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

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.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Here's Your Chance To Nominate A Local Business Making A Difference In Our Community

 

Click here to nominate a small business!

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.