Young people with aspirations of entrepreneurship this summer in the City or County of Peterborough can kick-start their business idea by applying for the Summer Company program.
Offered for the first time by Community Futures Peterborough’s new Business Advisory Centre, the program is funded by the Ontario government to provide eligible secondary and post-secondary students with start-up money to launch a new summer business as well as advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running.
Applications for the Summer Company program are open until Saturday, May 17.
“My greatest hope for the Summer Company program is that it ignites a lasting entrepreneurial spirit in participants, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and real-world experience to turn their ideas into thriving businesses,” Business Advisory Centre manager Rose Terry told kawarthaNOW.
“Beyond the individuals, this program strengthens our local economy by fostering entrepreneurship and inspiring a new generation of business leaders who contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our region.”
Six successful applicants will gain access to expert mentoring, valuable resources, and financial support, including a grant of up to $3,000 for their small business start-ups. According to Community Futures Peterborough, the program provides “an unparalleled opportunity” for participants to build critical entrepreneurial skills while running their own businesses during the summer months.
“This program is about empowering young people with the confidence, resources, and connections they need to turn their ideas into reality,” said Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard. “The support provided ensures participants are equipped with the tools to succeed and create a strong foundation for their future.”
Entrepreneurial skills are more important than ever in today’s rapidly changing economy, noted Community Futures Peterborough. According to a recent report by Statistics Canada, more than 20 per cent of young Canadians aged 18 to 24 have expressed an interest in starting their own business, yet many cite a lack of resources, mentorship, and funding as barriers to entry.
“Programs like Summer Company play a critical role in addressing these challenges, equipping participants with essential skills like problem-solving, financial literacy, and marketing expertise,” Community Future Peterborough said. “These competencies not only help young entrepreneurs launch successful businesses but also prepare them to adapt and thrive in any career they pursue.”
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.
Community Future Peterborough says the program “has a proven track record of success,” having supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs across the province. Past participants have created a range of businesses in fields like technology, creative arts, food services, and retail.
The program is open to Ontario residents between 15 and 29 years old who are returning to school this fall and are not operating an existing business or working at a full-time job over the summer.
Those who are interested in learning more or applying for a spot in the program can visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca/summercompany/.
A not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario as part of the Community Futures Program,
Community Futures Peterborough has a mission to support small businesses in the city and county of Peterborough with flexible financing. It has invested more than $42 million in 1,300-plus small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,300 jobs in Peterborough.
Previously administered by the now-defunct Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It also receives operational funding from the City and County of Peterborough.
