Community Futures Peterborough Announces Six Local Youth Startups in the Summer Company Program
Peterborough, ON – June 18, 2025 – Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre is excited to announce the launch of their first ever Summer Company Program, a signature initiative of the Government of Ontario that supports the entrepreneurial aspirations of youth aged 15 to 29. Each year, the program provides eligible young people with up to $3,000 in grant funding to start and operate a business over the summer months. In addition to funding, participants benefit from comprehensive business training, expert advice, and personalized mentorship to help turn their ideas into real-world enterprises.
This year’s intake saw a record number of applications from across the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, a clear indication of the growing momentum for youth entrepreneurship in the region. From this highly competitive pool, six standout young entrepreneurs have been selected to receive funding and mentorship through the program.
This summer’s participants are Lauren Connolly, Teaghan Hartnett, Haydon Meade, Neha Mervin, Bisma Razaque, and Spencer Toth.
“I love seeing kids grow in their swimming skills and confidence,” said Lauren Connolly, founder of Connolly Swim Academy who hopes to help kids build confidence in the water. “I am really excited to make my business the best it can be for my clients.”
The diverse range of businesses in this group showcases creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit. From a swimming instructor focused on building life-saving skills and confidence in the water, to vibrant Bollywood dance classes that celebrate culture and movement and a custom apparel shop, each business brings something unique to the community. Window washing and landscaping services offer practical support to homeowners and businesses alike, while farm support provides essential help to local agriculture, ensuring our food systems remain strong. Together, these businesses reflect a wide spectrum of industries each making a meaningful impact in its own way.
“Young entrepreneurs are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also bringing fresh ideas to our region,” says Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications. “The Summer Company Program is giving these six young entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical experience in launching and operating a business, while also equipping them with confidence, mentorship, and the skills they need to succeed beyond the program. We’re proud to lead a program that changes lives.”
Allison Adam, Entrepreneurship Officer at Community Futures Peterborough has been leading the program since May.
“You can really see their confidence build as they take charge of their ideas. It’s not about having everything figured out. It’s about making progress, staying curious, and being willing to try.”
Youth entrepreneurship is on the rise across the province and the country. In Ontario, young people under the age of 30 now make up nearly 12 percent of all self-employed individuals, according to recent provincial labour statistics. Nationally, more than half of young Canadians have considered launching a business at some point, highlighting an appetite for independence and impact. A recent study by the Business Development Bank of Canada also revealed that strong mentorship and thorough business planning are two of the most critical success factors for new entrepreneurs, both of which are central pillars of the Summer Company experience.
“The Summer Company Program is a cornerstone for fostering innovation right here in Peterborough,” says Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This initiative, supported by our government, is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. The combination of financial support, expert guidance, and mentorship gives them a crucial head start. I’m incredibly proud to see their fresh ideas taking root and contributing to a dynamic future for our local economy.”
The Summer Company Program remains vital for developing the next generation of business leaders in our region.
For more information about the Starter Company Plus Program or the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough, please visit 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 in partnership with the Government of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. 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.
