Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Toolkit to Support Local Businesses With Advice on Managing Tariff Risks

In response to the ongoing trade challenges posed by United States tariffs, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has launched the Tariff Toolkit as a strategic resource to support businesses for the community.

Photo courtesy of CFP.

This is a collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre, the City of Peterborough, the County of Peterborough, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), and Peterborough + the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

CFP says the evolving trade landscape between Canada and the United States has created uncertainty for local businesses. All aforementioned organizations came together at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre to connect businesses with industry experts who provided initial guidance on minimizing the impact of tariffs on March 4. While the specifics of the tariffs may change, the need for businesses to rethink their approach to trade remains constant according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“We have always been mindful of not only the direct impacts tariffs themselves have on businesses but also tariff speculation and lasting change in consumer buying patterns. Those are the effects our area businesses are feeling right now,” she said.

According to CFP, the Tariff Toolkit is a practical resource that helps businesses assess their current trade strategies and explore new opportunities. It will also offer insights and actionable steps that businesses can work on with their advisors to develop a resilient approach to international trade. It is available to all businesses in the City and County of Peterborough.

“Downtown businesses are navigating an increasingly complex trade environment, and the Tariff Toolkit arrives at a critical time,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director. “It equips our businesses with the practical strategies and expert insights they need to adapt, stay competitive, and build long-term resilience. We're proud to support this initiative and ensure our local business community has every opportunity to thrive—no matter the global challenges.”

The Tariff Toolkit offers businesses guidance in key areas, including understanding the financial impact of tariffs, identifying alternative sourcing strategies, expanding customer bases beyond tariff-affected regions, mitigating financial exposure through hedging and risk management, repositioning brand messaging in response to trade shifts, and leveraging local and international partnerships to drive growth.

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Starter Company Plus Applications Open For Entrepreneurs to Help Launch and Grow Their Businesses

The Business Advisory Centre have opened applications for the upcoming Starter Company Plus program cohort that offers entrepreneurs essential tools, mentorship and funding to help grow and launch their businesses.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc and Community Futures Peterborough

“Starter Company Plus is more than just a program—it’s a transformative experience that reshapes the trajectory of the entrepreneur’s journey,” said Rosalea Terry, Business Advisory Centre manager. “By combining expert-led programming, valuable connections, a supportive cohort of like-minded individuals, and funding opportunities, we empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and scale their businesses with confidence. This program is about more than financial support; it’s about equipping business owners with the tools, knowledge, and network to create lasting success.”

Participants will receive guidance from a seasoned business advisor who will help refine their strategies, build strong financial foundations and develop effective marketing campaigns according to a press release. The program also provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and like-minded peers who have successfully started, expanded, or acquired small businesses.

“The Starter Company Plus program is essential for those looking to become entrepreneurs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By providing training, mentoring, and guidance, as well as grants, this initiative will equip individuals with the support they need to grow their businesses, opening up new avenues to transform their ventures into successful enterprises.”

Each entrepreneur will receive a six-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities, business advocacy and access to exclusive events. They will also receive a conditionally pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough.

“Supporting local entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth in our region,” said Devon Girard, Community Futures Peterborough executive director. “Our first cohort of 21 businesses successfully completed the program with rave reviews and inspiring success stories, proving just how impactful Starter Company Plus can be for businesses. By providing entrepreneurs with expert-led programming, valuable connections, and access to funding, this program is truly transforming businesses and shaping the future of our local economy. We can't wait to see what the next cohort will accomplish."

Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, based in the City or County of Peterborough and ready to launch a new business or expand an existing one.

Applications can be found online. The deadline to apply is April 2 at 11:59 p.m.

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Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre Launches First Summer Company Program

Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has launched the 2025 Summer Company Program with applications open to offer students the tools, guidance and funding needed to transform their business ideas into reality.

Photo courtesy of CFP.

This program helps empower youth to explore entrepreneurship and develop skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. Applicants must be between 15 and 29 years old and returning to school in the fall of 2025.

Six successful applicants through the program receive expert mentoring, valuable resources and financial support. This includes a grant of up to $3,000 to kickstart their small business. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity for participants to build critical entrepreneurial skills while running their businesses during the summer months according to Devon Girard, CFP’s executive director.

“This program is about empowering young people with the confidence, resources, and connections they need to turn their ideas into reality,” she said. “The support provided ensures participants are equipped with the tools to succeed and create a strong foundation for their future.”

The program offers a small, close-knit group of students the chance to receive personalized, one-on-one guidance and mentorship from an experienced advisor with extensive expertise in the entrepreneurial space.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore entrepreneurship at an early stage,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “By giving students the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to create their own jobs, we’re not just helping them succeed for one summer—we’re empowering them to have the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career path.   Many participants catch the ‘entrepreneurship bug’ and go on to become business leaders and changemakers in their communities. It’s amazing to see how this program sparks creativity in young minds.”

