Community Futures Peterborough Launches Free Workshop Series: Entrepreneurship 101

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The Business Advisory Centre and Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is launching a new, free workshop series designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Peterborough City and County, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

These workshops aim to take the guesswork out of starting or growing a business while fostering a sense of community among local entrepreneurs, according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“Community Futures Peterborough and our Business Advisory Centre are committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed,” she said. “This workshop series is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to learn, connect, and thrive in Peterborough City and County.”

The series will cover a range of essential topics for business success:

  • Business Planning and Launching Your Business: Learn how to build a strong foundation for your business and bring your ideas to life.

  • Marketing and Branding: Discover effective strategies to promote your business and build a compelling brand.

  • Funding Options for Businesses: Explore various funding opportunities and understand how to access them.

  • Understanding Cash Flow and Forecasting Finances: Gain insight into managing your finances and planning for sustainable growth.

A one-time tax preparation workshop will also be offered in March to help businesses prepare for tax season.

“This series was designed to address the most pressing needs of small business owners, providing practical insights to help them build resilient and innovative businesses,” said Rose Terry, Business Advisory Centre manager. “It’s important to create a continuous learning journey, fostering growth, and ensuring long-term success for the local business community which is why we encourage entrepreneurs to attend the entire series.”

The Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series is free and open to all entrepreneurs, anyone exploring entrepreneurship and small business owners in the region. It is held three times annually.

The first Entrepreneurship 101 Series for 2025 has been set for the following dates:

  • Feb. 5

  • Feb. 19

  • March 5

  • March 19

  • March 26 (Annual tax planning workshop)

“Funding is one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face, but also where the greatest opportunities lay,” said Braden Clark, CFP loan manager. “These workshops will demystify the funding process, equipping participants with the tools to secure and manage financing effectively. Understanding cash flow and having a clear financial forecast is essential for long-term success, helping business owners build confidence to make informed decisions and seize opportunities.”

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Community Futures Launches Business Advisory Centre; Starter Company Plus Program Applications Open for Business Funding

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Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) expanded its services by launching its newly revamped Business Advisory Centre (BAC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Venture North Building on Monday afternoon.

The BAC, a part of the Small Business Enterprise Centre program, funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, was previously operated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Rosalea Terry, recently named the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year and business and marketing professor at Fleming College, has been hired as the BAC manager. She is joined by Lindsey Irwin as the business advisor and is a leading marketing consultant and a professor at Fleming and Trent University.

The Business Advisory Centre offers a comprehensive suite of services, combining access to grants, microloans, top-tier advisors and specialized programs to support business growth, scaling and even selling according to a press release.

These resources and expertise make it a one-stop hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“With the launch of the Business Advisory Centre, we're taking a significant step forward in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives both our city and county,” she said. “By bringing together top-tier talent like Rosalea Terry and Lindsey Irwin, we're ensuring our local businesses have access to the expertise, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. This Centre is not just a resource for entrepreneurs; it's a catalyst for economic growth across our entire region.”

CFP was assuming operations of the Business Advisory Centre that was announced in June. This enables them to provide small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to funding and advisory services in one location.

Services of the BAC include mentorship, expert consultations, advisory, grant programs, confidence coaching, workshops, masterminds and networking events, catering to businesses at all stages of growth, from early-stage startups to scaling enterprises.

In addition to the BAC’s launch, CFP has opened its applications to its Starter Company Plus program. It offers businesses the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding and ongoing support and mentorship to start or grow their ventures. Applications for the program are open until Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.

“We are incredibly confident in the team we've assembled to lead the Business Advisory Centre,: said Wayne Harding, CFP board chair. “We're empowering our community with the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in today's dynamic market. Community Futures Peterborough is the go-to for businesses and entrepreneurs and will undoubtedly bolster our local economy and create lasting opportunities for growth throughout the city and county.”

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[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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