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Six young entrepreneurs are wrapping up the summer with something more than work experience, each has launched and operated their own business.
Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has celebrated the graduation of six students from the 2026 Summer Company Program.
The program provides students between the ages of 15 and 29 with funding, training and mentorship to turn business ideas into operating ventures. Participants can receive up to $3,000 in grant funding.
This year’s graduates are Aiden Budd of Dock to Driveway Detailing, Zander Bromley of Clearview, Caleb Galbraith of Joy Collectibles 3D, Emma George-Peters of Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care, Rutger Huntley of Peak Beach Volleyball and Rielle MacDougall of Lake Safe Swim Lessons.
The businesses are based across Peterborough, Lakefield and Millbrook.
Throughout the summer, participants developed skills in areas including financial management, marketing, customer service, leadership and day-to-day business operations.
Rielle MacDougall said having support available made launching a business on her own more manageable.
“Having a team to back you up through a solopreneurship journey made starting a business feel a lot more manageable,” MacDougall said.
Entrepreneurship Officer Allison Adam said the program offers students an alternative to simply finding a traditional summer job.
“These students worked incredibly hard to create their own summer jobs, taking their ideas from concept to operation and learning firsthand what it takes to run a business,” Adam said.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith congratulated the graduates, saying the program gives young entrepreneurs practical skills, confidence and real-world experience.
The Summer Company Program is funded by the Ontario government and delivered locally through Community Futures Peterborough.
All six graduates indicated they are interested in continuing their entrepreneurial journey, either by growing their current businesses or pursuing other ideas.