Full program details and application forms are available online.

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Free Panel Event For Businesses Regarding U.S. Tariff-Proofing to Run March 4

Business owners across Peterborough and the County are invited to attend a panel, ‘Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against U.S. Tariffs’ to help local businesses navigate the challenges posed by shifting trade policies, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The event is hosted by Community Futures Peterborough (CFP), the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association.

The free event runs on March 4 at Market Hall, with doors opening at 8 a.m. Attendees to network over food and drinks before programming begins at 8:30 a.m. The panel discussion will focus on the impact of U.S. tariffs, changes in consumer buying habits and effective strategies for businesses to mitigate risks and adapt to new trade realities, according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“The impact of U.S. tariffs is being felt across our region, and business owners are facing new challenges that require immediate attention,” she said. “We recognized the urgency of this issue and felt it was essential to bring together experts in trade, supply chain management, and finance to provide actionable insights. This panel is a direct response to the concerns we’ve heard from local businesses, and we’re committed to equipping them with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate these changes successfully.”

The event will begin with opening remarks from Girard, Joel Wiebe of the Peterborough Chamber and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. A panel will feature industry experts, including Bob Armstrong, President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services; Andrea Parkes, Professor of Supply Chain at Fleming College; and Sherry Hill, CFO of Peterboro Matboards and Secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association.

“Canada’s supply chains are critical to our country’s economic success but are under constant upheaval due to the complexity of the supply chain, consumers changing purchasing habits, government interventions, wars and labour shortages,” said Armstrong. “Our largest trade flows are South-North-South with our largest trading partner the USA. Will we see a new, larger flow of goods across Canada east to west, west to east as Canadians trade more with each other? Will Canada increase its exports and imports with the Far East and the EU? That can change supply chain patterns too,” he added.

Panellists will explore key topics such as how tariffs disrupt supply chains, strategies for diversifying suppliers, the impact of trade barriers on local businesses and new market opportunities for Canadian exporters throughout the discussion. Local business owners will also share firsthand experiences on how tariffs are affecting their operations and what steps they are taking to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.

“Our local economy is disrupted,” said Wiebe. “Peterborough sells more than $580 million in goods to the US and businesses here rely on American companies for the goods and materials they produce and sell. This is an opportunity to address the risks in our supply chain.”

Registration for the event can be found at CFP’s website.

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Advisory Suite For Local Entrepreneur Support

The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) and Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) have officially launched their Advisory Suite to support local entrepreneurs, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The suite is located on the renovated basement level of the Venture North building. It has a fully furnished space equipped with a 360-degree camera device for meetings and virtual workshops, a collaborative workspace and a dedicated confidential advisory area.

“The new Advisory Suite at the Business Advisory Centre will be more than just a meeting space; it’s a haven for creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving,” says Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Here, we are dedicated to walking alongside entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey—whether starting, growing, or scaling their businesses. This unique expansion of our offices at Venture North are designed to inspire and motivate. It will act as a resource hub with the support needed to turn visions into reality.”

The expansion alleviates the space constraints and enhances CFP’s capacity to deliver tailored support and resources to a rapidly growing number of entrepreneur clients, according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“The Suite reflects our mission to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing them with the advisory services, business programs, and environment they need to succeed,” she said. “It enhances our ability to offer one-on-one guidance and creates a dedicated workshop space allowing for increased collaboration among local business owners.”

Lindsey Irwin, BAC cusiness advisor says the Suite is strategically designed to foster connectivity and accessibility, offering an ideal venue for small workshops, meetings and mentoring sessions.

“We’ve been inundated with business owners, each with unique ideas, hopes, and dreams for their businesses,” she explained. “This space gives them the chance to speak freely and confidentially, fostering genuine conversations and meaningful support.”

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$100,000 Available For Projects Supporting Economic Growth Through Community Futures Peterborough's Advancement Program

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is doubling the funding to $100,000 through its Community Advancement Program (CAP) for projects supporting economic growth, announced at the Art Gallery of Peterborough on Tuesday morning.

Girard addresses the public on CFP’s 40th anniversary at the Art Gallery of Peterborough with several dignitaries in attendance. Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The money came from the federal government through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The CAP will distribute an astonishing $100,000 to our region's not-for-profits, charities, municipalities and First Nation communities, a doubling from when it was first launched last year.

“Our organization is committed to advancing our local economy forward and is thrilled to be able to distribute $100,000 back into our community this year,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “We fully understand and recognize the impact these dollars can make to create real change.”

The extra funding is part of CFP’s 40th anniversary where the City recognized the organization’s milestone.

