Students and young people with business ideas are invited to take part in the Summer Company Program, giving participants the opportunity to be their own boss while gaining real-world experience and earning money doing something they love.
The program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in start-up funding to launch and run a small business. Interested students can apply now to build skills, confidence, and practical business experience.
Meanwhile, the first in-person cohort of the NEXT – New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training program has wrapped. The program helped displaced workers affected by layoffs and plant closures gain the knowledge, skills, and resources to launch their own businesses. Over six weeks, ten participants received hands-on training, one-on-one advisory support, and practical business planning. Eligible graduates also received up to $1,000 in grant funding from Peterborough County to support their new ventures.
The next cohort will be delivered directly to displaced workers at a local employer.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can also take part in the Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop Series, offered in partnership with Scotiabank, from March to May 2026 in Peterborough. The sessions provide practical guidance on business planning, marketing, funding, hiring, and more. Workshops include:
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Mar 4 – Spark Tank: Brainstorm to Breakthrough
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Mar 11 – Launch Pad: Business Planning
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Mar 25 – Brand Lab: Marketing and Branding
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Apr 1 – Funding Fuel: Explore Funding and Financing
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Apr 8 – Appear First: E-Commerce & SEO
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Apr 15 – Staff Smart: Hiring Your First Employee
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Apr 22 – Employer Essentials: Understanding Obligations
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Apr 29 – Money Map: Cash Flow Forecasting
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May 6 – Protect It: Intellectual Property for Small Biz
Those interested can apply online.
