Community Futures Peterborough Launches Program 'ScaleUP' to Aid Growth For Local Businesses

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and Scotiabank have partnered to pilot ‘ScaleUP’, a program designed to help local businesses grow announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

"Business owners in the community have told us they are facing roadblocks when making key decisions about when and how to scale their operations,” says Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Encouraging sustainable employment within our region is central to our mission at Community Futures Peterborough. The ScaleUP 2023 program has been specially designed to address this, offering a custom roadmap that guides entrepreneurs through the complex landscape of sustainable growth.”

The ScaleUP program started in 2022 and aided six local women-led businesses according to a press release. CFP reports that the seats available for area businesses have doubled since partnering with Scotiabank.

“Scotiabank has long been committed to supporting entrepreneurs and we are excited to be part of this initiative in partnership with Community Futures Peterborough,” said Chris Skinner, Scotiabank’s district VP of Ontario Central East. “The support this program offers to participants is aligned to the advice we deliver to our customers through personalized conversations and planning that can position them to grow their business.”

This year’s cohort of entrepreneurs is led by industry consultant Diane Richard and a team of regional experts according to a press release. They will learn in a mix of classroom sessions and one-on-one strategic consultations tailored to their unique growth opportunities.

The cohort will delve into crucial areas such as financial management, supply chain optimization, people management, crisis control, organizational structuring, and creating effective policies as stated by CFP. The program will finish with a tailor-made growth plan for sustainable expansion.

"Seeing the growth and evolution of local businesses is genuinely rewarding. The ScaleUP program aims to drive expansion and equip entrepreneurs with long-term strategies for success,” said Richard. “It's about building thriving businesses, contributing to our local economy and creating employment opportunities.”

Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing owner, expanded to a second location from the 2022 ScaleUP pilot.

“The program has positively influenced the health of my business,” she said. “I'm now more proactive with my staff and contractors and have developed a critical view of my supply chain, leading to open and constructive discussions with suppliers.”

“The ScaleUP program far exceeded my expectations in multiple ways,” said Roxanne McDonald-Brown, owner of Renew Medical Aesthetics and a 2022 ScaleUP graduate. “Diane, our mentor, was a powerhouse of support and knowledge. But it was more than just a learning experience. The bonds I formed with fellow entrepreneurs, who offered mutual support throughout the process, have become one of my favourite aspects of the program. Even post-program, we continue to meet at local restaurants, discussing triumphs and challenges. This sense of community and belonging we've cultivated is unparalleled.”

Applications for the 2023 ScaleUP program are open to businesses located within Peterborough City or County.

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