Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre Celebrates Milestone Success with First Starter Company Plus Program

Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has proudly wrapped up its first-ever Starter Company Plus Program, marking a historic milestone with the largest cohort in the history of Peterborough City and County. This groundbreaking program saw 21 businesses participating, with an impressive $89,000 in micro-grant funding distributed to help entrepreneurs bring their visions to life.

The program, aimed at supporting new and expanding businesses, provided participants with a comprehensive program to amplify their success. Over several weeks, the cohort engaged in workshops, mentorship sessions, and peer-to-peer learning, culminating in allocating micro-grants designed to fuel their business ventures. All successful applicants also receive a free 6-month membership from Peterborough Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and a pre-approved micro-loan from Community Futures Peterborough of up to $20,000.

“This cohort is a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Peterborough and the surrounding area,” said Rose Terry, lead of the Starter Company Plus Program and Manager of the Business Advisory Centre. “These 21 businesses are not just numbers—they represent dreams, community, and the determination to contribute meaningfully to our local fabric and culture. We are thrilled to play a role in their journey and to provide the resources they need to succeed.”

The Starter Company Plus Program is a province-wide initiative funded by the Government of Ontario. However, the program’s success locally speaks volumes about the tailored support provided by the Business Advisory Centre through Community Futures Peterborough. Entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including retail, food and beverage, and service industries, participated, demonstrating the versatility and strength of Peterborough’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“When I think about where I was on October 21^st when I arrived at the Business Advisory Centre for day one compared to where I am now exactly one month later, the word that comes to me is ‘growth’,” said Jodi Forestell, Founder of Jodi-Lee Nutrition & Wellness. “I now have a proper business banking account and line of credit, a business plan, a marketing strategy, a cash flow projection, a bigger social following, new friends, better vision, and best of all, more confidence.”

Key program highlights include:

• 21 businesses supported, the largest cohort in the region’s history.
• $89,000 in micro-grants awarded to fuel business growth and innovation.
• Comprehensive workshops covering business planning, marketing, public relations, financial management, and more.
• Access to mentorship, one-on-one business coaching, and networking opportunities to ensure long-term success.

“Congratulations to all the participants of this year’s Starter Company Plus Program,” stated Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Your dedication and hard work throughout this program are truly commendable. As you embark on this exciting journey of growth and innovation, remember that every significant achievement begins with the courage to take the first step. Here’s to your future success and the positive impact you will create in our community.” Added MPP Smith.

The successful businesses for this year’s Starter Company Plus program are:

• Davis Orchards, Kerrie Davis – Douro-Dummer
• Duff Acres, Chris Duff & Ashley Foreman – Otonabee South Monaghan
• EmpowerMind Coaching, Amanda Slade – City of Peterborough
• Hair Apothecary, Jennifer Ducker – City of Peterborough
• Hanoi House, Susan Tung – City of Peterborough
• Heather’s Holistics, Heather Litster City of Peterborough
• High Spring Trading Post, Deborah Howarth – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
• Jodi-Lee Nutrition & Wellness, Jodi Forestell – Trent Lakes
• Kayla Le Franc Photo, Kayla Le Franc – Otonabee South Monaghan
• Love you, Mean it. Ltd., Owen Walsh & Sam Sayer – City of Peterborough
• On Point Custom Catering, Elena Thomas – City of Peterborough
• Pies by Zach, Zach Washburn – City of Peterborough
• Scooter Heating & Air, Jamie Seed-Binnie – City of Peterborough
• Showbile Media, John Stewart – Cavan Monaghan
• Smash Courts, Jody Allen – City of Peterborough
• Stormlight Engineering, Adam Atkinson – City of Peterborough
• Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness, Ashley Woollacott – City of Peterborough
• Tailored Together, Taylor Wilkes – City of Peterborough
• T-Elle Boutique by VSL, Shaoling Victoria Wang – City of Peterborough
• The Doggery, Tiffany Lennox – City of Peterborough
• TE Media & Design, Emily Berardi & Tara Mansfield – City of Peterborough

The program’s participants now join a growing network of alumni who continue to drive economic growth and innovation in Peterborough City and County.

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 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

Quote Bank

“Completing the Starter Company Plus program has been a pivotal experience for my photography business. Through this program, I feel equipped and confident in my ability to serve my community with high-quality photography services here in Peterborough!” – Kayla Le Franc, Kayla Le Franc Photo

“I’ve gained invaluable experience from the Starter Company Plus Program, creating a sustainable and profitable business model for success.” – Emily Berardi, TE Media & Design

“Davis Orchards secures a grant to expand operations to bring more fresh local fruit to more customers in 2025.  At Davis Orchards ‘try it before you buy it’.  So excited to be planting even more apple, plum, and peach trees for the community and region to taste.” – Kerrie Davis, Davis Orchards

“We are thrilled to have completed the Starter Company Plus Program! We gained valuable knowledge in marketing strategies, and financial planning, and made lasting connections with many other incredible local entrepreneurs. With the grant, we look forward to expanding our business and investing in new infrastructure to better care for our livestock. We are especially grateful to the team at Community Futures for their incredible support and guidance throughout the program!” – Chris Duff, Duff Acres

“One of the best things that has happened to my business in 2024 is to be granted an opportunity to partner with the Starter Company Plus program. It has been a game changer as it has provided me with the insights, resources, and support that I need to take my business to the next level.” – Victoria, T-Elle Boutique by VSL

“Starter Company Plus has not only given me the push to move things forward in my business but also the tools, resources, confidence, and support from experts who know what they’re doing. So grateful for this program & how it will help Heather’s Holistics develop my menstrual health & education stream for folks everywhere.” – Heather, Heather’s Holistics

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the Starter Company Plus Program was the access to expert mentorship. The guidance from industry professionals helped me clarify my business direction.” – Amanda, EmpoweredMind Coaching