next: New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training
The NEXT Program helps individuals facing job loss to
explore entrepreneurship as a new path forward. Through
interactive workshops, one-on-one advisory support, and practical
business training, participants learn how to turn their skills, experience,
and passions into viable business opportunities.
This program gives participants the confidence, knowledge, and
resources to take control of their future and build what’s next.
This initiative empowers people to reframe transition as a time for growth,
creativity, and independence.
The program will help you explore what's next
NEXT – the New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training program will support displaced workers affected by layoffs and plant closures in the region by giving participants the confidence, knowledge, and resources to take control of their future and build what’s next.
Participants will launch their own business through hands-on training, one-on-one advisory support, and practical business planning for what’s next.
Upon successful program completion, eligible graduates may be able to receive up to $1,000 in grant dollars towards start-up costs for their new business.
next includes
• In-class training with experts in their fields to help you grow and scale
• Ongoing one-on-one consultations with the program facilitator
• An opportunity to build your network with other local small business owners and be part of a cohort to support one another
- Participants in the program will have access to a 6-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
- A conditional pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough of up to $5,000; and
- Upon program completion, eligible graduates may be able to receive up to $1,000 in grant dollars towards start-up costs for their new business.
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting an information session to learn more about the program:
Register for our Virtual Information Session on December 10!
Register for our In-Person Information Session on December 10!
Who is the program for?
This program is designed to support recently laid-off workers in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. Community Futures Peterborough will run cohort-based, in-person programs to support displaced workers in our region.
Each in-person cohort will have a limited number of spots available. Priority will be given to displaced and laid-off workers. Applicants who provide a record of employment from the past 12 months or an impending layoff notice may be eligible for the $1,000 grant upon program completion.
Additionally, employers can contact Community Futures Peterborough’s Executive Director, Devon Girard, who will initiate discussions with the employer about its specific workplace needs.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for the next program:
This program is available to employers and displaced employees who have been laid off from their company or received an impending layoff notice in the region.
To be eligible for the $1,000 grant, a Record of Employment from the past 12 months, or an impending layoff notice is required.
This innovative program will help individuals turn their skills, experience, and passion into entrepreneurial opportunities. By providing access to training, mentorship, and resources, the initiative empowers participants to explore self-employment and small business ownership as a viable and rewarding career path, strengthening both personal resilience and the local economy.
Who is funding the program?
This program is funded by Community Futures Peterborough with additional support from Peterborough County.
CFP will contribute a grant of up to $1,000 per eligible graduate employee.
Employers or unions with funds available for displaced employee training or upskilling should contact Devon Girard to discuss the eligibility of returning those funds, dollar-for-dollar, to NEXT graduates to support business start-up costs.
How do employers engage CFP in this program?
Employers can reach out directly to Community Futures Peterborough Executive Director Devon Girard, who will initiate discussions with the employer about how the program can be tailored to their specific workplace needs.
What happens if employers do not have the dollars to contribute to the program?
That’s ok! Your employees are eligible to participate, and upon graduation, a $1,000 grant will be issued to eligible graduates from Community Futures Peterborough.
With the support of Peterborough County, we are pleased to make this program free to all affected employers and employees in our community.
Are displaced workers who were previously laid off eligible for this program?
Yes. Due to limited seats in the program, priority will be given to workers laid off or displaced within the past 12 months.
For grant eligibility, graduates must provide a Record of Employment or an impending layoff notice issued within the past 12 months.
The NEXT Program includes 5 hands-on workshops that will provide you with the tools and resources necessary to start and grow your business.
Program Dates:
Business Planning: January 22, 2026
Cash Flow: January 29, 2026
Marketing & Branding: February 5, 2026
Pitching and PR: February 11, 2026
Pitch Day: February 18, 2026
(All workshops 9am-11am)
Apply now for the program!Have questions?
Reach out to Devon Girard, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough.
This program is possible in part thanks to additional funding from Peterborough County
