Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre Launches First Summer Company Program
Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre Launches First Summer Company Program
Peterborough, ON – March 10, 2025 – The 2025 Summer Company Program is now accepting applications, offering students the tools, guidance, and funding needed to transform their business ideas into reality. This program empowers youth to explore entrepreneurship and develop the skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. Applications are open until May 16, 2025.
Six successful applicants will gain access to expert mentoring, valuable resources, and financial support, including a grant of up to $3,000 to kickstart their small business. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity for participants to build critical entrepreneurial skills while running their own businesses during the summer months.
“This program is about empowering young people with the confidence, resources, and connections they need to turn their ideas into reality,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The support provided ensures participants are equipped with the tools to succeed and create a strong foundation for their future.”
Entrepreneurial skills are more important than ever in today’s rapidly changing economy. According to a recent report by Statistics Canada, over 20% of young Canadians aged 18-24 have expressed an interest in starting their own business, yet many cite a lack of resources, mentorship, and funding as barriers to entry. Programs like Summer Company play a critical role in addressing these challenges, equipping participants with essential skills like problem-solving, financial literacy, and marketing expertise. These competencies not only help young entrepreneurs launch successful businesses but also prepare them to adapt and thrive in any career they pursue.
The program offers a small, close-knit group of students the chance to receive personalized, one-on-one guidance and mentorship from an experienced advisor with extensive expertise in the entrepreneurial space.
Applicants must be between 15 and 29 years old, returning to school in the fall of 2025, or hold full-time employment during the program.
The Summer Company Program has a proven track record of success, having supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs across Ontario. Past participants have created diverse businesses in fields like technology, creative arts, food services, and retail.
“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore entrepreneurship at an early stage,” said Rose Terry, Business Advisory Centre Manager. “By giving students the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to create their own jobs, we’re not just helping them succeed for one summer—we’re empowering them to have the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Many participants catch the ‘entrepreneurship bug’ and go on to become business leaders and changemakers in their communities. It’s amazing to see how this program sparks creativity in young minds.”
Applications are open now through May 16, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.cfpeterborough.ca for full program details and the online application form. For additional information, contact Lindsey Irwin at lindsey@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:
Rosalea Terry, Manager, Business Advisory Centre
rosalea@cfpeterborough.ca
Cell: 705-745-5434 x 4