Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) disbursed 56 loans totalling more than $2.06 million to local businesses in 2025-26, in what it describes as “a record-breaking year.”
The economic development organization made the announcement during its annual general meeting on Tuesday (June 23) at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough, also marking its 40th anniversary and a change in board leadership.
“Forty years of Community Futures Peterborough means 40 years of believing in entrepreneurs, funding businesses, and strengthening our regional economy,” said executive director Devon Girard in a statement. “We’ve played a key role in helping thousands of local businesses start, grow, and thrive, and today, we are so proud to honour that legacy.”
According to CFP, the organization saw more than $4.36 million in loan applications during the last fiscal year, with the $2.06 million in approved loans helping to create or maintain 167 jobs in the city and county of Peterborough.
Since it was created in 1985, CFP has invested more than $44 million in over 1,900 small businesses, creating or maintaining more than 4,900 jobs in the city and county. The not-for-profit organization is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the Community Futures Program.
“By investing in local entrepreneurs and organizations, we are helping build resilient rural communities and create opportunities where they are needed most,” said Evan Solomon, Canada’s artificial intelligence and digital innovation minister and the minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “I congratulate Community Futures Peterborough on its work supporting businesses and contributing to the vitality of rural communities across the region.”
CFP also announced a record-breaking year for its business advisory services.
In 2024, CFP began delivering the Ontario government’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program through the Business Advisory Centre, bringing advisory and lending services together under one organization. In addition to provincial funding, the Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the city and county of Peterborough.
In 2025-26, the Business Advisory Centre delivered 541 in-depth business advisory consultations and supported more than 741 unique businesses through in-person workshops.
“This record-breaking year is a prime example of what happens when we cut red tape and deliver smart, streamlined services for our local economy,” Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith said. “By integrating the Business Advisory Centre under one roof, we have created an efficient, highly successful model that maximizes every dollar and puts entrepreneurship front and centre.”
Outgoing CFP board chair Wayne Harding, who is leaving the board after serving the maximum term of 10 years, echoed Smith’s comments.
“The integration of the Small Business Enterprise Centre program has reshaped how we deliver services as an organization,” Harding said. “The strong results from this fiscal year reinforce why bringing advisory and lending services together under one roof is an effective and efficient model for supporting entrepreneurs and our business community.”
Fleming College employee and former small business owner Jenny Olauson, who was elected as the new board chair, said “It’s an honour to build on more than 40 years of impact.”
“Our board has identified a strategic vision to build on the foundation of the Business Advisory Centre by expanding service offerings, deepening support for established businesses, and helping more businesses scale and grow across our region,” she added.
According to CFP, its historical loan portfolio reflects a range of sectors, with manufacturing accounting for 20 per cent of total loan investments, followed by other services at 16 per cent, retail at 15 per cent, and accommodation and food services at 14 per cent.
Of its loans, 48 per cent have supported startups, 35 per cent have supported expansion, and 17 per cent have helped businesses maintain operations, with 44 per cent of the loans being made to repeat clients. The organization says 58 per cent of its loan investments have gone to businesses in the City of Peterborough, with 42 per cent going to businesses in Peterborough County.
Of the businesses it has support, 41 per cent have been owned by women, with 34 per cent owned by diverse entrepreneurs including Indigenous, youth, LGBTQ2S+, and social enterprise leaders.
CFP says that 48 per cent of its loans have supported startups, 35 per cent have supported expansion, and 17 per cent have helped businesses maintain operations, with 58 per cent of its loan investments going to businesses in the City of Peterborough and 42 per cent to businesses in Peterborough County.
Since 2024, CFP says the Business Advisory Centre has delivered more than 800 one-on-one consultations, more than 100 workshops and training sessions, and has disbursed $200,000 in grant funding through entrepreneurship programs. More than 1,500 unique attendees have participated in workshops, training sessions, and entrepreneurship programming during that period.
In a statement, Peterborough MP Emma Harrison said small businesses and entrepreneurs are “at the heart” of Peterborough’s economy.
“From new startups to growing companies, these entrepreneurs are creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening our communities,” Harrison added.
Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal described Community Futures Peterborough as “a foundational asset to our local economy,” while Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark said the organization continues to be “a vital partner in building a strong and resilient rural economy.”
