Photo via communityfuturespeterborough.ca
Community Futures Peterborough has partnered with Peterborough County to launch NEXT: New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training, a program designed to help displaced workers turn career disruptions into business opportunities.
Developed in response to recent layoffs and plant closures in the region, the initiative offers hands-on business training, mentorship, and individual support for participants considering self-employment.
“When people lose their jobs, they often lose more than income; they lose a sense of stability and purpose,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “NEXT transforms that challenge into a new beginning. By equipping displaced workers with entrepreneurial skills and support, we’re helping them gain confidence to explore entrepreneurship as a career option and continue our work in creating jobs in our community.”
The program includes interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to CFP’s business network. Participants will explore business ideas, develop plans, and gain skills in marketing, finance, and operations, while also connecting with funding opportunities and local resources. Employers with training funds can direct them to participants, and CFP will provide matching grants of up to $1,000 per graduate to support their ventures.
“Across southern Ontario, communities are finding new ways to turn challenges into opportunities, and the NEXT program is a great example. Community Futures Peterborough and its partners are giving people the tools to rebuild their futures and strengthen their local economy. Our government is proud to support initiatives that help Canadians adapt, innovate, and continue to build Canada’s prosperity from the ground up,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
“This partnership between Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County is a fantastic example of local leadership in action,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “The NEXT program provides exactly that—empowering our skilled workforce to leverage their experience and build new, resilient local businesses right here in Peterborough and the County. Investing in local entrepreneurship strengthens our entire economic foundation.”
Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark added, “In a time of global uncertainty around trade and tariffs, it’s more important than ever to invest in local solutions that build economic resilience. Peterborough County is excited to financially support the NEXT program—an initiative that empowers displaced workers to explore entrepreneurship and create new opportunities right here at home.”
The program is available to employees and employers across the City and County of Peterborough. Interested participants and employers can learn more and register at Community Futures Peterborough’s NEXT program page.
