly respected business advisors and entrepreneurship experts, the Centre is set to provide unparalleled support to startups and small businesses.
Rosalea Terry, recently named the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year and a well-known business and marketing professor at Fleming College, has been hired as the Manager of the Business Advisory Centre. With nearly a decade of experience in the startup world, Rosalea has successfully propelled hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups through her uniquely targeted and innovative incubation programs. She also runs her own internationally acclaimed keepsake brand, nectar co. Her deep expertise and passion for entrepreneurship make her ideal for this role.
Lindsey Irwin is joining her as the newly hired business advisor at the Centre. Lindsey is a leading marketing consultant and a professor at Fleming College and Trent University. She has a proven track record of launching hundreds of entrepreneurs through her work with students at Durham College and supporting small businesses. As the owner of the successful social enterprise Old Jar Candle Co., Lindsey brings a wealth of practical knowledge, advisory expertise, and experience as a creativity coach and innovation specialist to the role.
The Business Advisory Centre is one of the few of its kind that offers a comprehensive suite of services, combining access to grants, microloans, top-tier advisors, and specialized programs to support business growth, scaling, and even selling. This unique blend of resources and expertise makes it an invaluable hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to succeed in today’s dynamic market.
“With the launch of the Business Advisory Centre, we’re taking a significant step forward in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives both our city and county,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “By bringing together top-tier talent like Rosalea Terry and Lindsey Irwin, we’re ensuring our local businesses have access to the expertise, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. This Centre is not just a resource for entrepreneurs; it’s a catalyst for economic growth across our entire region.”
Community Futures Peterborough announced in June it would be assuming operations of the Business Advisory Centre, providing small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to funding and advisory services all in one place. 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).
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and the launch of the new home for the Business Advisory Centre will ensure that entrepreneurs continue receiving crucial support and resources to help Peterborough-Kawartha’s community small businesses thrive and grow,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha.
To celebrate the launch, the Business Advisory Centre held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open its doors and provide the community with the opportunity to tour the new home of the BAC and meet its expert advisors. Terry and Irwin have been collaborating closely with the Community Futures team to revamp the Business Advisory Centre’s offerings, ensuring they meet the needs of today’s modern businesses in the city and county. The Centre will provide a wide range of services, including mentorship, expert consultations, advisory, grant programs, confidence coaching, workshops, masterminds, and networking events, catering to businesses at all stages of growth, from early-stage startups to scaling enterprises.
“Successful small businesses are a crucial part of our economy and essential to the fabric of our community. I’m thrilled that our local businesses and entrepreneurs will be able to access the support they need through the revamped Business Advisory Centre,” says Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. “I want to thank Community Futures Peterborough for assembling such an experienced and talented team of Rosalea Terry and Lindsey Irwin to ensure that this important service continues.”
“Businesses and entrepreneurs in Peterborough County are in good hands with the newly revamped Business Advisory Centre. We are proudly leveraging local talents Rosalea Terry and Lindsey Irwin to run the new BAC. Their expertise and experience will be an indispensable asset to our local businesses,” says Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “I expect the business community will be impressed with the updated offerings available to them through the BAC. I am optimistic about the future of entrepreneurship and business development in Peterborough County and City. We look forward to our partnership with CFDC-BAC to share space in Lakefield and other locations in Peterborough County to expand services in all of our communities. Thank you to Community Futures Peterborough for your leadership and partnership in this venture.”
Today’s event also announced the opening for the intake of the Starter Company Plus program. This program offers businesses the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding, as well as ongoing support and mentorship to start or grow their ventures. Applications for the program are open until October 4, 2024, at 4 pm EST.
“We are incredibly confident in the team we’ve assembled to lead the Business Advisory Centre,” said Wayne Harding, Board Chair of Community Futures Peterborough. “We’re empowering our community with the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic market. Community Futures Peterborough is the go-to for businesses and entrepreneurs and will undoubtedly bolster our local economy and create lasting opportunities for growth throughout the city and county.”
For more information on the Business Advisory Centre and how to apply for the Starter Company Plus program visit http://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 4,300 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. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough.
Media Contact:
Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Cell: 705-957-3641