Peterborough Economic Development Launches New Program For Entrepreneurs

Peterborough Economic Development (PED) has launched Starter Company Plus, a new program funded by the Government of Ontario that will support entrepreneurs as they start and expand their businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

The Starter Company Plus program will support all entrepreneurs over 18 who are out of school and looking to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. This program has been designed to support business start-ups and expansions for companies under 5 years old.

PED's Start and Grow Fair at Lansdowne Place Sunday, March 5th, where announcement was made about Starter Company Plus Program

The program builds on the success of the B.L.A.S.T. Pilot Program that was created and administered by Peterborough Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre last year, as well as the previous iteration of Starter Company that was geared at youth ages 18-29.

“This program will provide entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas with the tools and tangible takeaways that they need to succeed in business,” says Peterborough Economic Development’s Director of Business Development, Suzanne McCrimmon. “The training will focus on business planning fundamentals—including financial literacy, operations and market research.”

Crowd gathered at Start & Grow Fair for announcement of Starter Company Plus program

Upon completion of the training program for each intake period, participants will have the opportunity to submit their business plan and compete for one of seven micro-grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. These grants will be awarded based on merit and announced at an event hosted by Peterborough Economic Development.

There will be three intakes to the Starter Company Plus program in 2017. March 31st is the application deadline for the first intake. Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend a “Starting Point” workshop taking place every Monday in March at Peterborough Economic Development’s office at 210 Wolfe Street from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For full details on the Starter Company Plus program, go here.

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