The Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough has announced the 20 local businesses selected to participate in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program.
The participating businesses range from handcrafted smoothies and live event painting to holistic wellness, mobile dog training, and even a travelling dinosaur exhibit.
The announcement was made on Wednesday morning (April 23) in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, with the City of Peterborough’s economic development director Darryl Julott and Peterborough County’s community and economic development manager Sarah Budd among those congratulating the successful entrepreneurs.
Administered locally by the Business Advisory Centre, Starter Company Plus offers entrepreneurs access to expert guidance, networking opportunities, and up to $5,000 in grant funding each to take their businesses to the next level upon successful completion of the program.
Following the 2024 program, which saw 21 entrepreneurs graduate last fall and receive micro-grants, the Business Advisory Centre received 70 applications for the 2025 program.
“The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen,” says Business Advisory Centre manager Rosalea Terry in a media release. “We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”
Of the 20 businesses selected for the spring cohort, 12 are based in the City of Peterborough and eight are based in Peterborough County. The entrepreneurs and their businesses are listed below.
City of Peterborough participants
- Kara Ainsworth of Groovy Little Smoothie Co.
- Julie Anastasia McMillan of Stoney Island Studio Live Event Painting and Creative Services
- Angela Demeester of The Willow Studio
- Jackie Orsetto of Architecture of Wellness
- Maggie O’Rourke of Wild Woman Ayurveda
- Millie Kingston of Doody Call
- Kelly Clark of Home and Well Inc. (Home & Well)
- Kait Howell of Common Thread Films
- Dennal Leya Miller of Miller Exterior Painting
- Brianna Burkitt of Burkitt Solutions Co
- Alexis Mills of Heeling Souls K9 Training
- Krista Charette of Layin’ Divots
County of Peterborough participants
- Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez of Transitions (Tentative Name)
- Jacqueline Lyons of The Forest Hill Lodge
- Amanda O’Rourke of Belmont Farmstead
- Karen Kearney of Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa
- Kristen Offen of Lark and Lemon
- Brent Morrison of Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company
- Timothy Jeffries of National Touring Museum
- David Lundrigan of Millbrook Fit
“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” says Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”
One of the successful entrepreneurs is Tim Jeffries, a dinosaur expert and amateur paleontologist who founded the National Touring Museum, a touring exhibition program for dinosaur enthusiasts.
“It is an amazing opportunity for myself and for my business to grow and learn to better serve the community and my country,” Jeffries says.
Over the coming months, Jeffries and the other participants will refine their business strategies, enhance their marketing, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to sustainably grow their businesses. A total of $89,000 in provincial grant funding will be available to the graduates, with each eligible for up to $5,000.
“Small businesses are essential to our economy, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and generating jobs throughout Peterborough-Kawartha,” says Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith in congratulating the participants. “Every small business is backed by an entrepreneur who embodies vision, passion, and purpose, showcasing the best of the Ontario spirit.”
For more information about the Starter Company Plus Program or the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough, visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca.
