Community Futures Peterborough Expands Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop Series with New Content for Fall 2026
September 3, 2026 – PETERBOROUGH, ON– Community Futures Peterborough is launching its popular Entrepreneurship 101 (E101) workshop series supported by Scotiabank this fall with an expanded lineup designed to respond directly to the needs of local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Through its ongoing one-on-one business consultations, Community Futures Peterborough has seen growing demand for support in areas such as idea validation, bookkeeping, branding, marketing, and social media. In response, the Fall 2026 Entrepreneurship 101 series will feature nine free workshops, including three brand-new sessions and two freshly expanded topics.
Fall 2026 Entrepreneurship 101 Full Workshop Lineup
All workshops will be held in the Everest Boardroom of the Venture North Building.
- NEW – Market Ready: Test Your Idea and Understand Your Market with Allison Adam, Thursday, September 24, 12-1 PM
- Launch Pad: Business Planning and Launch Strategies with Allison Adam, Thursday, October 1, 12-1 PM
- Funding Fuel: Explore Funding Pathways with Braden Clark, Thursday, October 8, 1-2 PM
- Money Map: Cash Flow Forecasting with Braden Clark, Thursday, October 15, 1-2 PM
- NEW – Bookkeeping Bootcamp: Bookkeeping Basics for Your Small Biz with Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, Thursday, October 29, 12-1 PM
- FRESHLY EXPANDED – Marketing Lab: Strategic Marketing with Rose Terry, Thursday, November 5, 12-1 PM
- FRESHLY EXPANDED – Brand Lab: Craft a Compelling Brand Story with Rose Terry, Thursday, November 12, 12-1 PM
- NEW – Digital Impact: Online Marketing, Holiday Edition with Rose Terry, Thursday, November 19, 12-1 PM
- Protect It: Intellectual Property for Small Biz with Marcelo Sarkis, Thursday, November 26, 12-1 PM
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses play a vital role in strengthening Peterborough’s economy and building vibrant communities across our region. Through programs like Entrepreneurship 101, Community Futures Peterborough is helping aspiring and established business owners gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed. I’m proud that the Government of Canada continues to invest in organizations like Community Futures Peterborough, which provide resources that support local innovation and economic growth,” says Emma Harrison, Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough. “By equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and expert guidance, these workshops are helping create opportunities, foster new ideas, and ensure businesses have the support they need to thrive here in Peterborough and Peterborough County.”
Each one-hour workshop will provide participants with useful information, guided activities, and take-home tools. Attendees will leave with worksheets, templates, and clearly defined next steps they can apply directly to their businesses.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and empowering our entrepreneurs with practical skills is essential for long-term regional growth,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This expanded Entrepreneurship 101 series gives local business owners direct access to the practical tools, mentorship, and foundational training they need to innovate, expand, and showcase the best of the Ontario Spirit right here in Peterborough.”
The Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series delivery and expansion would not be possible without the support of Scotiabank.
“We are elated to support Community Futures Peterborough with the Fall Entrepreneurship 101 series,” says Nolan Frazer, Team Lead at Scotiabank. “These valuable sessions are curated based on the demands of the local business community and we couldn’t be happier to help bring these learnings to our community of entrepreneurs at no cost. Scotiabank aims to support local businesses grow and succeed and the Entrepreneurship 101 series helps businesses achieve their short and long-term goals.”
The Entrepreneurship 101 series is designed for entrepreneurs at every stage, from those exploring an early idea to established small business owners looking to sharpen their skills, strengthen their operations, and prepare for growth. Space is limited in the free workshops, 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 (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 Province of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
Media Contact:
Rose Terry, Manager, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications
Mobile: 249-387-1740
