Photo courtesy of: Community Futures Peterborough
Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre is rolling out the city’s first Summer Company Program, pairing six local youths with up to $3,000 in provincial start‑up funding and the coaching they need to transform summer projects into fully fledged businesses.
“This initiative, supported by our government, is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed,” said Peterborough–Kawartha MPP Dave Smith. “I’m incredibly proud to see their fresh ideas taking root and contributing to a dynamic future for our local economy.”
A record number of 15‑ to 29‑year‑olds applied, underscoring what provincial figures show is a province‑wide surge in youth self‑employment. From the competitive pool, the program chose Lauren Connolly, Teaghan Hartnett, Haydon Meade, Neha Mervin, Bisma Razaque and Spencer Toth.
“I love seeing kids grow in their swimming skills and confidence,” said Connolly, who is launching Connolly Swim Academy. “I am really excited to make my business the best it can be for my clients.”
Their ventures range from Bollywood dance instruction and custom apparel to window washing, landscaping and farm support—an eclectic slate that Business Advisory Centre manager Rose Terry says highlights “fresh ideas” already energizing the region. “The Summer Company Program is giving these six young entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical experience in launching and operating a business, while also equipping them with confidence, mentorship and the skills they need to succeed beyond the program,” she said. “We’re proud to lead a program that changes lives.”
Entrepreneurship officer Allison Adam, who has guided the cohort since May, said the experience is less about “having everything figured out” than about “making progress, staying curious, and being willing to try.”
Participants receive business‑planning workshops, one‑on‑one mentoring and networking opportunities in addition to the grant, mirroring national research that identifies mentorship and solid planning as make‑or‑break factors for start‑ups.
The Summer Company Program, a signature initiative of the Ontario government, supports youth‑run ventures in communities province‑wide each year. Organizers say Peterborough’s inaugural edition will play a pivotal role in grooming the next generation of local business leaders and boosting the area’s growing culture of innovation.
