Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.
Applications for the Starter Company Plus Program are now open for the upcoming cohort of Starter Company Plus, offering entrepreneurs essential tools, mentorship and up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding to take their businesses to the next level.
Participants will receive personalized guidance from seasoned business advisors who will help refine their strategies, build strong financial foundations and develop effective marketing campaigns. The program also provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and like-minded peers who have successfully started, expanded or acquired small businesses.
“Starter Company Plus is more than just a grant, it’s a transformative training experience that reshapes the trajectory of each business accepted into the cohort,” said Rosalea Terry, manager of the Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications. “By combining expert-led programming, valuable connections, a supportive cohort of business owners and funding opportunities, we empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and grow their businesses with confidence. This program is about more than financial support; it’s about equipping business owners with the tools, knowledge, and network to create lasting success. We are excited to champion the next group of business owners and see their success stories unfold in our region.”
The deadline to apply for this cohort is August 5 at 11:59 p.m.
“Programs like Starter Company Plus are vital to our local economic fabric,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By investing directly in our entrepreneurs, we aren’t just helping individual businesses grow, we are fostering innovation, creating sustainable jobs and building a stronger, more resilient community. I am incredibly proud to see this continued collaboration driving real, lasting success for our region’s small business sector.”
Participants in the program will also benefit from additional resources designed to support their long-term success. Each entrepreneur will receive a six-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, providing them with networking opportunities, business advocacy and access to exclusive events.
Additionally, they will have access to a conditionally pre-approved microloan of up to $20,000 from Community Futures Peterborough, offering financial support to help fuel business growth.
“The continued momentum we’re seeing within our small business community is inspiring,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “Starter Company Plus continues to be a highly sought after program in our region from those looking to turn their ideas into sustainable, thriving businesses and we can’t wait to see this year’s applications.”
Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, based in the City of Peterborough or Peterborough County and ready to either launch a new business or expand an existing one that’s under five years old.
“Community Futures has been such a huge part of our journey at Lark & Lemon,” said Vanessa Wunderlich, co-founder and Starter Company Plus graduate. “As two moms who started a business from the ground up, having access to their support, knowledge and encouragement gave us the confidence and tools to take our business to the next level. We’ve been able to apply so much of what we learned directly to our growth, and today we’re watching our online sales climb and welcoming new retailers every month. We’re incredibly grateful to the Community Futures team for believing in us and helping us turn a big dream into something bigger than we ever imagined.”
Successful applicants will be required to attend each of the training sessions throughout the months of September and October 2026.
For more details and to apply for the program, visit the website https://communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/startercompanyplus/
(Written by: Felicia Massey)
