Photo submitted by: Community Futures Peterborough
Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has announced that six students have been accepted into the Summer Company Program; receiving training, mentorship and grant dollars to launch their new business this summer.
The Summer Company program provides youth aged 15 to 29 with the opportunity to receive tools, guidance and grant dollars of up to $3,000 to launch their businesses. Funded by the Government of Ontario through the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, Summer Company participants receive in-person training in areas such as business planning, marketing and financial management, as well as one-on-one mentorship tailored to their individual needs.
“The Summer Company program was designed to bridge the gap between a great idea and a viable business for our next generation of leaders,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By providing students with both the financial capital and the professional mentorship they need, we are ensuring that young entrepreneurs don’t just dream about starting a business; they actually do it. It is inspiring to see such a record-breaking number of applicants this year, and we are proud to support their journey.”
Community Futures Peterborough received 40 applications for this year’s program, and the following students were selected:
Aiden Budd, Dock to Driveway Detailing, Peterborough
Zander Bromley, Clearview, Peterborough
Caleb Galbraith, Joy Collectibles 3D, Lakefield
Emma George-Peters, Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care, Peterborough
Rutger Huntley, Peak Beach Volleyball, Millbrook
Rielle MacDougall, Lake Safe Swim Lessons, Peterborough
“Being accepted into the Summer Company program means that this idea is backed and validated by a fantastic team of individuals, which makes proceeding with everything feel far more achievable and realistic,” said Rutger Huntley, who is launching Peak Beach Volleyball in Cavan-Monaghan. “The resources and connections from this program will be monumental for getting Peak Beach Volleyball off the ground and running. One of the scariest parts of beginning a business is the lack of promise of anything actually evolving, so to take the monetary risk out of that and have guidance is phenomenal.”
Community Futures says that this year’s Summer Company program applicants were almost double the number received in 2025.
“Programs like Summer Company give young people the opportunity to turn their ideas into real businesses right here in Peterborough,” said Jeff Leal, City of Peterborough Mayor. “These six entrepreneurs are demonstrating creativity, ambition and a strong commitment to our community. The City of Peterborough is proud to support Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre as they foster the next generation of business leaders, and we look forward to seeing their ventures grow this summer and beyond.”
Community Futures Peterborough encourages the community to support these students throughout the summer by hiring their services, sharing their work and helping them gain valuable real-world experience.
For more information about the Summer Company Program, visit https://communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/summercompany/
(Written by: Felicia Massey)
