As the evolving trade landscape inspires businesses to shift operations, Community Futures Peterborough is continuing to do what they have done for the past 40 years: support local businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
On Thursday (June 26), both Community Futures Peterborough and Renfrew County Community Futures announced their participation in CANtrade™, a new loan program designed to provide established businesses with flexible financing and reduced lending rates so they can adapt to the ongoing economic and trade uncertainty.
Eligible businesses can apply now at communityfuturespeterborough.ca/cantrade/.
“Community Futures Peterborough has just celebrated its 40th year of operation and, when we take the time to reflect on that legacy and that reputation within the community, we know it has always been about showing leadership during challenging times,” says Community Futures Peterborough Executive Director Devon Girard.
“We’ve always offered the Community Futures loan program, and we felt it was important to develop something that is specific to supporting those businesses who need it the most during this challenging period.”
Made available through the Community Futures Program funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CANtrade™ was first launched in early June by the Nventure Business Development Corporation.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Northumberland Community Futures,” says Girard. “One of the benefits of clients working within the Community Futures network is how close those relationships are and the mutual respect we have for one another. We all want area businesses to succeed and when one organization develops a good idea, we’re always happy to share within the Community Futures network.”
For a limited time through CANtrade™, businesses can access loans ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 with interest rates from prime to prime plus two per cent. The loan allows for interest-only payments for the first six months, and repayment terms are available up to 60 months, with no penalties for prepayments.
“There’s so much uncertainty around how long tariffs are in place and what is being tariffed,” Girard says. “That uncertainty and changing policy is having a direct impact on our business community, whether it’s because of customers delaying purchases or companies having cash flow issues when their product crosses the border.”
CANtrade™ loans can be used for eligible projects such as adjusting to new customer demand because of interprovincial trade changes, exploring new export markets, hiring staff and upgrading technology, bring parts of the supply chain back to Canada or reducing risks in supply chains, expanding production capacity or inventory, bringing new products or services to market, or adapting existing products or services for new local markets.
“We want entrepreneurs to know that we believe in the strength of their business and the decisions they’re making to help strengthen or diversify their supply chain or improve modernization and efficiencies,” Girard says. “These are smart business decisions to make and if we can support them with reduced lending options, we’re happy to do that and help businesses get through this challenging time.”
According to Sherry Hill, CFO of Peterboro Matboards Inc. and secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association, CANtrade™ loans will greatly benefit businesses of all sizes in the local manufacturing sector, given that many have had to urgently pivot operations.
“This swift response often demands immediate financial investment, leaving businesses little time to secure grants or traditional financing,” Hill explains. “As a result, a significant number have experienced sudden and substantial cash flow challenges.”
“In tandem with financial solutions, manufacturers across the Kawartha region are proactively investing in re-tooling operations, exploring new trade partnerships, implementing cost-reduction strategies, and leveraging technology to boost efficiency and remain globally competitive. These adaptive measures reflect the sector’s resilience and drive to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.”
Hill notes the Kawartha Manufacturers Association is hosting regular sessions and sharing news with members to highlight local support partners and funding programs. The announcement of the CANtrade™ loan program, she says, has been a “timely resource.”
“By providing access to loans at rates below standard bank interest, CANtrade enables businesses to preserve liquidity while avoiding the pressure of higher borrowing costs,” she says. “With built-in flexibility for repayment, the program helps manufacturers manage the inevitable ebbs and flows of their financial cycles — easing the pressure and supporting long-term stability.”
With an application deadline of October 31, 2025 or until all funds have been allocated, only established for-profit companies in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County are eligible for CANtrade™ loans through Community Futures Peterborough. Successful applicants will meet with loans manager Braden Clark to review financing options.
“Any dollar that is lent out of the Community Futures loan program and paid back with earned interest is then reinvested into the loan program,” Girard points out. “That money is only used to reinvest into new businesses in the community.”
Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, Community Futures Peterborough has invested over $42 million in more than 1,300 small businesses over the past 40 years, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in the City and County of Peterborough. The CANtrade™ loan program will continue these efforts.
“Community Futures has been a standout example of regional support and is a long-standing ally to local businesses,” says Hill.
“Their swift and strategic response to trade tariffs — mobilizing toolkits, expert-led panel events, and securing funding for manufacturers through CANtrade and a host of other essential resources — has impressed many businesses. Their collaborative efforts have provided a lifeline to help the community stay resilient through unpredictable and often challenging times.”
To learn more about CANtrade™ and to apply, visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca/cantrade/.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Community Futures Peterborough. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
