Peterborough Region Celebrates the Future of Business at the 2025 Summer Company Student Entrepreneur Showcase
PETERBOROUGH, ON – On August 13, 2025, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) brought together community partners, mentors, and local leaders to celebrate the drive, creativity, and achievements of six aspiring young entrepreneurs. These students have spent their summer launching and running their businesses as part of the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program.
The Summer Company program provides an opportunity for students aged 15 to 29 years old to take a business idea and bring it to life, with the guidance, funding, and encouragement they need to succeed. In addition to receiving up to $3,000 in grant funding, they have also received expert training and ongoing mentorship from CFP staff to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Along the way, these young entrepreneurs gained skills in problem-solving, financial management, customer service, and resilience – skills that extend far beyond the summer months.
“The Summer Company Program is igniting fresh ideas and building tomorrow’s businesses right here in Peterborough,” says Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough–Kawartha. “With our government’s support and expert advice from the Community Futures Peterborough team, these young entrepreneurs get the funding, mentorship, and skills they need to hit the ground running—and their success fuels a stronger, more dynamic local economy.”
The 2025 Summer Company entrepreneurs are:
- Spencer Toth, Farm Hands – Cavan-Monaghan
- Neha Mervin, Sparks of Bollywood – Otonabee-South Monaghan
- Haydon Meade, Scrub Window Cleaning – City of Peterborough
- Bisma Razaque, Shirt Spark – City of Peterborough
- Lauren Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy – City of Peterborough
- Teaghan Hartnett, West End Property Care – City of Peterborough
Throughout the summer, these students have demonstrated not only determination but also creativity and adaptability – qualities that are at the heart of entrepreneurship. They have learned to manage budgets, attract customers, deliver high-quality products and services, and adapt to unexpected challenges. For many, this is the first time they have been solely responsible for the success of a business, and the experience has been transformative.
Today’s celebration recognized the dedication and progress the students made over the summer. Community leaders, including Community Futures Executive Director Devon Girard, Director of Economic Development for the City of Peterborough, Daryll Julott, Peterborough County’s General Manager of Economic Development, Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough County’s Manager of Community Development, Sarah Budd, Peterborough – Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Vice President Joel Wiebe, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s Executive Director, Nour Mazloum, all spoke to celebrate the program graduates on the value of youth entrepreneurship and celebrated their commitment to starting a business.
“Youth entrepreneurship matters because it builds the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators,” said Allison Adam, Entrepreneurship Officer at the BAC. “When young people are given the chance to start a business, they learn first-hand how to take initiative, adapt to challenges, and create value in their community. Those lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives, whether they choose to continue as entrepreneurs or bring their skills into other careers.”
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; for young entrepreneurs, it’s about building skills, resilience, and confidence that last a lifetime while giving them the awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path,” says manager of the Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, Rose Terry. “Through our first-ever Summer Company Program delivered by Community Futures Peterborough, we’ve watched each student grow in remarkable ways, turning their ideas into fully functioning businesses. We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and determination, and we’re grateful to our Entrepreneurship Officer, Allison, whose mentorship has been nothing short of inspiring.”
As the 2025 Summer Company program comes to a close, the BAC encourages other aspiring young entrepreneurs to consider applying for next year’s intake in winter 2026. Whether a student has a small business idea or a big vision for change, Summer Company provides a safe and supportive way to take that first step into the world of entrepreneurship.
For more information about the Summer Company program or to learn how to apply, visit cfpeterborough.ca or contact allison@cfpeterborough.ca
Media Contact:
Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Cell: 705-957-3641