“Building on a successful first year, the Community Advancement Program now offers even more support for businesses, non-profits and other eligible organizations to invest in the Peterborough region,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“Providing stability, building trust, and fostering a strong reputation in our region are all at the core of what we do at Community Futures Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, CPF board of directors chair. “It's about giving back and demonstrating unwavering commitment to our community.”

The Community Advancement Program will provide 10 chosen applicants with non-repayable funding of $10,000 for their project.

Applications for the CAP program and full program guidelines are available on the Community Futures Peterborough website. The deadline to apply is March 7. All applicants will be notified by April 1 of the result of their application.

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches Free Workshop Series: Entrepreneurship 101

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 Peterborough Launching Small Business Week Event Beginning Oct. 23

Community Futures Peterborough CFP has announced its inaugural Small Business Week event which will take place on Oct. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the El(p) event space.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) CHARLINA WESTBYE, CFP BOARD CHAIR; DEVON GIRARD, CFP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; BONNIE CLARK, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY WARDEN AND JEFF LEAL, PETERBOROUGH MAYOR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

This year’s celebration will include a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ event for entrepreneurs: The Modern Entrepreneur Experience. Attendees can choose to attend the entire day or select only the workshops that appeal to them most.

According to a press release, Small Business Week 2024 will bring together local entrepreneurs and small business owners for a dynamic, half-day program to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs. The program will focus on practical strategies, resources, and emerging trends.

The event will feature Keynote Speaker, Erika Arff, an accomplished Confidence and Business Coach named one of Cosmopolitan Magazine's Top 10 Pleasure and Confidence Coaches in 2021. Her popular podcast ranked in Canada’s top 20 in the Self-Help category in 2022 and her self-help journal reached the top 3 new launches for entrepreneurs in 2023. Her journey includes living with a chronic disease for 23 years and she’s traveled extensively, having taken over 100 flights in her lifetime. Her work has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping them build confidence as a foundation for business growth.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with over 500 clients from around the world,” said Arff. “Confidence is often overlooked until it’s the last thing getting in the way of your growth and unlocking your full potential. Then, it’s all you can think about!”

The Modern Entrepreneur Experience includes:

10:30 a.m. - Navigating City Hall
Moderated by Community Futures Executive Director Devon Girard, this panel will provide insights into navigating local permits, bylaws, and government processes, offering practical tips for working with local officials. Panelists for the event include senior officials from Peterborough City Hall.

11:30 a.m. - Lunch Break & Networking (Catered)An opportunity to hear from local business organizations such as the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association, and the Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas

12:30 p.m. - Artificial Intelligence: Your Business Sidekick
Delivered by Business Advisory Centre Manager Rose Terry, this workshop will show how AI can enhance business operations, marketing, and customer service.

1:15 p.m. – Supercharge Your Business Creativity
Led by Business Advisory Centre Advisor Lindsey Irwin, this session will focus on fostering creativity in business and personal life, empowering attendees to unlock innovative solutions to common challenges.

2 p.m. – The Art of Confidence in Business Keynote with Erika Arff
Led by business confidence coach for ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals, Erika Arff, this session will help entrepreneurs build resilience and confidence in decision-making and leadership.

“We are thrilled to present Small Business Week 2024, especially as it marks a new chapter for Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre. This event will be taste of what’s the come from the Community Futures Peterborough team, for growth and collaboration in our local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

For more information, and to register: Eventbrite

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Community Futures Peterborough's ScaleUP Program Announces 2024 Cohort of Graduated Businesses

Six entrepreneurs growing their business operations have completed and graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) 2024 ScaleUP program and were commemorated at their facility at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.

(From left to right) Clint Clarke, Tracy Cosburn, Alicia Doris, Jacob Rodenburg and Sean Flanagan. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The initiative is a collaboration between CFP and Scotiabank which help equip the entrepreneurs with strategic insights and tools necessary for accelerated growth according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“This dedicated group of ambitious business owners is now equipped with a customized expansion plan to grow and scale their operations,” she said, “We couldn’t be prouder to support their business journey, and we’re thrilled to see their sustainable growth plans put into action.”

The 2024 ScaleUP program was designed to address the evolving needs of regional entrepreneurs with the strategic tools required to make key decisions about how their businesses can scale according to a press release.

Graduates of the fall cohort of the program include:

• Tracy Cosburn, Kyoto Coffee

• Alicia Doris, Living Local Marketplace

• Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha

• Debra Ragbar, Kawartha Spice Company

• Clint Clarke, Barking Pixel Design Co.

• Sean Flanagan, Flanagan and Sun

The 2024 ScaleUP program was led by Diane Richard, an industry consultant and a team of regional experts over five months. Each graduates leaves the program with a customized growth plan to help them create sustainable expansion of their business.

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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.”

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